Why Koreans prefer living in high-rises – and what toilet paper has to do with it

In Germany, many people dream of living in a house of their own one day - ideally with a garden, a driveway and the neighbors at a safe distance. In Korea it is quite different: there most people want to live in an apartment in a high-rise. What often sounds impersonal to Germans has very solid reasons in Korea.

To begin with, large apartment complexes in Korea offer an impressive all-round service. There is almost always a caretaker who deals with repairs, takes in parcels and solves technical problems. So if you live in a high-rise, you have to worry neither about a broken heater nor about a dripping tap - all of it gets sorted out quickly and reliably.

Then there is the comfort and the community: modern apartment complexes have parking spaces, playgrounds, neighborhood gatherings, small gyms - sometimes even swimming pools. Life there is practical, safe and very well organized.

Another reason is the feeling of security. Although the crime rate in Korea is low, many people feel safer in a high-rise than in a detached house. Houses with only one or two floors count as easier to get into - and therefore as potentially less secure.

Moving house works differently in Korea too: furniture is not hauled laboriously up the stairwell but often lifted straight in through the window by a professional crane. That saves time and back pain!

We also have one important tip for you if you ever get a housewarming present from a Korean: please don't be surprised if he or she gives you a roll of toilet paper & laundry powder.

• Toilet paper stands for everything “unrolling” nicely – that is, for the new life running smoothly.
• Laundry powder stands for lots of soap bubbles – and with them for growing contentment and happiness.

A nice example of how even everyday things in Korea can carry a positive, symbolic meaning - and of how differently people around the world picture their dream home.