Inside Hong Kong's Coffin Homes: Life in 16 Square Feet

00:01These are the world's smallest These are the world's smallest apartments. [music] apartments. [music] apartments. [music] They are only 16 square ft in size and They are only 16 square ft in size and They are only 16 square ft in size and they are known as coffin homes. Inside, they are known as coffin homes. Inside, they are known as coffin homes. Inside, it's impossible to stand up or even it's impossible to stand up or even it's impossible to stand up or even stretch your arms. Some aren't even stretch your arms. Some aren't even stretch your arms. Some aren't even wider than the resident's shoulders or wider than the resident's shoulders or

00:13wider than the resident's shoulders or longer than their body. Despite this, longer than their body. Despite this, longer than their body. Despite this, these coffins are utilized as a living these coffins are utilized as a living these coffins are utilized as a living room, a kitchen, and a bedroom at the room, a kitchen, and a bedroom at the room, a kitchen, and a bedroom at the same time. Hong Kong has had the world's same time. Hong Kong has had the world's same time. Hong Kong has had the world's most expensive housing market for 14 most expensive housing market for 14 most expensive housing market for 14 years. Around 200,000 people have no years. Around 200,000 people have no

00:27years. Around 200,000 people have no choice but to live in these homes. This choice but to live in these homes. This choice but to live in these homes. This is one of the richest cities in the is one of the richest cities in the is one of the richest cities in the world and we are going to witness how world and we are going to witness how world and we are going to witness how these people survive here. Some people these people survive here. Some people these people survive here. Some people have to live together in a single coffin have to live together in a single coffin have to live together in a single coffin and some even barely fit inside their and some even barely fit inside their

00:38and some even barely fit inside their own homes. In this documentary, we'll own homes. In this documentary, we'll own homes. In this documentary, we'll also spend a full day with a coffin home also spend a full day with a coffin home also spend a full day with a coffin home resident who has lived in miserable resident who has lived in miserable resident who has lived in miserable conditions for 16 years. First, we're conditions for 16 years. First, we're conditions for 16 years. First, we're starting with the most comfortable one. starting with the most comfortable one. starting with the most comfortable one. Each floor in this building has 20 to 30 Each floor in this building has 20 to 30

00:50Each floor in this building has 20 to 30 compensized subdivided apartments. compensized subdivided apartments. compensized subdivided apartments. [music] I can't even stand up. This [music] I can't even stand up. This [music] I can't even stand up. This building was not originally designed building was not originally designed building was not originally designed like this, but through illegal like this, but through illegal like this, but through illegal renovations, they split this floor renovations, they split this floor renovations, they split this floor horizontally into two, squeezing in an horizontally into two, squeezing in an

01:02horizontally into two, squeezing in an extra level to fit more people inside. extra level to fit more people inside. extra level to fit more people inside. That's why the ceiling height is That's why the ceiling height is That's why the ceiling height is incredibly low. Look, one floor has been incredibly low. Look, one floor has been incredibly low. Look, one floor has been split in half to create two levels. This split in half to create two levels. This split in half to create two levels. This is Coco's home. She's been living here is Coco's home. She's been living here is Coco's home. She's been living here alone for 10 years. Thankfully, I have a alone for 10 years. Thankfully, I have a

01:16alone for 10 years. Thankfully, I have a window. Normally, coffin homes don't window. Normally, coffin homes don't window. Normally, coffin homes don't have one. A fridge, a TV, [music] that's have one. A fridge, a TV, [music] that's have one. A fridge, a TV, [music] that's it. Since this place is small, you can't it. Since this place is small, you can't it. Since this place is small, you can't have much. have much. have much. >> It seems a cockroach got trapped and >> It seems a cockroach got trapped and >> It seems a cockroach got trapped and died inside her rice cooker. died inside her rice cooker. died inside her rice cooker. >> I've seen three people pass away in

01:30>> I've seen three people pass away in >> I've seen three people pass away in these rooms. When the people upstairs these rooms. When the people upstairs these rooms. When the people upstairs close their doors, it's a [music] bit close their doors, it's a [music] bit close their doors, it's a [music] bit difficult to know when they pass away. difficult to know when they pass away. difficult to know when they pass away. When they start to smell, we call the When they start to smell, we call the When they start to smell, we call the police. The power load is too high, so police. The power load is too high, so police. The power load is too high, so it's easy to catch fire. The coffin home

01:45it's easy to catch fire. The coffin home it's easy to catch fire. The coffin home we're about to visit would feel worse we're about to visit would feel worse we're about to visit would feel worse than a prison. But first, let's peel than a prison. But first, let's peel than a prison. But first, let's peel back the walls. Now we're faced with back the walls. Now we're faced with back the walls. Now we're faced with dozens of people packed like sardines. dozens of people packed like sardines. dozens of people packed like sardines. An 800 ft apartment is divided into 30 An 800 ft apartment is divided into 30 An 800 ft apartment is divided into 30 coffinsized units. These homes lack

