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Construction Orders Drop to 15.8 Trillion Won, Down 30.6% Year-on-Year In July, domestic construction orders fell by over 30% compared to the previous year, with declines in both public and private sectors. Analysts suggest that the recovery of the construction market in the second half of the year depends on actual project orders and starts.According to the Korea Construction Industry Institute's "Monthly Construction Market Trends for September," construction orders in July totaled 15.8 trillion won, a 30.6% decrease from the same month last year. This figure also represents a 24.5% drop from the previous month and is 1.3 trillion won lower than the average for July over the past three years.By order source, public orders decreased by 21.9% compared to the same month last year, primarily due to a reduction in public housing orders and the waning effects of large civil engineering projects initiated in June. Private orders saw a sharp decline of 33.3%, affected by poor performance across civil engineering, housing, and non-residential sectors.The Korea Construction Industry Institute noted that the diminished impact of early orders in the first half of the year, along with a reduced base effect from last year's government transition, contributed to the decline in orders. The downturn in orders across all sectors, both public and private, highlights a significant weakness in leading indicators for the construction market.In contrast, construction performance, which reflects actual work completed, showed slight improvement. In July, construction performance reached 11.7 trillion won, a 2.4% increase from the same month last year. Public performance rose by 12.4%, while private performance saw a modest increase of 0.4%.By sector, civil engineering performance increased by 12.6%, while building performance decreased by 0.9%. Notably, residential building performance dropped by 7.9%, hindering recovery in the construction sector. Overall construction performance was also 1.1 trillion won lower than the average for July over the past three years.Employment in the construction industry also declined. In July, the number of construction workers was 1.865 million, down 3.0% from the same month last year and 1.5% from the previous month. This contrasts with a 0.4% increase in total employment across all industries during the same period.Cost pressures in construction persisted. The construction cost index for July was 138.59, up 5.8% from the same month last year, significantly exceeding the consumer price inflation rate of 2.8%. The construction cost index has risen for 12 consecutive months since August of last year.The Construction Business Survey Index (CBSI) for August, which reflects the sentiment of construction firms, stood at 72.7, a slight decline of 0.1 points from the previous month. The outlook index for September is projected at 74.1, well below the baseline of 100.Lee Ji-hye, a researcher at the Korea Construction Industry Institute, stated, "The actual execution of public order plans and the recovery of private housing and non-residential projects will determine the trajectory of the construction market in the second half of the year."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 15:12:00 -
Direct Payment System for Construction Workers Set to Launch in 2027 Starting next year, a direct payment system will allow construction payments to be made directly to subcontractors and workers, bypassing the main contractor. This initiative aims to reduce wage and payment arrears that can occur in multi-tiered contracting processes.According to government sources, Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Kim Yoon-deok attended a public briefing on the direct payment system in Yeouido, Seoul, on September 10. The revised law expanding the direct payment system is set to take effect on January 1, 2027, without delay.The direct payment system utilizes an electronic payment platform, enabling clients to pay construction workers directly without routing funds through contractors or subcontractors. This includes payments for subcontracting, materials, equipment, and wages. The system emphasizes managing payment routes to ensure that funds are not misused by intermediary contractors.Previously, the mandatory use of the electronic payment system applied mainly to construction projects initiated by the government, local authorities, and public institutions above a certain scale. However, the revised law will extend this requirement to private construction projects of a similar scale.The criteria for private projects will be determined based on the contract amount. If a single contract amount exceeds a threshold set by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the electronic payment system must be utilized. Specific monetary thresholds will be defined in future subordinate legislation.Protections for construction equipment rental payments have also been strengthened. The revised law mandates the use of the electronic payment system for claims related to construction equipment rental fees. Local governments will support some of the payment guarantee costs for subcontracting or equipment rental fees if private construction projects utilize the electronic payment system.Concerns about payment delays in multi-tiered contracting structures have been raised for some time. Typically, payments in construction