Seongdong-gu Resolves Conflict Over Hanyang University Dormitory Expansion Through 'Win-Win' Approach

Seongdong-gu Actively Serves as Mediator to Resolve Dormitory Conflicts Between University and Local Community... On the 10th of Last Month, Approval Granted for Construction of Hanyang University Dormitories 6 and 7, Accommodating 1,198 Additional Residents... Utilizing Local One-Room Apartments with Vacancy Concerns as ‘Seongdong Hanyang Sangsaeng Haksa,’ the Nation’s First... ‘Sagneu Stay’ (Village Hotel) Project Proposed as Part of Sagneu Urban Regeneration, Establishing a ‘Win-Win Strategy’

Perspective view of Hanyang University Dormitory 6 and 7

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Seongdong-gu (Mayor Jeong Won-oh) announced that it approved the building permits for Hanyang University’s 6th and 7th student dormitories last month on the 10th.

The 6th dormitory will have 200 rooms spanning from three basement levels to seven floors above ground, and the 7th dormitory will have 403 rooms from two basement levels to seven floors above ground, accommodating a total of 1,198 people.

This building permit is the result of Seongdong-gu’s active persuasion and mediation of residents, which resolved conflicts between the university and the local community over the new dormitory construction, leading to a dramatic agreement centered on the keyword “coexistence.”

The conflict between Hanyang University and residents of Sageun-dong began in 2015 when Hanyang University announced plans to build the 6th and 7th dormitories with a capacity of 1,990 people.

Due to a lower dormitory occupancy rate compared to major universities in Seoul, the housing difficulties of Hanyang University students worsened, increasing the need for new dormitory construction.

However, local residents who rely on operating one-room apartments as their livelihood strongly opposed the plan, fearing threats to their right to survive, deepening conflicts within the community.

As conflicts intensified over the Hanyang University dormitory construction issue, Seongdong-gu stepped in as a “mediator” to actively seek solutions. Various alternatives were presented to residents who were concerned about vacancies after the dormitory establishment. Hanyang University also actively participated.

First, Seongdong-gu created the nation’s first half-price one-room apartment called “Seongdong Hanyang Coexistence Dormitory.”

Launched nationwide for the first time in March last year, the Coexistence Dormitory is a collaboration between Seongdong-gu, Hanyang University, landlords, and the Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH). Residents reduce monthly rent partially, while the district, LH, and Hanyang University jointly support deposits and monthly rent. Currently, the first branch is in operation.

Seongdong-gu plans to utilize local one-room apartments that might become vacant after the dormitory establishment as Coexistence Dormitories. This guarantees residents stable rental income to protect their livelihoods, while reducing housing costs and expanding housing choices for students, making it the nation’s first coexistence cooperation model.

Meanwhile, the “(tentative name) Sageun Stay (Village Hotel),” part of the Sageun-dong urban regeneration revitalization project promoted since last year, is also expected to play a significant role in increasing rental demand from local residents.

Seongdong-gu held multiple meetings and workshops with local residents to build consensus on the “long- and short-term space rental business” and derived the Sageun Stay project plan.

Sageun Stay considers the characteristics and demand of the area, which is adjacent to the university and has many old low-rise residential buildings. It will operate by utilizing vacant spaces in the area as shared lodging facilities tailored to customer needs, including short- and mid-term accommodations, party rooms, and study rooms reflecting the latest trends.

Jeong Won-oh, Mayor of Seongdong-gu, said, “We actively proposed and persuaded residents who were concerned about vacancies with alternatives such as the ‘Coexistence Dormitory’ and ‘Sageun Stay (Village Hotel),’ resolving conflict factors amicably. I am grateful for Hanyang University’s participation and especially the active understanding and cooperation of local residents.”

With the building permit for Hanyang University’s 6th and 7th student dormitories, the dormitory capacity will expand from the existing 2,184 to 3,382 with an additional 1,198 people.

Additionally, the new dormitories will include outdoor parking lots, resident rest areas, and resident convenience facilities (such as fitness rooms) for use by local residents.

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