02:00coffinsized units. These homes lack coffinsized units. These homes lack windows for fresh air or even sunlight. windows for fresh air or even sunlight. windows for fresh air or even sunlight. And inside each claustrophobic closet is And inside each claustrophobic closet is And inside each claustrophobic closet is a person silently battling depression a person silently battling depression a person silently battling depression and anxiety. 26 people live here and the and anxiety. 26 people live here and the and anxiety. 26 people live here and the smell is overwhelming. The corridor is smell is overwhelming. The corridor is

02:12smell is overwhelming. The corridor is so narrow that they use the ladder as a so narrow that they use the ladder as a so narrow that they use the ladder as a shoe rack. People are stacked like shoe rack. People are stacked like shoe rack. People are stacked like bricks here. Hello. bricks here. Hello. bricks here. Hello. >> Hello. Hello. >> Hello. Hello. >> Hello. Hello. >> How long have you been living here? >> How long have you been living here? >> How long have you been living here? >> About 6 years. >> About 6 years. >> About 6 years. >> Oh, there's one more guy here. >> Oh, there's one more guy here. >> Oh, there's one more guy here. >> So, you stay together? >> So, you stay together?

02:28>> So, you stay together? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Is he your husband? >> Is he your husband? >> Is he your husband? >> My boyfriend. >> My boyfriend. >> My boyfriend. >> They live in a space where even one >> They live in a space where even one >> They live in a space where even one person can hardly fit. Along the walls, person can hardly fit. Along the walls, person can hardly fit. Along the walls, hooks hold clothes, bags, and personal hooks hold clothes, bags, and personal hooks hold clothes, bags, and personal items. One side of the headboard doubles items. One side of the headboard doubles items. One side of the headboard doubles as an all-purpose shelf, while the door

02:41as an all-purpose shelf, while the door as an all-purpose shelf, while the door is packed with electronics and cables. is packed with electronics and cables. is packed with electronics and cables. Cleaning supplies and bottles are stored Cleaning supplies and bottles are stored Cleaning supplies and bottles are stored at the bottom. their trash, the towel at the bottom. their trash, the towel at the bottom. their trash, the towel they use, fast food packaging, all they use, fast food packaging, all they use, fast food packaging, all within inches of the pillow they lay within inches of the pillow they lay within inches of the pillow they lay their head on. Because there is no

02:53their head on. Because there is no their head on. Because there is no window here, they use a fan to cool window here, they use a fan to cool window here, they use a fan to cool down. She has a short haircut to prevent down. She has a short haircut to prevent down. She has a short haircut to prevent herself from getting too hot in the herself from getting too hot in the herself from getting too hot in the coffin homes. You don't have ventilation coffin homes. You don't have ventilation coffin homes. You don't have ventilation and the air quality is bad here. How do and the air quality is bad here. How do and the air quality is bad here. How do you live like this? you live like this?

03:04you live like this? >> I don't mind. Whatever. >> I don't mind. Whatever. >> I don't mind. Whatever. >> How do you change your clothes in such a >> How do you change your clothes in such a >> How do you change your clothes in such a small place? small place? small place? >> I have to bend and twist. It takes 10 >> I have to bend and twist. It takes 10 >> I have to bend and twist. It takes 10 minutes. minutes. minutes. >> What is it like to live here? >> What is it like to live here? >> What is it like to live here? >> It's difficult. Lots of things bite you. >> It's difficult. Lots of things bite you. >> It's difficult. Lots of things bite you. >> Look. >> Look. >> Look. >> What is this?

03:19>> What is this? >> What is this? >> Bed bugs. >> Bed bugs. >> Bed bugs. >> This is a huge problem. >> This is a huge problem. >> This is a huge problem. >> Yeah, biting me all over. They're >> Yeah, biting me all over. They're >> Yeah, biting me all over. They're everywhere. Look how many I caught. They everywhere. Look how many I caught. They everywhere. Look how many I caught. They suck blood. suck blood. suck blood. >> Bed bugs can cause people to get anemia >> Bed bugs can cause people to get anemia >> Bed bugs can cause people to get anemia by biting them. They are very common by biting them. They are very common

03:32by biting them. They are very common pests in subdivided apartments. A female pests in subdivided apartments. A female pests in subdivided apartments. A female bed bug can lay up to 500 eggs in her bed bug can lay up to 500 eggs in her bed bug can lay up to 500 eggs in her lifetime. lifetime. lifetime. >> The bed bugs are here. Can you see them? >> The bed bugs are here. Can you see them? >> The bed bugs are here. Can you see them? >> M. Lee went out to get some fast food >> M. Lee went out to get some fast food >> M. Lee went out to get some fast food and came back. She grabs a chair and and came back. She grabs a chair and

03:46and came back. She grabs a chair and their tiny bed turns into a dining table their tiny bed turns into a dining table their tiny bed turns into a dining table for a moment. In [music] these homes, for a moment. In [music] these homes, for a moment. In [music] these homes, the internet is almost as important as the internet is almost as important as the internet is almost as important as electricity and water. For most electricity and water. For most electricity and water. For most residents, their cell phones are all residents, their cell phones are all residents, their cell phones are all they have in terms of entertainment. they have in terms of entertainment.