projects flow from the client to the main contractor and then to subcontractors, and finally to workers or equipment providers. If a contractor's account is seized or funds are used for other purposes, the final recipients may not receive their payments on time.The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions' National Construction Workers Union highlighted these issues in a statement when the legislation was proposed in March. They noted that during the multi-tiered subcontracting process, construction payments have been misappropriated or delayed, leading to workers going unpaid for weeks or even months.Minister Kim Yoon-deok attended the public briefing on the direct payment system but did not announce any additional policy reports or new detailed implementation standards related to the event.Challenges remain to be addressed before the system is implemented. It has not yet been determined at what scale the direct payment system will apply to private construction projects. While expanding the scope of application may help prevent payment arrears, it could also increase the burden on clients and construction companies to adapt to the new payment system.There are also discrepancies regarding the timing of implementation and the imposition of fines for violations. According to the revised Construction Industry Basic Act, which was promulgated on September 8, the regulations related to the direct payment system will take effect on January 1, 2027. However, the penalties for failing to use the electronic payment system when making construction payments will not be enforced until January 1, 2028.Ham Young-jin, head of the Real Estate Research Lab at Woori Bank, stated, "The introduction of the direct payment system fundamentally eliminates the risk of funds being tied up due to misappropriation in the subcontracting process or the seizure of financial accounts of main and subcontractors. This is expected to reduce wage and material payment arrears."However, he cautioned that unlike public projects, in the private sector, clients may not deposit funds into the payment system on time or may face 'fundamental credit risks' such as bankruptcy. He suggested that due to the nature of multi-tiered subcontracting, it may not be possible to guarantee complete safety against unofficial subcontracting that does not appear in formal contracts, emphasizing the need for enhanced detection and monitoring of illegal subcontracting.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 15:12:00
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Record High of First-Time Homebuyers in Seoul Amid Housing Market Turmoil The proportion of first-time homebuyers in Seoul has reached an all-time high. This surge is attributed to rising rental prices, increasing home values, and concerns over supply shortages, particularly among buyers in their 30s who are increasingly relying on loans to purchase homes.According to data from the Supreme Court's registration information portal, the number of registrations for first-time buyers of multi-family homes in Seoul reached 9,343 in August, a 16.7% increase from 8,006 in the previous month. This marks the highest level since August 2020, when there were 12,318 registrations.The share of first-time buyers in total transactions also hit a record high. Last month, first-time buyers accounted for 53.8% of the 17,371 total registrations for multi-family home sales in Seoul, the highest percentage since the Supreme Court began releasing related data in January 2010. This means that more than one in two multi-family homes sold in Seoul was purchased by a first-time buyer.This figure surpasses the levels seen during the housing market boom in 2020. Even in August 2020, when first-time purchases exceeded 10,000, the share of first-time buyers was only 40.3% of the total 25,396 transactions.The increase in first-time buyers is believed to be influenced by the designation of all areas in Seoul as regulated zones following the October 15 measures last year, along with the expansion of land transaction permit zones. This has led to a rise in purchases among younger buyers who can access policy loans. First-time homebuyers can benefit from loans with a loan-to-value ratio (LTV) of up to 80% even in regulated areas through programs like the Didirimdol loan.Notably, buyers in their 30s have shown a significant increase in activity. Last month, 4,855 first-time purchases of multi-family homes were made by buyers in their 30s, accounting for 52% of all first-time transactions. In contrast, buyers in their 40s made 2,419 purchases, roughly half that of the 30s cohort.The proportion of first-time buyers has been steadily increasing this year. From January to August, there were 120,485 transactions of multi-family homes in Seoul, with 57,416 being first-time purchases, representing 47.7%. This is a notable increase of 9.8 percentage points from 37.9% during the same period last year, with the number of purchases rising significantly from 39,728.Market analysts point to a combination of a shortage of new apartment supply, rising rental prices for mid- to low-priced homes, and concerns over increasing home prices as factors driving the resurgence of so-called 'young buyers' in the market.The high dependency on loans among buyers in their 30s further supports this trend. According to a funding plan submitted by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport to