Demand for Apartments Near Parks Increases Due to COVID-19 Impact

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dong-hyun] Due to the prolonged social distancing period caused by the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), apartments embracing parks, known as Gongpuma (Apartments Embracing Parks), where residents can enjoy a simple walk right in front of their homes, are gaining attention.

According to the industry on the 3rd, park visits in Korea have significantly increased since the spread of COVID-19. According to the 'Community Mobility Report' released by Google on the 4th, visits to parks by Koreans from the 27th to the 29th of last month increased by about 51% compared to the average from January 3 to February 6, when the spread of COVID-19 became serious. On the other hand, visits to retail and entertainment facilities such as restaurants, cafes, movie theaters, and shopping malls decreased by 19% during the same period. This indicates that movement patterns have concentrated on wide and open parks instead of indoor enclosed facilities with a high risk of infection due to COVID-19 spread.

Real estate experts predict that even after the COVID-19 situation ends, the value of apartments near parks will rise as more people consider the presence of parks or forests in front of their homes important when purchasing a house. Kwon Kang-su, director of the Korea Startup Real Estate Information Center, said, "Recently, more people are seeking parks or forests as spaces for rest and healing," adding, "Apartments close to parks or forests have always been highly preferred by demand, but after experiencing the COVID-19 situation, the psychological stability and healing effect provided by parks will further increase their value."

This month, apartment complexes with easy walking access to parks and forests are preparing for pre-sale. Bando Construction plans to sell 'Seongsan Bando Yubora Ivy Park,' the first Bando Yubora brand apartment in Changwon City, within this month. The complex is surrounded by Changwon Football Center, Daebang Sports Park, Gaeumjeong Park, and Bieumsan, making it a forest-zone complex with a pleasant residential environment as it is surrounded by forests on all four sides. Kumho Construction will also pre-sell 'Naun Kumho Eoullim Central,' a reconstruction of Naun Jugong 2 Complex in Gunsan, Jeonbuk, this month. Located near Wolmyeongsan, the natural environment is pleasant, and Wolmyeongsan Park and Wolmyeong Lake are accessible on foot. The famous cherry blossom spots in Gunsan, Eunpa Lake Park and Eunpa Citizen Park, are also accessible. Daewoo Construction will pre-sell 'Gwangmyeong Prugio Centver,' redeveloping Gwangmyeong New Town District 15 in Gwangmyeong City, Gyeonggi Province. Located near Dodeoksan, the natural environment is pleasant, and Dodeoksan Park and Mokgamcheon are accessible on foot.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.