03:58they have in terms of entertainment. What is your job? What is your job? What is your job? >> I'm a part-time cleaner. >> I'm a part-time cleaner. >> I'm a part-time cleaner. >> How much do you earn per month? >> How much do you earn per month? >> How much do you earn per month? >> $650. >> $650. >> $650. >> How much is the rent for your unit? >> How much is the rent for your unit? >> How much is the rent for your unit? >> $320 per month. >> $320 per month. >> $320 per month. >> So, half of your income goes to this 16 >> So, half of your income goes to this 16 >> So, half of your income goes to this 16 square ft unit. I don't have anywhere square ft unit. I don't have anywhere

04:12square ft unit. I don't have anywhere else to live. else to live. else to live. >> People who live at the lower levels of >> People who live at the lower levels of >> People who live at the lower levels of the coffin homes are luck here because the coffin homes are luck here because the coffin homes are luck here because they can use this area for storage. They they can use this area for storage. They they can use this area for storage. They can put their shoes, hang their clothes. can put their shoes, hang their clothes. can put their shoes, hang their clothes. It's like extra space. But the ones on It's like extra space. But the ones on

04:24It's like extra space. But the ones on the upper level are unlike here. They the upper level are unlike here. They the upper level are unlike here. They really struggle with the space. You have really struggle with the space. You have really struggle with the space. You have to do everything inside that coffin. to do everything inside that coffin. to do everything inside that coffin. >> Now, we're visiting those upper units in >> Now, we're visiting those upper units in >> Now, we're visiting those upper units in a different subdivided apartment. These a different subdivided apartment. These a different subdivided apartment. These coffins don't even have a space [music]

04:37coffins don't even have a space [music] coffins don't even have a space [music] for a fan inside, so they are hanging for a fan inside, so they are hanging for a fan inside, so they are hanging out here in the corridor. To afford the out here in the corridor. To afford the out here in the corridor. To afford the rent prices, some residents have to rent prices, some residents have to rent prices, some residents have to suffer through awful jobs at horrific suffer through awful jobs at horrific suffer through awful jobs at horrific hours. Frankie Chow works from 9:00 p.m. hours. Frankie Chow works from 9:00 p.m. hours. Frankie Chow works from 9:00 p.m. and gets back home at 5:00 a.m. What is

04:50and gets back home at 5:00 a.m. What is and gets back home at 5:00 a.m. What is your job? your job? your job? >> Metal work. >> Metal work. >> Metal work. >> How much do you earn [music] per month? >> How much do you earn [music] per month? >> How much do you earn [music] per month? >> $1,250. >> $1,250. >> $1,250. >> What is it like to live here? >> What is it like to live here? >> What is it like to live here? >> Of course, not good. Narrow. Really >> Of course, not good. Narrow. Really >> Of course, not good. Narrow. Really narrow. My cell is very simple. A TV, narrow. My cell is very simple. A TV, narrow. My cell is very simple. A TV, bed, basic daily stuff, a blanket, and a

05:04bed, basic daily stuff, a blanket, and a bed, basic daily stuff, a blanket, and a pillow. Nothing else. pillow. Nothing else. pillow. Nothing else. >> Where do you see yourself in 10 years? >> Where do you see yourself in 10 years? >> Where do you see yourself in 10 years? >> I'll be dead by then. [laughter] >> I'll be dead by then. [laughter] >> I'll be dead by then. [laughter] >> Oh, hopefully no. This place is very >> Oh, hopefully no. This place is very >> Oh, hopefully no. This place is very tight and a lot of humidity here. tight and a lot of humidity here. tight and a lot of humidity here. >> There are even smaller units than these >> There are even smaller units than these

05:21>> There are even smaller units than these upper units. Now, we're on our way to upper units. Now, we're on our way to upper units. Now, we're on our way to visit someone who can't physically fit visit someone who can't physically fit visit someone who can't physically fit inside his coffin home. I can't even inside his coffin home. I can't even inside his coffin home. I can't even imagine how difficult [music] it is to imagine how difficult [music] it is to imagine how difficult [music] it is to live like that. But before moving there, live like that. But before moving there, live like that. But before moving there, we checked the rest of this apartment we checked the rest of this apartment

05:32we checked the rest of this apartment and realized there is no kitchen. Those and realized there is no kitchen. Those and realized there is no kitchen. Those who can't afford to eat outside are who can't afford to eat outside are who can't afford to eat outside are forced to prepare their food in the forced to prepare their food in the forced to prepare their food in the filthy bathroom. [music] He's handling filthy bathroom. [music] He's handling filthy bathroom. [music] He's handling the food near the toilet. They don't the food near the toilet. They don't the food near the toilet. They don't have a kitchen, so this is where they have a kitchen, so this is where they

05:43have a kitchen, so this is where they have to prepare their meals. This space have to prepare their meals. This space have to prepare their meals. This space is also their bathroom. They even hang is also their bathroom. They even hang is also their bathroom. They even hang their clothes above this toilet, which their clothes above this toilet, which their clothes above this toilet, which does not have a lid. Approximately 7.5 does not have a lid. Approximately 7.5 does not have a lid. Approximately 7.5 million people live in this city. Get a million people live in this city. Get a million people live in this city. Get a bird's eyee view of Hong Kong and you'll

