#2 Embracing Life in Singapore: what makes you feel at Home
Editor: @hyssl.kr
Three months ago, I traded Seoul's 12°C for Singapore's 30°C. The moment I stepped off the plane at Changi Airport, the humid air enveloped me, a stark contrast to the cool breeze I was accustomed to. Although I had visited Singapore before, the experience of moving abroad for my first job, armed with a one-way ticket, was daunting.
Now, three months in, I've begun to find comfort in routines that make me feel at home. As a Korean adjusting to life in a tropical country, I'll share my experiences through the lens of three essentials: food, clothing and home. Let's start with "home."
Finding Everyday Spaces
The first step in settling in Singapore was identifying places I could visit regularly. Whether it’s a café for recharging, a walking route for clearing my mind, or a spot for a quick mood lift, I needed Singaporean versions of my favorite Seoul haunts. Even choosing a restaurant became an ordeal when I didn’t yet have a mental map of options. Reflecting on the spaces that shaped my life back home, I began the hunt for similar places here. Two of my favorites so far are:
@the projectors
Watching movies after work is one of my favorite ways to unwind. When my thoughts spiral, the act of immersing myself in a film’s sights and sounds for a few hours helps me reset. That’s why finding a cinema was one of the first things I did upon arriving.
The Projectors is one of the few (if not the only) theaters in Singapore that screens both commercial and indie films. During Pride Month, they even hosted an LGBTQIA+ film festival. The theater has two locations, each with its own unique charm. The Golden Mile Tower branch, housed in a repurposed space that was once Singapore’s largest cinema, retains its retro amphitheater layout. For those used to sleek multiplexes like CGV, stepping into this venue might feel a bit surreal—imagine an indoor version of Yonsei University’s open-air amphitheater.
Meanwhile, the Cineleisure branch is situated in Orchard Road’s shopping district and offers a more modern vibe. It’s also home to a cozy bar and restaurant called No Spoilers, making it ideal for a combined dinner-and-movie outing. From quirky pre-show announcements featuring Star Wars references to regular DJ nights and exclusive merch drops, there’s always something new to discover at The Projectors. Each visit feels like a fresh encounter, and I can’t help but wonder about the team behind the magic. (Here’s hoping magazine.ybp gets to interview them someday!)
@National Library of Singapore
If you’re someone who enjoys working in cafés, you might find Singaporean coffee shops underwhelming. Many lack Wi-Fi or power outlets, and most close by 5 or 6 PM. That’s where the city’s libraries come in handy.
While the HarbourFront Library offers ocean views and the Orchard Library is famous for its wave-like bookshelves, my go-to spot is the National Library. Located near Bugis MRT station, it’s the largest library in Singapore. Its high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows make the space feel airy, and its wide workstations are a dream for productivity. Bonus points for the iconic Cassina DSC chairs, which I never imagined finding in a library.
You can reserve a seat through the library’s app and, with some luck, snag one with a Marina Bay Sands view. It’s open until 10 PM, which makes it far more convenient than most cafés. The library has given me a newfound appreciation for public infrastructure.
Pro tip (or confession): During my first month here, I relied on the library for internet access since I didn’t yet have Wi-Fi at home. To connect, you’ll need to download the Wireless@SG app beforehand, so plan accordingly if you’re heading there for online work.
Finding a Home
The second challenge was finding a place to live. Initially, I stayed in temporary housing located in Singapore’s Central Business District (CBD), enjoying views of Marina Bay Sands and the Merlion. But as much as I savored the skyline, I needed a home where I could both unwind and create.
I wasn’t keen on living amid skyscrapers, office blocks, and chain stores. Then, one day, while grabbing pizza with friends, I discovered this area called Katong. Just a 10-minute drive east of the CBD, this coastal neighborhood felt worlds apart. It’s a place where Peranakan houses, cozy cafés that roast their own beans, and record shops tucked inside shophouses coexist. There’s even a beachfront park where you can hear the sound of waves mingling with children’s laughter. That same evening, I told my agent I wouldn’t need to view any other neighborhoods but Katong.
Of course, moving in didn’t mean I was done. For the first few weeks, I was eating instant noodles off my suitcase because I lacked basic furniture. Unlike Korea, where nearly half of households are single-person, Singapore’s market caters mostly to families. Single-person furniture options are both scarce and overpriced compared to Korea.
After much searching, here are some places I found helpful:
@Lorgan’s the retro store
This vintage/secondhand furniture store is tucked away on the second floor of a nondescript office building. When mainstream retailers like Fortytwo and HipVan (Singapore’s equivalents of Korea’s OHouse) failed me, Instagram came to the rescue with a post from Lorgan’s.
The store offers unique pieces at reasonable prices. I went looking for chairs but walked out with a coffee table: a square wooden top with steel legs. Its mixed materials won me over, and imagining the lower shelf filled with LPs and books sealed the deal.
@Tiger and Arcadia
Located on Katong’s Joo Chiat Road, this shop is now one of my regular stops. It’s packed with eclectic items like butterfly wall decor, sculpted bust vases, and tulip-shaped candlesticks. Every shade of orange imaginable—from Hermès orange to sunset hues—makes an appearance here.
The owners source their products from artisans in Europe and Mexico, and the staff offers styling tips if you’re unsure how to incorporate a piece into your space. But fair warning: once you start chatting, you may find it hard to leave.
@carousell
Carousell is Singapore’s version of Korea’s Danggeun. When retail prices make you wince, turn here for secondhand steals. You’ll often find brand-new items being resold at a discount, as well as “Grade B” pieces directly from manufacturers.