Seoul Remodeling Housing Association Urges President Yoon to Fulfill Remodeling Pledge

by Han Jinjoo

Published 21 Feb.2024 11:00(KST)

The Seoul City Remodeling Housing Association delivered an official letter to President Yoon Suk-yeol urging the fulfillment of his campaign promises and requesting a meeting.

President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol is attending the first-generation new town aged apartment issue inspection held at Chowon 7 Complex Booyoung Apartment in Dongan-gu, Anyang-si, Gyeonggi Province on the afternoon of the 2nd, listening to explanations about the apartment remodeling issues. Photo by Transition Team Press Corps

On the 21st, the association announced that it had sent an official letter last month to the Presidential Secretariat titled "Request for Fulfillment of Presidential Campaign Promises Related to Apartment Remodeling Projects and Proposal for a Presidential Meeting."

The association stated, "During his candidacy, the President proposed innovative measures such as enacting a Remodeling Promotion Act, expanding private sector participation in the safety review process, and revising standards for vertical and horizontal extensions in remodeling." However, they added, "As nearly two years have passed since his inauguration, there has been no news of these promises being fulfilled, causing concern among the association members and citizens who desire remodeling."

The association emphasized that remodeling projects can supply new housing comparable to reconstruction and urged the fulfillment of the campaign promises. They explained, "There is a misconception that the number of houses supplied through remodeling projects is limited, but through horizontal extensions and separate building additions, it is possible to supply new housing on par with reconstruction."

They continued, "If the current unreasonable regulations regarding vertical extensions are corrected in line with technological advancements, such concerns will become unnecessary," expressing hope to offer suggestions for fulfilling the campaign promises through a meeting.

The association plans to hold forums and roundtable discussions in March related to apartment remodeling projects to inform the government and the National Assembly about apartment remodeling and to propose efforts to improve aging residential environments.

Seo Jeong-tae, president of the association, emphasized, "There are already about 130 apartment complexes undergoing remodeling in Seoul, and over 200 nationwide. The 2030 Seoul Apartment Remodeling Basic Plan also forecasted that out of 4,217 complexes in Seoul, 3,087 require remodeling."

President Seo added, "Remodeling projects will undoubtedly provide better living environments for residents of aging apartment complexes and contribute to national interests such as stabilizing the real estate market and increasing housing supply. We hope the ruling party and government will also consider apartment remodeling projects in line with the President’s promises and intentions, and the party association looks forward to a meeting with the President and the ruling party and government."