05:58bird's eyee view of Hong Kong and you'll bird's eyee view of Hong Kong and you'll be faced with a massive metropolitan be faced with a massive metropolitan be faced with a massive metropolitan city rising from the jungle like shoots city rising from the jungle like shoots city rising from the jungle like shoots of bamboo. There is only a limited of bamboo. There is only a limited of bamboo. There is only a limited amount of buildable land on the island. amount of buildable land on the island. amount of buildable land on the island. With space so scarce, desperate With space so scarce, desperate With space so scarce, desperate solutions have emerged, including a

06:10solutions have emerged, including a solutions have emerged, including a 10-story building built on top of an 10-story building built on top of an 10-story building built on top of an 8-story parking garage. This city is at 8-story parking garage. This city is at 8-story parking garage. This city is at full capacity. We're now in the next full capacity. We're now in the next full capacity. We're now in the next apartment. This apartment opens directly apartment. This apartment opens directly apartment. This apartment opens directly into the bathroom. Crime is just into the bathroom. Crime is just into the bathroom. Crime is just dripping from the walls. Meet John. His

06:23dripping from the walls. Meet John. His dripping from the walls. Meet John. His door was open as he couldn't fit inside door was open as he couldn't fit inside door was open as he couldn't fit inside his home. home if he closed it. His left his home. home if he closed it. His left his home. home if he closed it. His left shoulder sticks out of the coffin. shoulder sticks out of the coffin. shoulder sticks out of the coffin. >> He's a big guy and it must be hard to >> He's a big guy and it must be hard to >> He's a big guy and it must be hard to live in such a tight place. How is life live in such a tight place. How is life live in such a tight place. How is life here? here?

06:34here? >> Look around. >> Look around. >> Look around. >> How would you feel? >> How would you feel? >> How would you feel? >> Do you have any family? >> Do you have any family? >> Do you have any family? >> I used to. My [music] wife left me >> I used to. My [music] wife left me >> I used to. My [music] wife left me because of my gambling. We're not in because of my gambling. We're not in because of my gambling. We're not in touch anymore. No, I only bet a little touch anymore. No, I only bet a little touch anymore. No, I only bet a little on horse racing. I ruined myself by on horse racing. I ruined myself by on horse racing. I ruined myself by gambling. gambling.

06:49gambling. >> How do you get by death? >> How do you get by death? >> How do you get by death? >> I get welfare. Living without having any >> I get welfare. Living without having any >> I get welfare. Living without having any space to move around slowly destroys the space to move around slowly destroys the space to move around slowly destroys the body. What do you do all day? body. What do you do all day? body. What do you do all day? >> I have nothing to do. I just watch >> I have nothing to do. I just watch >> I have nothing to do. I just watch television. I'm scared to go anywhere. television. I'm scared to go anywhere.

07:02television. I'm scared to go anywhere. I'm afraid of my legs giving out and I'm afraid of my legs giving out and I'm afraid of my legs giving out and collapsing on the ground. collapsing on the ground. collapsing on the ground. >> Where do you see yourself in 10 years in >> Where do you see yourself in 10 years in >> Where do you see yourself in 10 years in the future? the future? the future? >> 10 years? Probably in a grave. >> 10 years? Probably in a grave. >> 10 years? Probably in a grave. >> Hopefully, no. Why don't you have a >> Hopefully, no. Why don't you have a >> Hopefully, no. Why don't you have a mattress under yourself? mattress under yourself?

07:14mattress under yourself? >> Because I can't fit. >> Because I can't fit. >> Because I can't fit. >> People sometimes sleep without >> People sometimes sleep without >> People sometimes sleep without mattresses to avoid a bed bug mattresses to avoid a bed bug mattresses to avoid a bed bug infestation. How long have you been infestation. How long have you been infestation. How long have you been living here like this? living here like this? living here like this? >> 18 years. >> 18 years. >> 18 years. >> Many never get to leave. In this >> Many never get to leave. In this >> Many never get to leave. In this concrete jungle, a minimum wage worker concrete jungle, a minimum wage worker

07:28concrete jungle, a minimum wage worker would need to save for a thousand years would need to save for a thousand years would need to save for a thousand years to buy a three-bedroom apartment. Have to buy a three-bedroom apartment. Have to buy a three-bedroom apartment. Have you applied for government public you applied for government public you applied for government public housing? housing? housing? >> I just applied. I'll need to wait for a >> I just applied. I'll need to wait for a >> I just applied. I'll need to wait for a long time to get a home. long time to get a home. long time to get a home. >> Most people wait more than 10 years just >> Most people wait more than 10 years just

07:41>> Most people wait more than 10 years just to access government housing with lower to access government housing with lower to access government housing with lower rent. And even that isn't free. For many rent. And even that isn't free. For many rent. And even that isn't free. For many of them, the wait list feels like a life of them, the wait list feels like a life of them, the wait list feels like a life sentence. Now, let's say you didn't want sentence. Now, let's say you didn't want sentence. Now, let's say you didn't want to live in a coffin and wanted to have to live in a coffin and wanted to have to live in a coffin and wanted to have the comfort of standing up in your home.