Kim Jong-yang, a member of the National Assembly's Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee, from February 10 to the end of July, the total amount spent by buyers in their 30s was approximately 39.6 trillion won, accounting for 37% of the total 106.9 trillion won spent across all age groups, the highest among all demographics.Of this, the amount financed through loans from financial institutions was 15.9 trillion won, representing 40.1% of the total spending by buyers in their 30s. This is higher than the 25.1% for buyers in their 40s and 14.5% for those in their 50s. During the same period, loans taken out by buyers in their 30s accounted for about 56% of the total 28.4 trillion won in loans across all age groups.Buyers in their 30s tend to have relatively less personal capital, with the proportion of funds from property sales at only 18.7%, compared to 37.8% for buyers in their 40s and 43.1% for those in their 50s, indicating a higher reliance on loans during the home purchasing process.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 15:08:20
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Kumho Construction Expands Business Portfolio with New Contracts Kumho Construction is expanding its construction business by broadening its project scope beyond residential and mixed-use developments to include advanced industrial facilities.On September 10, Kumho Construction announced that it has secured contracts for the KINTEX parking complex project, the Jangji parking lot redevelopment, and the construction of Samsung Electronics' Flakt factory in South Korea.The KINTEX parking complex project, for which Kumho was selected as the final bidder on August 31, involves the construction of a parking facility with one basement level and eight above-ground levels in Daehwa-dong, Ilsanseo-gu, Goyang City. The total project cost is approximately 56.3 billion won (including VAT). Kumho will act as the lead contractor with a 60% stake, with construction set to begin in September and completion expected by November 2028.In July, Kumho secured the Jangji parking lot redevelopment project, commissioned by the Seoul Housing and Communities Corporation (SH), with a total project cost of about 350.6 billion won (including VAT). Kumho will also serve as the lead contractor with a 50% stake, maintaining the existing functions of the Jangji bus terminal while developing 658 public housing units, community facilities, and green spaces.Additionally, in August, Kumho Construction signed a contract with Samsung Electronics for the construction of the Samsung Electronics Flakt factory. This project involves establishing a domestic production facility for the Flakt Group, which Samsung acquired. The factory will be located in Buk-gu, Gwangju, with a total floor area of 23,588 square meters, including a main HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) plant, office space, storage, laboratories, and rest areas.A Kumho Construction official stated, "We are continuing to achieve success in various construction sectors and expanding our business portfolio. We aim to strengthen our competitiveness in existing core areas while expanding into high-growth sectors like advanced industrial facilities to secure new growth engines for our construction business."Meanwhile, Kumho Construction reported consolidated revenues of 965 billion won and an operating profit of 28.6 billion won for the first half of this year. While revenues decreased by 3.4% compared to the same period last year, operating profit increased by 30.6%. During the same period, the cost ratio improved from 94.6% to 93.2%, and the company plans to enhance profitability through selective bidding and cost management.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 15:08:10
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Ansan Mayor Lim Min-keun Emphasizes the Value of Pregnancy and Childbirth Lim Min-keun, the mayor of Ansan, emphasized on September 10 that "in an era of low birth rates, pregnancy and childbirth are precious values that our society should celebrate and support together."Mayor Lim made this statement while announcing a commemorative event for the 21st Pregnant Women's Day, scheduled for October 1 at the Sangnok District Office's Citizen Hall, aimed at celebrating pregnant women and their families.The mayor is working to create an atmosphere in the community that celebrates and supports pregnancy and childbirth.The event, themed "A Journey of Ten Months, A Future Together," aims to reflect on the precious values of pregnancy and childbirth and to promote a supportive social atmosphere for expectant mothers.The program will begin at 6 p.m. and run until 6:50 p.m., featuring family-friendly activities such as a photo zone and calligraphy for baby names.Following this, the main event will include a Q&A talk show with obstetricians addressing questions about pregnancy and childbirth, as well as a "Healing Concert" that combines music and picture books.Notably, the event is designed to encourage direct participation and communication among pregnant women and their families, moving beyond a simple commemorative gathering.Expecting mothers and families wishing to participate can register in advance through the Ansan City integrated reservation system or via a QR code, with a maximum of three participants per family.Attendees will receive commemorative gifts, including baby swaddles and the Ansan