Duzon i-Soup Gimpo, 'Riding Transportation Accessibility and Embracing Natural Scenery' Reflecting MZ Generation Preferences

[Photo by The John i-Soup Gimpo]

The MZ generation is rapidly emerging as the actual demand group for townhouse country houses.

Since the apartment investment boom that began in 2020, the MZ generation, known as the 'young all-in borrowers,' has faced increased loan burdens due to the decline in apartment sales prices after 2023. Amid this, interest in rural living centered on townhouses has been rising among them.

Their favorable attitude toward rural living culture is understood to stem from lifestyle changes experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many office workers have adopted a new work style of remote work, which they had never experienced before.

Along with social distancing, interest in living in country houses with natural scenery in the metropolitan area has surged as people sought to escape the stifling atmosphere of the city. Young MZ generation individuals prefer jobs that allow relatively free commuting even after the pandemic ended, increasing demand for a more relaxed residential environment.

Rather than owning country houses as second homes only for weekends from Friday evening to Sunday, there is a steady increase in interest in country houses or townhouses as primary residences. This trend is evident in townhouse complexes with good transportation access in the metropolitan area.

‘The Zone i-Sup Gimpo,’ a townhouse complex being developed on about 40,000 pyeong of land with 171 households in Gomak-ri, Wolgot-myeon, Gimpo-si, Gyeonggi-do, has started its full spring season sales, with continuous inquiries from the MZ generation. Townhouses are generally perceived to have high demand from retirees, entrepreneurs, and artists who have relatively low commuting burdens, but especially after the COVID-19 era, they are highly preferred by younger generations.

A sales representative of ‘The Zone i-Sup Gimpo’ said, “With the start of the spring season, not only people in their 30s and 40s but also young people in their late 20s are making many sales inquiries,” adding, “When they actually visit the site, they first carefully examine the form of the complex, convenience facilities, and connectivity with the existing city.”

[Photo by The John i-Soup Gimpo]

They also incorporate the individuality of the owner and the family’s lifestyle into the architectural design. The architecture maximizes comfort tailored to each preference by applying spaces such as yards and landscaping where young children can play joyfully, attic activities, and areas for pets like dogs.

The MZ generation shows a different perspective on their children’s education compared to before. They move away from the traditional preference for the 8-school district prioritizing school grades and show interest in open education based on each child’s individuality and high sense of achievement. This tendency aligns with their focus on a life that feels comfortable and free in nature while fostering family bonds.

With the increase of MZ generation hoping for rural living, the metropolitan area is focusing on expanding infrastructure and enhancing living convenience considering the demand of prospective migrants. In particular, mid- to long-term plans by the government and local governments are being promoted in response to the increase in urban residents moving to country houses due to the opening of highways connecting the metropolitan area.

‘The Zone i-Sup Gimpo’ is expected to see improved transportation environments with the expansion of road networks such as the Metropolitan Area 2nd Ring Expressway and Ganghwa-Gyeyang Expressway, as well as the extension of Subway Line 5, which is anticipated to increase sales rates among office workers. Through the expansion and extension of the metropolitan transportation network connecting Gimpo Hangang Compact City and Seoul, it will have excellent transportation access as a country house townhouse complex.

Seo Jeong-pil, CEO of the developer Munsusan Myeongdawon, described it as “a perfect location enjoying a pleasant forest environment and the benefits of Gimpo Hangang New Town,” adding, “For those with young children, it offers a natural environment, excellent educational facilities, and various hospitals and clinics nearby, providing high living convenience.”

As a large-scale townhouse complex developed under Gimpo-si’s urban management plan, public facilities such as roads and parks will be transferred to Gimpo-si for continuous maintenance. An apartment-style management system will be introduced, creating a community complex where residents can communicate with refined and dignified neighbors.

In the past, some buyers purchased country houses for investment purposes. However, recently, not only in the metropolitan area but also nationwide, the townhouse country house market is dominated by actual residents who purchase plots, design according to their desired style, and move in after construction, forming the main trend.

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