07:53the comfort of standing up in your home. the comfort of standing up in your home. We went to a rental office to show you We went to a rental office to show you We went to a rental office to show you how much this luxury really cost. We are how much this luxury really cost. We are how much this luxury really cost. We are in one of the average neighborhoods in in one of the average neighborhoods in in one of the average neighborhoods in Hong Kong. Let's say that you save some Hong Kong. Let's say that you save some Hong Kong. Let's say that you save some money and you want to buy a home. This money and you want to buy a home. This

08:03money and you want to buy a home. This is one of the cheapest options that you is one of the cheapest options that you is one of the cheapest options that you have here. This has only one room and it have here. This has only one room and it have here. This has only one room and it will cost you more than $1 million. It's will cost you more than $1 million. It's will cost you more than $1 million. It's a very, very small area. Let's say that a very, very small area. Let's say that a very, very small area. Let's say that you decided to rent. This single-bedroom you decided to rent. This single-bedroom you decided to rent. This single-bedroom apartment will cost you around $4,000

08:18apartment will cost you around $4,000 apartment will cost you around $4,000 per month. And later, you'll see that per month. And later, you'll see that per month. And later, you'll see that even owning a grave here is harder than even owning a grave here is harder than even owning a grave here is harder than owning a home. In Hong Kong, wealth owning a home. In Hong Kong, wealth owning a home. In Hong Kong, wealth creates a massive gap between two creates a massive gap between two creates a massive gap between two worlds. Just 75 people own 10% of the worlds. Just 75 people own 10% of the worlds. Just 75 people own 10% of the country's fortune. So, while the ultra

08:30country's fortune. So, while the ultra country's fortune. So, while the ultra rich cruise around the world in their rich cruise around the world in their rich cruise around the world in their luxury cars and live in massive houses, luxury cars and live in massive houses, luxury cars and live in massive houses, the lowest income bracket doesn't even the lowest income bracket doesn't even the lowest income bracket doesn't even get space to breathe. Though life get space to breathe. Though life get space to breathe. Though life expectancy here is one of the highest in expectancy here is one of the highest in expectancy here is one of the highest in the world at 84, many people still have

08:41the world at 84, many people still have the world at 84, many people still have to do backbreaking work even after to do backbreaking work even after to do backbreaking work even after retirement just to afford sky-high retirement just to afford sky-high retirement just to afford sky-high housing costs or they can't survive. housing costs or they can't survive. housing costs or they can't survive. That's why elderly people can be seen That's why elderly people can be seen That's why elderly people can be seen collecting cardboard on the streets. The collecting cardboard on the streets. The collecting cardboard on the streets. The income inequality of life here is very

08:54income inequality of life here is very income inequality of life here is very sad. It's like day and night. sad. It's like day and night. sad. It's like day and night. >> If the land lady finds out, we'll be in >> If the land lady finds out, we'll be in >> If the land lady finds out, we'll be in trouble. trouble. trouble. >> I don't care what they're filming it >> I don't care what they're filming it >> I don't care what they're filming it for. She can kick us out. Oh, for. She can kick us out. Oh, for. She can kick us out. Oh, >> the land lady won't allow it. >> the land lady won't allow it. >> the land lady won't allow it. >> We only kept this part in the video to

09:08>> We only kept this part in the video to >> We only kept this part in the video to show you how these tenants live in show you how these tenants live in show you how these tenants live in constant fear, knowing their landlords constant fear, knowing their landlords constant fear, knowing their landlords could throw them out at any moment. For could throw them out at any moment. For could throw them out at any moment. For those who lose their homes, life on the those who lose their homes, life on the those who lose their homes, life on the streets is inevitable. streets is inevitable. streets is inevitable. >> Buy a bottle of water. I'm really >> Buy a bottle of water. I'm really

09:19>> Buy a bottle of water. I'm really thirsty. Help me open the cap. thirsty. Help me open the cap. thirsty. Help me open the cap. Put it there. Thank you. Thank you. Put it there. Thank you. Thank you. Put it there. Thank you. Thank you. >> She felt thirsty as July is one of the >> She felt thirsty as July is one of the >> She felt thirsty as July is one of the hottest months of the year. The apparent hottest months of the year. The apparent hottest months of the year. The apparent temperature in Hong Kong was around 110° temperature in Hong Kong was around 110° temperature in Hong Kong was around 110° F at the time. So hot here. So humid. F at the time. So hot here. So humid.

09:36F at the time. So hot here. So humid. >> As soon as I came to this new apartment, >> As soon as I came to this new apartment, >> As soon as I came to this new apartment, I got hit by warm and musty air. The I got hit by warm and musty air. The I got hit by warm and musty air. The ceiling has tons of mold on it. The air ceiling has tons of mold on it. The air ceiling has tons of mold on it. The air inside Coffin Homes is four times more inside Coffin Homes is four times more inside Coffin Homes is four times more polluted than what's safe to breathe. polluted than what's safe to breathe. polluted than what's safe to breathe. The entryway is a complete mess. A

09:49The entryway is a complete mess. A The entryway is a complete mess. A resident is desperately mopping up dirty resident is desperately mopping up dirty resident is desperately mopping up dirty water that is constantly dripping onto water that is constantly dripping onto water that is constantly dripping onto the floor. Then I got inside an empty the floor. Then I got inside an empty the floor. Then I got inside an empty coffin home myself. I immediately felt coffin home myself. I immediately felt coffin home myself. I immediately felt boxed in, like the walls were closing in boxed in, like the walls were closing in