brand bread "Nojeokbong Starlight Churri." This event also aligns with Mayor Lim's vision of making Ansan a city that is friendly to childbirth and child-rearing, reflecting policies that are closely connected to citizens' lives.The core message is to shift the perception of pregnancy and childbirth from being solely the responsibility of individuals and families to fostering a culture where the community celebrates and supports these milestones together.Above all, the aim is to spread a childbirth-friendly atmosphere in the city through programs that encourage direct participation from pregnant women and families.Citizens have expressed hope that events for pregnant women and families will lead to substantial policies supporting childbirth and parenting.One citizen remarked, "I appreciate the idea that pregnancy and childbirth are not just family matters but are supported by the community," adding, "I hope policies that families can truly feel are expanded continuously."Another citizen noted, "It is important for a culture of respect and consideration for pregnant women to take root in everyday life," expressing hope that the event will contribute to making Ansan a better place for all families raising children.Meanwhile, Mayor Lim Min-keun added, "I hope this event will further spread a culture of respect and consideration for pregnant women, creating a happy Ansan for both mothers and children."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 15:04:10
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South Korean team returns from UAE after assessing Hormuz deployment conditions SEOUL, September 10 (AJP) - A South Korean team sent to the United Arab Emirates to assess conditions for a possible military deployment to the Strait of Hormuz is set to return home Thursday, as Seoul weighs its response to mounting U.S. pressure for a military contribution. The team, which departed for the United Arab Emirates over the weekend, completed its assessment and is expected to return through Incheon International Airport, according to sources familiar with the matter. The delegation is understood to have inspected military bases and ports that could be used by South Korean forces, along with local conditions for maintenance, logistics and other operational support. The UAE, located close to the Strait of Hormuz, hosts Al Dhafra Air Base, one of the major U.S. military installations in the Middle East. With Seoul considering the P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft as one of the most likely assets for a possible contribution, the team is believed to have examined conditions for operating and supporting the aircraft from facilities in the UAE. Officials from the Ministry of National Defense as well as working-level officials from the Foreign Ministry were reportedly part of the delegation. Under the Defense Ministry's guidelines governing overseas military deployments, a fact-finding team sent to a potential deployment area is required to prepare a report on its activities after returning and submit the findings to the National Security Council. That process, however, does not mean Seoul is moving immediately toward a decision to deploy forces. "The fact-finding team was dispatched to assess the regional situation and security conditions, and this assessment does not assume that an actual deployment will take place," a Defense Ministry official said earlier. If discussions advance, the issue could be raised at the NSC as early as next week, but the government continues to take a cautious approach. President Lee Jae Myung's return from a state visit to France could also help clarify the government's position on a possible deployment. The deliberations come as U.S. President Donald Trump has stepped up public pressure on South Korea over its level of contribution to U.S.-led efforts related to Iran and the Strait of Hormuz. In a Truth Social post on Aug. 16, Trump claimed he had asked Lee whether South Korea would join U.S. efforts to denuclearize Iran and received a "No thanks!" response. Requests from Washington for South Korean involvement in the Hormuz mission are understood to have increased through multiple diplomatic and defense channels following Trump's remarks. But the increased U.S. pressure has not necessarily pushed Seoul closer to deployment. The Defense Ministry has also rejected speculation that Washington asked Seoul to send forces before the U.S. midterm elections in November. A ministry official previously said reports that the United States had set a deadline for South Korea to deploy military assets to the Strait of Hormuz were "not true." The issue could surface again during upcoming high-level talks between the allies. South Korean and U.S. defense officials are discussing holding their second-half Korea-U.S. Integrated Defense Dialogue, or KIDD, in Busan next week. While a South Korean contribution to the Strait of Hormuz is not traditionally an alliance issue handled through the KIDD, the possibility that Washington could raise the matter during the talks cannot be ruled out. AJP Takeaways - South Korean team returns from UAE after assessing a possible Hormuz deployment. - Seoul is considering P-8A Poseidon aircraft, but no deployment decision has been made. - The issue could reach the NSC and next week’s Korea-U.S. defense talks. 2026-09-10 15:02:35 -
