Korean Architect's Raw Confession: Why Drywall is Ruining Modern Living Spaces

The Hollow Sound of Modern Korean Homes

Have you ever noticed that distinctive 'thunk thunk' sound when you tap the walls in most Korean apartments? This isn't just a quirky characteristic – it's become a symbol of everything wrong with modern construction practices in Korea. According to a prominent Korean architect Han Seung-jae, this hollow sound represents the fundamental disconnect between what we call 'home' and what our living spaces actually are.

In his candid essay published in Elle Korea, Han describes the moment he realized his apartment walls weren't really walls at all – they were just drywall facades covering up the real structure beneath. This revelation has sparked intense discussions across Korean architectural communities and social media platforms, with many residents sharing their own frustrations with flimsy drywall construction.

The architect's confession resonates particularly strongly in Korea, where rapid urbanization and the need for quick construction has led to widespread use of drywall (석고보드) in residential buildings. Unlike traditional construction materials like concrete or wood, drywall creates that hollow, unsatisfying sound that makes residents feel like they're living inside a cardboard box rather than a solid home.

The Fragility Problem: When Walls Can't Handle Life

Han's essay vividly describes the moment a simple furniture-moving accident left a permanent triangular scar on his drywall – a mark that seemed disproportionately large for such a minor bump. This experience captures a universal frustration among Korean apartment dwellers: the inability to truly live in their spaces without leaving permanent damage.

Recent discussions on Korean community forums like The Qoo and Nate Pann reveal that this isn't an isolated complaint. Users frequently share stories of drywall damage from hanging pictures, moving furniture, or even just normal daily activities. One popular post on Instiz garnered over 500 comments from users sharing similar experiences with fragile apartment walls.

The problem extends beyond aesthetics. Korean building standards often prioritize speed and cost-effectiveness over durability, leading to construction choices that may meet technical requirements but fail to provide the psychological comfort of a solid, permanent home. This has created what Han calls 'a generation living inside disappointment' – people who pay premium prices for apartments that feel temporary and insubstantial.

The Weight-Bearing Illusion: When Walls Won't Support Your Life

One of the most frustrating aspects of drywall construction, as Han discovered, is the inability to hang even lightweight items securely. His attempt to install a simple hook for hats resulted in immediate failure – the hook pulled right out of the wall, leaving behind white gypsum powder and a sense of defeat.

This limitation has profound implications for how Koreans can personalize their living spaces. Interior design blogs and YouTube channels frequently address workarounds for drywall limitations, with entire industries emerging around specialized mounting systems and wall anchors designed for weak surfaces. The popular Korean home improvement show 'Today's House' regularly features segments on dealing with drywall limitations.

The inability to modify or customize living spaces contributes to what housing experts call 'rental mentality' – even homeowners feel like they're temporarily occupying their spaces rather than truly inhabiting them. This psychological disconnect affects everything from home decoration choices to long-term investment in property improvements.

The Great Unveiling: Stripping Away the Facade

Han's decision to literally tear down his drywall walls represents more than home renovation – it's an act of architectural rebellion. His description of cutting through layers of fake materials to reveal the 'real' building underneath resonates with a growing movement among Korean architects and homeowners who are questioning standard construction practices.

The process he describes – carefully cutting away drywall to reveal metal frameworks, hidden spaces, and original concrete walls complete with construction workers' graffiti – reads like an archaeological expedition through modern building practices. This 'stripping away' trend has gained traction on Korean social media, with hashtags like #진짜집찾기 (finding the real house) appearing on Instagram and blogs.

Korean architectural firms are beginning to respond to this demand for 'authentic' construction. Several boutique developers now market apartments with exposed concrete walls, visible structural elements, and minimal drywall usage as premium features rather than cost-cutting measures.

Cultural Context: The Apartment Nation's Hidden Frustration

To understand why Han's essay has struck such a chord, it's essential to recognize Korea's unique housing landscape. Over 60% of Koreans live in apartments, making it one of the most apartment-dense countries in the world. The rapid construction boom of the past few decades prioritized quantity over quality, leading to widespread use of materials like drywall that could speed up construction times.

Korean online communities have embraced Han's critique as validation of long-held frustrations. Comments on major portals like Naver and Daum show residents sharing photos of drywall damage, failed mounting attempts, and the constant anxiety of living in spaces that feel fragile. The phrase '석고보드 아파트' (drywall apartment) has become shorthand for cheap, unsatisfying construction.

This architectural critique also connects to broader discussions about quality of life in Korean cities. As housing prices soar and living spaces shrink, the psychological impact of living in spaces that feel insubstantial becomes more pronounced. Han's essay gives voice to a form of housing alienation that many Koreans experience but rarely articulate.

The Response: Communities Rally Around Architectural Honesty

The reaction to Han's essay across Korean social media and architectural communities has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising his honesty about an issue most people experience but rarely discuss openly. Professional architects have shared the piece widely, using it as a starting point for broader conversations about construction standards and resident satisfaction.

Korean interior design blogs have picked up on the theme, with several prominent influencers sharing their own 'drywall horror stories' and tips for working within the limitations of standard apartment construction. The popular blog 'Living in Korea' dedicated an entire series to alternatives to drywall construction and ways to retrofit existing apartments for better durability.

Some critics argue that Han's perspective is overly idealistic – drywall serves important functions in modern construction, including cost control, insulation, and flexibility for utilities. However, the overwhelming response suggests that his critique has tapped into a genuine desire for more substantial, satisfying living environments that many Koreans share but haven't known how to express.