09:59boxed in, like the walls were closing in on me. This is the most barebones coffin on me. This is the most barebones coffin on me. This is the most barebones coffin we've visited. The person who lives here we've visited. The person who lives here we've visited. The person who lives here [music] owns almost nothing. On one [music] owns almost nothing. On one [music] owns almost nothing. On one side, there are stickers on the wall side, there are stickers on the wall side, there are stickers on the wall with a blue sky, clouds, flowers, and with a blue sky, clouds, flowers, and with a blue sky, clouds, flowers, and butterflies. It's like an escape from butterflies. It's like an escape from

10:11butterflies. It's like an escape from the claustrophobia. On the other side is the claustrophobia. On the other side is the claustrophobia. On the other side is a metal grate. You feel like you're in a a metal grate. You feel like you're in a a metal grate. You feel like you're in a cage. You can't get fresh air or cage. You can't get fresh air or cage. You can't get fresh air or sunlight here. sunlight here. sunlight here. >> It's so hot here. Very humid. How do >> It's so hot here. Very humid. How do >> It's so hot here. Very humid. How do people sleep here? I can't even breathe people sleep here? I can't even breathe

10:24people sleep here? I can't even breathe properly. Imagine hanging your clothes properly. Imagine hanging your clothes properly. Imagine hanging your clothes here. Sleep. Watch YouTube on your here. Sleep. Watch YouTube on your here. Sleep. Watch YouTube on your mobile phone. Nowhere else to go. Just mobile phone. Nowhere else to go. Just mobile phone. Nowhere else to go. Just walk the neighborhood and come back walk the neighborhood and come back walk the neighborhood and come back here. Nothing else in your life. While here. Nothing else in your life. While here. Nothing else in your life. While sleeping, there might be a lot of noise sleeping, there might be a lot of noise

10:40sleeping, there might be a lot of noise from your neighbors. Sad. It's very sad. from your neighbors. Sad. It's very sad. from your neighbors. Sad. It's very sad. >> I want to go. >> I want to go. >> I want to go. >> In some homes, the front door is just a >> In some homes, the front door is just a >> In some homes, the front door is just a curtain, so people living inside have curtain, so people living inside have curtain, so people living inside have zero security. zero security. zero security. >> Hello. >> Hello. >> Hello. >> Hi. >> Hi. >> Hi. >> What are you cooking? >> What are you cooking? >> What are you cooking? >> I'm cooking rice. >> I'm cooking rice.

10:55>> I'm cooking rice. >> There's laundry here right in the >> There's laundry here right in the >> There's laundry here right in the kitchen, which is practically one with kitchen, which is practically one with kitchen, which is practically one with the toilet. This isn't hygienic at all. the toilet. This isn't hygienic at all. the toilet. This isn't hygienic at all. Here they have a washing machine. Here they have a washing machine. Here they have a washing machine. They're trying to make the best of this They're trying to make the best of this They're trying to make the best of this space, but it seems chaotic. My friend space, but it seems chaotic. My friend

11:09space, but it seems chaotic. My friend had to get on the toilet lid just to get had to get on the toilet lid just to get had to get on the toilet lid just to get this shot. She's washing vegetables in this shot. She's washing vegetables in this shot. She's washing vegetables in the same sink people use after using the the same sink people use after using the the same sink people use after using the toilet. This puts them at a serious risk toilet. This puts them at a serious risk toilet. This puts them at a serious risk of contamination as feal bacteria like of contamination as feal bacteria like of contamination as feal bacteria like E.coli and Salmonella could get on her

11:23E.coli and Salmonella could get on her E.coli and Salmonella could get on her food and make her sick. Mr. Lee is one food and make her sick. Mr. Lee is one food and make her sick. Mr. Lee is one of the many people staying in a coffin of the many people staying in a coffin of the many people staying in a coffin while still alive. His home is the most while still alive. His home is the most while still alive. His home is the most crammed one we've seen so far. crammed one we've seen so far. crammed one we've seen so far. >> I can't find a job because once I was >> I can't find a job because once I was >> I can't find a job because once I was arrested for theft. I found a phone in

11:36arrested for theft. I found a phone in arrested for theft. I found a phone in the street and didn't report it to the the street and didn't report it to the the street and didn't report it to the police. Later, they found it on me and police. Later, they found it on me and police. Later, they found it on me and arrested me. arrested me. arrested me. >> Are prison cells more comfortable than >> Are prison cells more comfortable than >> Are prison cells more comfortable than coffin homes? coffin homes? coffin homes? >> Yeah, that's correct. >> Yeah, that's correct. >> Yeah, that's correct. >> In Hong Kong, prisoners get 80 square ft >> In Hong Kong, prisoners get 80 square ft

