Large Apartments for Multigenerational Living: "Hillstate The Sharp Sangsaeng Park" Attracts Return Kangaroo Tribe

Surge in the "Return Kangaroo Tribe" as Housing and Childcare Costs Rise
Growing Demand for Multi-Generational Floor Plans That Ensure Privacy
"Hillstate The Sharp Sangsaeng Park" Attracts Genuine Buyers Amid Scarcity of Large-Sized Apartments

Recently, due to the burden of housing costs and the challenges of childcare faced by dual-income couples, so-called "Return Kangaroo Tribe" (a portmanteau of "return" and "kangaroo tribe"), where adult children move back in with their parents, is on the rise. This trend is reshaping demand for large-sized apartments in the real estate market, as there is a growing need for spacious homes that allow parents and their adult children to live together while fully preserving each generation's privacy.

According to "Analysis of Socio-Economic Characteristics by Marital Status among Young People Aged 25–39 in 2022," released by Statistics Korea in September 2024, more than half (50.6%) of unmarried young adults in this age group were living with their parents.

Various research institute statistics indicate that the top two reasons for the resurgence of the "Return Kangaroo Tribe" are housing costs and childcare issues. As a result, it is becoming increasingly common for married adult children to move back into their parents’ homes to cope with soaring rental deposits and the burden of raising children. Experts note that this is rapidly leading to the formation of a "new extended family" structure.

This shift in family structure is directly changing housing market trends. Whereas large apartments were once a status symbol for displaying wealth, they have now become a practical choice to minimize conflicts that arise when multiple generations live together. Large, specialized layouts—such as having four or more bedrooms, multiple bathrooms, and separated movement paths while sharing only the main entrance—have become essential features to maintain independent living zones for each generation.

However, the supply of large-unit apartments in the pre-sale market is severely insufficient, resulting in a serious supply-demand imbalance. Consequently, there is a clear trend among buyers to secure newly built, high-quality complexes with large units as early as possible.

An official from the real estate industry explained, "While large units used to be the preserve of the wealthy, recently, strong demand is being driven by those in their 30s and 40s who choose to live with parents to solve housing costs and childcare issues. As the supply of small units for one- or two-person households crowds out larger units, the scarcity value of spacious apartments is rising. Large apartments in branded, well-designed complexes will be the most reliable choice, not only for actual housing needs but also for asset value protection."

Against this backdrop, the first-tier brand consortium project "Hillstate The Sharp Sangsaeng Park," constructed by Hyundai Engineering & Construction and POSCO E&C, is attracting attention for its supply of large-sized units. "Hillstate The Sharp Sangsaeng Park" will comprise two complexes with a total of 2,667 units. Exclusive areas range from 84 to 178 square meters, with 999 units in Complex 1 and 1,668 units in Complex 2.

As "Hillstate" and "The Sharp," both leading residential brands in Korea, collaborate to form this super-large brand town of 2,667 units across the two complexes, a variety of community facilities are planned. These will include a fitness center, indoor golf practice range, screen golf, GX room, Pilates room, billiard hall, table tennis hall, as well as a small library, moms’ café, study room, concierge, integrated care center, senior citizens’ lounge, and residents’ meeting room.

The location is also advantageous, with convenient access to various infrastructure centered around Pohang City Hall and Yeongildae Lake Park. In addition, residents will enjoy easy access to living amenities such as Pohang St. Mary’s Hospital, E-Mart, Lotte Mart, and Idong General Market.

The abundance of educational facilities is expected to make the complex highly attractive to parents. Students will be able to attend Daee Elementary School, Idong Middle School, and Pohang Steel High School, with excellent school districts and a thriving private education environment in the Idong area.

"Hillstate The Sharp Sangsaeng Park" is being developed as a private park special project, consisting of approximately 770,000 square meters of park area and about 170,000 square meters of non-park facilities. Sangsaeng Park will connect four spaces divided by roads and, through specialized plans for each space, is expected to become a new landmark for Pohang. Within the park, amenities will include a skywalk for enjoying the forest and sky from a new perspective, pedestrian bridges, an observatory with views of POSCO’s nightscape, Art Plaza, and a national sports center including an indoor swimming pool.

Meanwhile, "Hillstate The Sharp Sangsaeng Park" is drawing much attention by offering a special contract benefit of a 5 million won down payment. Buyers are also offered a 60% interest-free installment plan for the interim payment and free balcony expansion, which significantly reduces the financial burden for purchasers until move-in.

The "Hillstate The Sharp Sangsaeng Park" model home is located in Idong, Nam-gu, Pohang.

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