What's the Point of Just Increasing Supply? LH Public Housing Sees Defects per Household Double as Occupancy Rises

As the Lee Jaemyung administration announced through the September 7 policy measures that it would increase the supply of public housing led by Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH), including projects directly constructed by LH, data shows that over the past five years, the number of defects per household has risen sharply in tandem with the increase in public housing occupancy. Critics warn that without improvements in LH’s ability to reduce defects, expanding supply could directly lead to a decline in quality.

According to data submitted to Assemblyman Kwon Youngjin of the National Assembly’s Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee by LH on September 19, there were approximately 1,537,942 general defects reported in public housing from 2021 through August of this year.

The average number of defects per household jumped from 5.75 in 2021, to 5.08 in 2022, 5.39 in 2023, and then surged to 9.56 last year. As of August this year, the figure stood at 9.78, indicating the upward trend continues.

During the same period, the number of public housing units supplied by LH increased from 44,143 in 2021, to 47,863 in 2022, 61,147 in 2023, and 51,938 last year. As the supply of new units grew, the number of defects per public housing unit surged, leading to a decline in the overall quality of public housing.

Seoul Regional Headquarters of Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH), Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

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By type, construction-related defects were overwhelmingly the most common. Defects related to window installation totaled 307,558 cases, the highest among all defect categories. Wallpaper installation followed with 192,636 cases. In the mechanical sector, sanitary facilities accounted for 38,467 cases, while in the electrical sector, lighting fixtures had the most defects at 37,301 cases. In the telecommunications sector, home network systems had the highest number of defects, with 9,692 cases.

There were also 1,979 major defects reported over the past five years. Building leaks accounted for the most major defects at 619 cases, followed by lighting fixture failures (618 cases) and pipe leaks (394 cases).

The Assemblyman’s office pointed out, “The fundamental reason for the persistent defects in public housing lies in the project structure and management conditions.” It explained, “Since construction costs are lower than in the private sector, it is easier for gaps to emerge in construction and supervision.” The office added, “Innovative measures are needed to improve the capabilities of construction and supervision in future public housing projects.”

Assemblyman Kwon Youngjin stated, “With the government’s September 7 policy, the volume of public housing supplied by LH is expected to increase significantly. The fact that defects are increasing alongside the supply signals even greater problems ahead.” He emphasized, “While quantitative supply achievements are important, improving the quality of housing that citizens experience is even more crucial.”

He continued, “Now, LH must focus on building quality competitiveness rather than just numerical competitiveness,” adding, “LH must make its best efforts to reduce defects in public housing and enhance quality.”

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