The most striking features of Korean apartment interiors, according to foreign designers in 2026, include living rooms centered around the TV, expanded balconies that are absorbed into the interior space, and uniform lighting. Many Korean homeowners also tend to keep their original builder-provided interiors for over a decade, a practice that stands out compared to Western trends.
What Surprises Foreign Designers Most About Korean Homes?
When foreign designers first visit Korean apartments, their initial surprise often stems from the remarkable similarity in layout and design. They frequently point out that living rooms are almost universally arranged with the sofa facing a single direction, centered around the television. This creates an atmosphere akin to a theater, a stark contrast to the living room designs in Europe or North America, where sofas are often positioned to face each other, encouraging conversation and interaction. This TV-centric layout in Korean apartments is deeply intertwined with the lifestyle where a significant portion of home time is dedicated to watching television. This habit, in turn, reinforces the spatial arrangement. However, by repositioning the TV or integrating it into the wall, the same space can evoke a completely different ambiance, moving away from being solely TV-focused.
Why Have Balconies Disappeared in Korean Apartments?
The primary reason for the
