Dermatologist Ham Ik-byung says he has lived in Tower Palace for 20 years, built 10 billion won fortune through relentless work

Ham Ik-byung, a 64-year-old dermatologist and broadcaster, said he has lived in Tower Palace in Dogok-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul for 20 years. He grew up in poverty, moving frequently from a single room, but worked without a day off from his 30s onward to build his wealth. He said the key is to "set a precise goal and keep your eyes on it."

Ham appeared on the YouTube channel "Wolgeubjjaengi Bujadeul TV" on June 23 and said he has lived in Tower Palace — completed in 2004 — ever since it opened. "I have been living there continuously since it was completed," he said.

He recalled his earlier moves: "I moved around a lot. I lived in Mokdong first, then Ilsan, then Gaepodong. Tower Palace was built while I was living in Gaepodong. When it was finished, I went in and took a look — and it was just wonderful."

"I like living in a good home," he added. "If there were an apartment in a better location, built better than where I live now, I would want to move there — but I have not seen such a place yet."

"I started out in a single room as a child and kept moving," he said. "That sense of deprivation drove me to work without a single day off for 10 years."

Ham said he has lived as a wealthy person since age 34, adding that he worked through Sundays and holidays for roughly 10 years — from his 30s to age 45 — in pursuit of his goals.

In 1995, he said, he introduced the concept of laser treatments at his dermatology clinic, at a time when each laser machine cost 100 million won.

"I spent about 700 million won ($455,000) to bring in five laser machines," he said. "Because nobody else was doing it at the time, I made a lot of money."

He estimated his total assets at around 10 billion won, adding: "In my 30s and 40s, at my peak, I once earned up to 100 million won in a single month."

Ham said his definition of wealth differs from most people's. "My standard is not about how much money you have or what your home is worth," he said. "It is about being able to sit down at a restaurant and order without looking at the prices."

He said he advises staff in their 30s and 40s at his clinic to buy a home first. "All of my employees now own their homes," he said.

He particularly stressed the importance of clear goals. "You have to set a precise target," he said. "If money is your goal, you have to keep your eyes on money. You cannot become wealthy while looking away from it."

On investment, Ham said he never puts money where he cannot maintain control. "Outside of real estate and bank deposits, I absolutely do not invest in anything I cannot control," he said, adding that he does not invest in shares or bitcoin.

To salaried workers considering starting their own business, he said: "There is no company that pays its employees enough to become wealthy on a salary alone. If you want to make real money, you ultimately have to leave."

He cautioned, however, against quitting impulsively, saying people should prepare for entrepreneurship while still employed.