| Title |
Improving Goshiwon Units Through Minimum Spatial Performance Standards |
| Authors |
김민정(Kim, Min-Jung) ; 이상홍(Lee, Sang-Hong) |
| DOI |
https://doi.org/10.5659/JAIK.2026.42.8.133 |
| Keywords |
Goshiwon; Minimum Space Standards; Minimum Spatial Performance; Minimum Dimensions; Target Area |
| Abstract |
This study examines the declining habitability of Goshiwon units caused by indiscriminate plan-splitting aimed at maximizing profitability. It
proposes practical spatial performance standards to improve occupant safety and protect housing rights. Although Goshiwon units are classified
as quasi-housing, they have long remained outside mandatory minimum housing standards. The study evaluates the effectiveness of current
local government area regulations from a habitability perspective and proposes minimum appropriate area prototypes for each unit type. The
methodology includes an analysis of physical layouts and floor-plan simulations based on minimum spatial performance criteria. Using unit
width and depth as key variables, spatial performance was assessed according to the accommodation of standard furniture, ergonomic
movement space, and the maintenance of a minimum 600 mm evacuation path. The results show that the current minimum area standards
(7.0 m² for shared-bathroom units and 9.0 m² for private-bathroom units) fall within a performance ambiguity zone where safety and physical
performance cannot be consistently ensured. This finding highlights the need to shift from quantitative to qualitative regulations. Ergonomic
analysis further identified minimum physical dimensions as a baseline for habitability, including widths of 1,760 mm for shared-bathroom
units and 2,650 mm for private-bathroom units. In addition, the study proposes minimum target areas of 8.5 m² for shared-bathroom units
and 11.5 m² for private-bathroom units, where the performance satisfaction rate consistently reached 100 percent regardless of plan shape or
furniture arrangement. Overall, the proposed prototypes offer practical guidelines for improving housing performance by ensuring plan
flexibility, occupant autonomy, and safety. The findings also provide a meaningful policy basis for shifting future legislation and remodeling
guidelines from a supplier-centered approach toward an occupant-centered housing environment. |