South Korea Reconsiders Allowing Bathtubs in Small Officetel Rooms Amid Public Backlash

South Korea's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport is reviewing a controversial proposal that would allow bathtubs to be installed in "officetel" rooms, a type of small, single-person dwelling. The ministry had initially planned to revise building standards to permit bathtubs and remove the requirement for desks in these units, which are increasingly used as residences by single individuals.

The proposed changes, announced on August 12, aimed to adapt officetels to modern living needs. However, the plan quickly drew significant public criticism. Residents and housing advocates raised concerns about the implications of installing bathtubs in such compact spaces, questioning the practicality and potential impact on living conditions.

Following the widespread backlash, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced it would re-examine the proposal. The initial plan was part of a broader revision to building codes for multi-use facilities, which have been in place since 2015. The government's decision to reconsider signals a responsiveness to public opinion, though the final outcome of the revision remains uncertain.