11:50>> In Hong Kong, prisoners get 80 square ft of space with a personal toilet. Unlike of space with a personal toilet. Unlike of space with a personal toilet. Unlike the 16 square ft homes, they also have the 16 square ft homes, they also have the 16 square ft homes, they also have enough space to stand up in. In that enough space to stand up in. In that enough space to stand up in. In that same space, 10 coffin homes could be same space, 10 coffin homes could be same space, 10 coffin homes could be stacked on top of each other. Now, we're stacked on top of each other. Now, we're stacked on top of each other. Now, we're going to meet with Juan. How did you end

12:03going to meet with Juan. How did you end going to meet with Juan. How did you end up here? up here? up here? >> It was a long time ago. >> It was a long time ago. >> It was a long time ago. >> I'm a poor man now, not a rich man. >> I'm a poor man now, not a rich man. >> I'm a poor man now, not a rich man. >> Before here, I had a house, a wife, and >> Before here, I had a house, a wife, and >> Before here, I had a house, a wife, and a daughter. a daughter. a daughter. >> They left you. >> They left you. >> They left you. >> Sure. >> Sure. >> Sure. >> Do you ever talk to them? >> Do you ever talk to them? >> Do you ever talk to them? >> I have no money, so they won't talk to

12:17>> I have no money, so they won't talk to >> I have no money, so they won't talk to me. me. me. >> How old are you right now? >> How old are you right now? >> How old are you right now? >> 63. This is my table. It is for >> 63. This is my table. It is for >> 63. This is my table. It is for everything. Can you see it? I have my everything. Can you see it? I have my everything. Can you see it? I have my clothes inside that. And this is the pot clothes inside that. And this is the pot clothes inside that. And this is the pot I use for cooking noodles. I use for cooking noodles. I use for cooking noodles. >> Wong invited us to tag along on his >> Wong invited us to tag along on his

12:31>> Wong invited us to tag along on his short daily routine outside. First, he short daily routine outside. First, he short daily routine outside. First, he took us to his temple. Despite the took us to his temple. Despite the took us to his temple. Despite the temple being closed, Wong insisted on temple being closed, Wong insisted on temple being closed, Wong insisted on praying at the gates. Despite all the praying at the gates. Despite all the praying at the gates. Despite all the hardships he encounters, he's still hardships he encounters, he's still hardships he encounters, he's still thankful for what he has. Along the way, thankful for what he has. Along the way,

12:43thankful for what he has. Along the way, he stopped at the market stall and he stopped at the market stall and he stopped at the market stall and bought some fruit with the little money bought some fruit with the little money bought some fruit with the little money he had. Then, he went to the restaurant he had. Then, he went to the restaurant he had. Then, he went to the restaurant that he had coupons for. The restaurant that he had coupons for. The restaurant that he had coupons for. The restaurant serves a variety of dishes with a side serves a variety of dishes with a side serves a variety of dishes with a side of rice. They're usually very high in of rice. They're usually very high in

12:55of rice. They're usually very high in sodium and fats. He felt embarrassed sodium and fats. He felt embarrassed sodium and fats. He felt embarrassed about using meal vouchers, so he about using meal vouchers, so he about using meal vouchers, so he preferred to eat at home. The first preferred to eat at home. The first preferred to eat at home. The first thing he does is put his groceries into thing he does is put his groceries into thing he does is put his groceries into a fridge shared with [music] more than a fridge shared with [music] more than a fridge shared with [music] more than 20 people. After that, Wong climbed into 20 people. After that, Wong climbed into

13:0720 people. After that, Wong climbed into his home and started eating his food. his home and started eating his food. his home and started eating his food. His sedentary lifestyle and the His sedentary lifestyle and the His sedentary lifestyle and the unhealthy foods offered at the unhealthy foods offered at the unhealthy foods offered at the restaurants are ruining his health. restaurants are ruining his health. restaurants are ruining his health. >> Look, I have high blood pressure. Having >> Look, I have high blood pressure. Having >> Look, I have high blood pressure. Having such high blood pressure can increase such high blood pressure can increase

13:18such high blood pressure can increase the risk of heart complications. the risk of heart complications. the risk of heart complications. However, the cemetery you're about to However, the cemetery you're about to However, the cemetery you're about to see shows you that even death is not an see shows you that even death is not an see shows you that even death is not an escape here. escape here. escape here. >> Every day is the same here. Finish the >> Every day is the same here. Finish the >> Every day is the same here. Finish the lunch and watch videos. This is for lunch and watch videos. This is for lunch and watch videos. This is for lunch and dinner. lunch and dinner.

13:31lunch and dinner. >> And dinner. >> And dinner. >> And dinner. >> He carefully rationed his food so he >> He carefully rationed his food so he >> He carefully rationed his food so he could stretch it for two meals. could stretch it for two meals. could stretch it for two meals. >> Do you use illegal substances? >> Do you use illegal substances? >> Do you use illegal substances? >> No, I don't. >> No, I don't. >> No, I don't. >> So many people use things like that >> So many people use things like that >> So many people use things like that here. here. here. >> Once it's dark, the love homes open for >> Once it's dark, the love homes open for

13:42>> Once it's dark, the love homes open for business. Long took us to one nearby business. Long took us to one nearby business. Long took us to one nearby that he knew about. There's a girl in that he knew about. There's a girl in that he knew about. There's a girl in each room. There's someone inside that each room. There's someone inside that each room. There's someone inside that says, "Please wait."

