"Lying Still Doing Nothing 'Tangping'
Chinese Youths Visiting 'Cheongnyeon Nursing Homes' for Rest"
Recently, 'youth nursing homes' where young people in China can be admitted have emerged and gained popularity.
On the 28th (local time), Hong Kong's South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that youth-only nursing homes where Chinese young people can enjoy 'tangping' at minimal cost are appearing one after another. 'Tangping' is a Chinese neologism meaning lying still and doing nothing, mainly popular among young people who have lost motivation due to employment difficulties.
Youth nursing homes mainly focus on mental health. These places are equipped with bars, cafes, karaoke rooms, etc., allowing residents to make friends with others and relax. However, people in their 20s and 30s visit youth nursing homes as temporary retreats and do not plan to spend decades there. The media explained, "For the younger generation, the concept of 'retirement' is just a temporary break, and they regard their stay in nursing homes as a 'gap year' (a period to find meaning and direction in life)."
Lu Leilei (32), who started a youth nursing home in Yunnan Province earlier this year, said, "Some people may wonder why young people retire so early. But many people in their 30s feel a sense of loss," adding, "I was once one of them." The monthly fee for Lu's youth nursing home is about 1,500 yuan (approximately 280,000 KRW), which is very affordable compared to traditional nursing homes that require a minimum monthly average of 5,000 yuan (about 930,000 KRW).
Residents at Lu's nursing home start their day drinking coffee at the bar and spend their day doing various activities such as exercise, meditation, farming, fishing, and cooking. In the evening, they gather around a campfire to chat and sing together. Unlike traditional nursing homes that provide services for the elderly, youth nursing homes are characterized by a homestay-style living arrangement.
Meanwhile, the 'FIRE tribe,' who plan permanent retirement in their 30s and 40s, are also seeking youth-only nursing homes. The FIRE tribe is a neologism derived from the first letters of 'financial independence, retire early.' They are characterized by drastically reducing consumption when young and saving 70-80% of their income.
SCMP stated, "In the West, the FIRE lifestyle is mainly pursued by high-net-worth individuals, but in countries like South Korea and China, even office workers seeking 'work-life balance' and unemployed youth find it attractive."
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