[Report] "Strong Opposition" vs "As Long as Development Happens"... Divergent Reactions from Residents of Public Development Candidate Sites

On the 14th, when the government selected the second phase candidate sites for the urban public housing complex development project, the general residential area near Mia Station in Gangbuk-gu, Seoul was chosen as a candidate site. Photo by Jin-Hyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Tae-min] “Since this morning, calls from residents have not stopped. There has never been any talk of development in this neighborhood, so people are bewildered by the sudden announcement.” (Representative of Mia-dong A Real Estate Agency, Seoul)

On the 14th, when the government announced the second round of candidate sites for the Urban Public Housing Complex Development Project (Public Complex Development), the real estate agency near Mia Station in Gangbuk-gu, Seoul, selected as a candidate site, was busy answering a flood of phone calls. This area is a station area adjacent to a subway station, so residents reacted with surprise at the government's unexpected public development announcement.

When visiting Mia-dong A Real Estate Agency that afternoon, residents gathered and expressed dissatisfaction with the announcement. Resident Lee said, "It's absurd to say they will carry out public development and take away our homes without asking or notifying us in advance."

In particular, due to the concentration of commercial buildings and multi-family houses, strong opposition is expected, raising concerns that public complex development will not be easy. A representative from B Real Estate Agency in the area said, "It is not easy to persuade homeowners who are already earning sufficient rental income," adding, "Recently, many newly built villas have been constructed, so the number of residents strongly opposing the project is expected to increase." Kim (72), who owns a residential-commercial complex nearby, showed a firm stance, saying, "People like us who make a living from monthly rent income are absolutely opposed. Even if they compensate tenfold, I have no intention of agreeing." In fact, more than half of the buildings in the candidate development site near Mia Station visited that day were commercial buildings and multi-family houses.

On the 14th, when the government selected the second round of candidate sites for the urban public housing complex development project, the area near Mia Station in Gangbuk-gu, Seoul, was chosen as a candidate site. Commercial buildings are densely clustered. Photo by Ryu Taemin

Some Areas ‘Welcome’ Redevelopment... “Need to Hear Compensation Terms...” Cautious Attitudes Also Seen

On the other hand, some areas welcomed the government's announcement of candidate sites. Especially in areas where redevelopment had repeatedly failed before, there was a strong voice of approval for being selected as a candidate site. A representative from C Real Estate Agency in Songjung-dong, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul, where low-rise residential areas are concentrated, said, "Regardless of whether it is public or private, residents welcome the fact that the area has been selected as a development candidate site," adding, "Many people here have been waiting for redevelopment to be pushed forward again after it was canceled 10 years ago." He explained that when redevelopment was previously pursued, apartments were not very popular, but now that prices have skyrocketed, more residents want redevelopment.

However, many residents showed cautious reactions. Resident D said, "There are many dilapidated buildings in the neighborhood, so redevelopment is necessary," but added, "Since compensation and other project conditions have not yet been disclosed, it is too early to decide whether to support it." Another resident, E, said, "If it proceeds as public redevelopment, there are issues like cash liquidation, and with Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon’s election, residents seem to have expectations for private redevelopment," adding, "The project can only proceed if sufficient compensation measures that can convince homeowners are presented."

The Urban Public Housing Complex Project can designate a preliminary zone if more than 10% of landowners agree. If more than two-thirds consent within a year, the project is finalized. Experts explain that resident consent is key to smooth project progress.

Yang Ji-young, director of Yang Ji-young R&C Research Institute, advised, "Sufficient compensation measures must be provided through resident briefings to secure consent for project initiation," adding, "To increase willingness to participate, it is necessary to ease concerns about cash liquidation and public-led aspects that residents feel burdened by."

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