13:56>> Before moving on, I'd like to thank Eim >> Before moving on, I'd like to thank Eim IO, the sponsor of this video. As you IO, the sponsor of this video. As you IO, the sponsor of this video. As you know, I travel a lot and staying know, I travel a lot and staying know, I travel a lot and staying connected used to be a challenge. connected used to be a challenge. connected used to be a challenge. Whether it was buying local SIMs or Whether it was buying local SIMs or Whether it was buying local SIMs or paying extremely high rooming costs. paying extremely high rooming costs. paying extremely high rooming costs. That changed when I started using That changed when I started using

14:07That changed when I started using eim.io. It's a digital SIM card that eim.io. It's a digital SIM card that eim.io. It's a digital SIM card that works in over 190 countries. Just open works in over 190 countries. Just open works in over 190 countries. Just open the app, select your destination, and the app, select your destination, and the app, select your destination, and choose a plan. Your internet is ready choose a plan. Your internet is ready choose a plan. Your internet is ready even before [music] you land. What even before [music] you land. What even before [music] you land. What really makes a difference for me is the really makes a difference for me is the

14:20really makes a difference for me is the one SIM feature. You set up it once and one SIM feature. You set up it once and one SIM feature. You set up it once and use it like a second permanent line. No use it like a second permanent line. No use it like a second permanent line. No need to switch or reinstall eims like need to switch or reinstall eims like need to switch or reinstall eims like with most other providers. Use my code with most other providers. Use my code with most other providers. Use my code RUI 100 to get 100% cash back. Top up RUI 100 to get 100% cash back. Top up RUI 100 to get 100% cash back. Top up $20 and get $20 instantly. If you travel

14:35$20 and get $20 instantly. If you travel $20 and get $20 instantly. If you travel frequently like I do, you can check out frequently like I do, you can check out frequently like I do, you can check out Eim.io through the links in the Eim.io through the links in the Eim.io through the links in the description box or scan the QR code and description box or scan the QR code and description box or scan the QR code and take advantage of the Route 100 code. take advantage of the Route 100 code. take advantage of the Route 100 code. >> Hi, may I ask the price? >> Hi, may I ask the price? >> Hi, may I ask the price? >> Just some people coming to have a look.

14:50>> Just some people coming to have a look. >> Just some people coming to have a look. >> He denies visiting these places, but >> He denies visiting these places, but >> He denies visiting these places, but seems to know his way around them just seems to know his way around them just seems to know his way around them just fine. fine. fine. >> It's a 1-hour massage for $65. >> It's a 1-hour massage for $65. >> It's a 1-hour massage for $65. >> These love homes are actually subdivided >> These love homes are actually subdivided >> These love homes are actually subdivided apartments, too. Because of the housing apartments, too. Because of the housing

15:01apartments, too. Because of the housing prices, even these women can't afford prices, even these women can't afford prices, even these women can't afford full-size units. If the living stay in full-size units. If the living stay in full-size units. If the living stay in coffins in Hong Kong, where does that coffins in Hong Kong, where does that coffins in Hong Kong, where does that leave the dead? leave the dead? leave the dead? >> Here, even a basic burial plot can cost >> Here, even a basic burial plot can cost >> Here, even a basic burial plot can cost up to tens of thousands of US dollars. up to tens of thousands of US dollars.

15:14up to tens of thousands of US dollars. And that is if you're lucky to find one. And that is if you're lucky to find one. And that is if you're lucky to find one. Recently, a burial plot here was sold Recently, a burial plot here was sold Recently, a burial plot here was sold for $128,000. for $128,000. for $128,000. Because they are more affordable, most Because they are more affordable, most Because they are more affordable, most people rent graves rather than own them. people rent graves rather than own them. people rent graves rather than own them. Space is so limited that even graves in Space is so limited that even graves in

15:28Space is so limited that even graves in public cemeteries are not permanent. public cemeteries are not permanent. public cemeteries are not permanent. [music] [music] [music] After 6 years, the body must be removed After 6 years, the body must be removed After 6 years, the body must be removed and cremated. As space runs out, and cremated. As space runs out, and cremated. As space runs out, cremation has become the only option. cremation has become the only option. cremation has become the only option. And the ashes rest in tiny drawers no And the ashes rest in tiny drawers no And the ashes rest in tiny drawers no bigger than a shoe box. Just like these

15:40bigger than a shoe box. Just like these bigger than a shoe box. Just like these ones, the government has promised to end ones, the government has promised to end ones, the government has promised to end the housing crisis by 2049. About the housing crisis by 2049. About the housing crisis by 2049. About 220,000 people are stuffed into terrible 220,000 people are stuffed into terrible 220,000 people are stuffed into terrible homes in one of the richest places in homes in one of the richest places in homes in one of the richest places in the world. They are not there to be the world. They are not there to be the world. They are not there to be protected, but to be hidden from the

15:53protected, but to be hidden from the protected, but to be hidden from the eyes of the rich. Thank you for eyes of the rich. Thank you for eyes of the rich. Thank you for watching. Don't forget to subscribe. watching. Don't forget to subscribe. watching. Don't forget to subscribe. Ruhi Chennet was