South Korean housing corporations propose shift to quality-of-life metrics

Major metropolitan housing corporations in South Korea—Gyeonggi Housing & Urban Development Corporation (GH), Seoul Housing & Communities Corporation (SH), and Incheon Housing & City Development Corporation (iH)—have proposed a shift in public housing policy. During a joint seminar hosted by the Korea Housing Service Society, the three entities advocated for moving the evaluation criteria of public housing from mere supply volume to the quality of life of residents after move-in.

The corporations introduced the concept of a ‘community designer,’ an expanded role for public housing providers. This role involves organically designing spatial structures, residential services, dedicated personnel, and financial systems to help residents build spontaneous relationships and access care and lifestyle services. This initiative aims to address social isolation, care gaps, and generational disconnection.

The seminar also addressed the challenges of aging populations in permanent and national rental complexes that are over 20 years old. Discussions focused on implementing community performance indicators—such as the reduction of isolation risks and the ability to age in place—rather than simply counting the frequency of programs or events. Participants emphasized the need for public funding structures that prevent the transfer of operational costs to residents' management fees.