With 20 clubs and weddings on the lawn... The apartment complex becomes a community

In Byeollae, Gyeonggi Province, an apartment complex named Wistay Byeollae has evolved beyond mere housing to become a thriving village, largely due to its foundation as South Korea's first cooperative apartment complex. The book detailing this transformation, authored by 47 residents, highlights how nearly 10% of the 491 households actively participated in documenting their shared experiences.

The community's spirit is evident in numerous events. A wedding held on the complex's lawn saw neighbors serving as guests and witnesses, with balcony applause and handmade rice wine shared among attendees. During a social issue concerning teachers' rights, residents organized an "alternative school" for 28 elementary students, utilizing various spaces within the complex for lessons and activities, allowing working parents to confidently leave their children in neighbors' care.

Various interest groups and clubs flourish, including a fathers' parenting group, 'Wikkul-a,' which has gained recognition beyond the complex. Residents teach each other foreign languages and musical instruments, and a communal kitchen prepares meals together daily. For new mothers struggling with postpartum depression, the "entire village" has become a source of support, transforming their experience into one of profound luck and energy.

While acknowledging that communal living inevitably brings challenges and conflicts, Wistay Byeollae emphasizes proactive problem-solving. Instead of punitive measures, they use polite notes like "Please move your car. - Your neighbor who lives together" for parking violations. Winter snow removal is a community event, with residents gathering to clear the grounds and children playing in the snow, creating cherished memories. This strong sense of community is not accidental but a result of residents actively participating from the development stage through a cooperative model and ongoing engagement in committees and clubs.