Nowon-gu Recruiting Participants for 'University Students and Seniors Sharing One Roof' Program

Rent including utilities 300,000 KRW with no security deposit

Free provision of nearly new desks, chairs, drawers, and other supplies through the former recycling center

Environmental improvement work such as wallpapering, flooring, and toilets supported within 1 million KRW

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Nowon-gu (Mayor Oh Seung-rok) is launching a housing-sharing project called ‘Han Jibung Sedae Gonggam’ that simultaneously alleviates the loneliness of seniors and the housing concerns of university students ahead of the new semester.

Han Jibung Sedae Gonggam is a project that shares seniors’ extra living space with university students, providing seniors with companionship and a steady monthly rental income, while offering students affordable and comfortable rooms below the local rental market price. The rent is 300,000 KRW including utilities with no security deposit.

The district provides free supplies such as desks, chairs, mattresses, and drawers to participating households through its recycling center. Seoul Housing and Communities Corporation supports environmental improvement work such as wallpapering, flooring, bathroom fixtures, and window screens once a year, up to 1 million KRW per room.

Since 2013, the district has participated as a pilot area for the housing-sharing project and has been promoting it for 11 years. This year, it is recruiting the 20th group of participants who will live harmoniously under one roof. Seniors aged 60 or older who own a home in Nowon-gu and have a separate room available for rent can participate. However, they must not have serious health issues and must not live with their children.

University student participants must be enrolled or on leave at one of six local universities: Kwangwoon University, Sahmyook University, Seoul National University of Science and Technology, Seoul Women’s University, Induk University, or Korea Bible University. Anyone in good health who can assist seniors with electronic device usage, simple household tasks like hammering nails, and other daily activities can participate.

Due to the 1:1 matching nature of the project between seniors and students, applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. Seniors can apply by phone or in person at the district office’s Welfare Policy Division. Afterwards, a staff member visits the senior’s home to verify residency, room condition, and transportation accessibility. Students can apply through the Seoul Housing Portal website. Once matched, the staff member and student visit the home together to inspect it before making a final decision. The rental period is six months and can be extended by mutual agreement between the senior and student.

Since starting with 14 new families in 2013, the housing-sharing project in Nowon-gu has involved a total of 240 senior households and 281 university students. Participation from Seoul National University of Science and Technology students has been particularly notable. Last year, 17 out of 22 participating students were from this university.

Senior A, who has been participating in the project for a long time in Gongneung-dong near Seoul National University of Science and Technology, said, “A friend I first met as a new student through this project stayed with me for a while even after graduation and employment.” Senior B, also living in Gongneung-dong, recalled happily keeping in touch with the student’s parents and practicing mock interviews with the student before job interviews.

Oh Seung-rok, Mayor of Nowon-gu, said, “I am pleased that the housing-sharing project can bring stability and happiness to both seniors and university students. We will continue to monitor closely to prevent conflicts after matching and strive at the district level to ensure a warm and supportive journey together.”

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