Finding Green Comfort at Home: The ‘Companion Plant’ Craze Sweeping Korea
Recently, in Korea, the “companion plant” culture—where people treat and care for plants like family members, much like dogs or cats—has gained immense popularity. While plants were once seen merely as decorative items for the home, an increasing number of people are now finding emotional stability through interaction with them.
The greatest appeal of companion plants is that they are relatively easy to care for compared to pets. For modern people living busy lives, plants serve as great friends that can be raised without much burden. Although they don't require daily walks or feeding, many people find comfort in watching a plant grow quietly in the same spot every day.
Furthermore, companion plants help create a pleasant indoor environment. As fine dust has become a social issue in Korea, many households have started keeping plants with excellent air-purifying abilities. Along with this, the term “planterior” (plant + interior), which refers to transforming a home's atmosphere into a nature-friendly one, is trending among the younger generation.
Following this trend, a new term, “sik-jipsa” (plant butler), has emerged. A combination of “plant” and “butler,” it refers to people who care for their plants with great devotion. These individuals share photos of their plants on social media (SNS) and exchange tips or information on how to grow them well, creating a new culture of communication.
Experts predict that the number of people seeking plants to relieve the loneliness and stress of urban life will continue to grow. This is because the act of pausing in a busy daily routine to look at green leaves and water them serves as a form of rest and healing for modern people.
The culture of cultivating one's own small garden in the desolate city has moved beyond a mere trend and is now establishing itself as a lifestyle. Why not take this opportunity to bring a small green friend into your space? The joy provided by a small living thing will make your daily life even richer.