Shinsegae Considers Chuncheon for AI Data Center Investment Jung Yong-jin, chairman of Shinsegae Group, has identified Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, as a strong candidate for its future artificial intelligence (AI) data center business. This comes as Gangwon Province confirmed ongoing investment discussions with Shinsegae and initiated efforts to expand the power grid, a key requirement for the data center. However, Shinsegae has not yet finalized the site, meaning further steps, including selecting a business operator and negotiating power supply, remain.According to industry sources, Gangwon Province and Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) signed a memorandum of understanding on September 9 to promote the 'Gangwon AI Data Center.' The two parties agreed to collaborate on building a national power grid to enhance the data center's power infrastructure and ensure stable electricity supply. In March, Shinsegae entered into an agreement with the U.S. AI company ReflectionAI to construct a 250 MW AI data center in South Korea, aiming to establish a 'full-stack AI factory' that provides cloud services and customized AI solutions.One of the most discussed potential sites is the Chuncheon Energy Cluster. Governor Woo Sang-ho stated at a press conference on September 7, "Shinsegae is exploring investment opportunities in the Chuncheon energy district, and we are meeting regularly to discuss this." However, he cautioned that no final decision has been made yet.Previously, Shinsegae and ReflectionAI reportedly submitted a letter of intent to invest in the Chuncheon Energy Cluster, which is designed to accommodate up to 300 MW of power demand across eight data center plots. This aligns with Shinsegae's plan for a 250 MW data center.Utilizing deep water from the Soyanggang Dam for cooling the data center is also seen as an advantage. This could reduce the power needed to cool servers and GPUs, making it a favorable condition for an AI data center that must consider both power supply and cooling costs.Internally, the significance of the data center project is growing within Shinsegae. Shinsegae Property is responsible for site acquisition, and Jung Yong-jin was appointed as co-CEO of Shinsegae Property in June. The company plans to integrate AI transformation across its retail operations, including product sourcing, logistics, inventory, and customer management, alongside the data center development.However, some voices caution against assuming Chuncheon as the final choice. Other companies have also expressed interest in investing in the energy cluster, and the selection process for operators is still pending. A Shinsegae Group official stated, "We are considering several locations for the AI data center, including Chuncheon, and discussions are ongoing with relevant local governments."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-10 15:00:10
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Hana Financial Group to Begin Relocation to Cheongna on September 11 Hana Financial Group will begin its relocation to Cheongna on September 11. Starting with Hana Financial Holdings, approximately 2,200 employees from 10 affiliates, including Hana Bank, Hana Securities, and Hana Card, will gradually move to the group's headquarters in Cheongna International City, Incheon, by the end of the year. This marks the culmination of a long-term project that began with the vision for Cheongna Hanadream Town 14 years ago in 2012.According to the financial sector on September 10, Hana Financial will officially commence the relocation of its headquarters on September 11. The move will not occur all at once; instead, it will take place in phases according to the schedules of each affiliate and department, continuing through the end of the year.Once the legal headquarters is relocated next month, Hana Financial will become the first among South Korea's top five financial groups to have its headquarters outside of Seoul. The group plans to consolidate its capital, personnel, and financial capabilities in Cheongna to enhance decision-making speed and strengthen collaboration among its affiliates, including banking, securities, cards, and insurance.The relocation will occur in stages based on the schedules of each affiliate and department. Hana Financial aims to complete the move by the end of the year, considering operational continuity and the working conditions of each organization.The vacated office space in Seoul will not remain empty. Hana Financial plans to reorganize its affiliates and teams currently scattered across various locations in Seoul into the new space created by the move to Cheongna, thereby improving operational efficiency.The group's top executives will also have their workspaces established in Cheongna. A Hana Financial representative stated, "Chairman Ham Young-joo's office will also be set up in the Cheongna headquarters, although a specific timeline has not yet been determined." With the chairman's office moving, the focus of major decision-making within the group is expected to gradually shift to Cheongna.To support employee commuting, Hana Financial will expand its shuttle bus services. Currently, shuttle buses are operating for IT personnel working at the Cheongna Integrated Data Center. In line with the headquarters relocation, the group plans to gradually increase the service area and vehicle capacity based on existing routes, and it will also consider adding new routes as the number of relocated employees becomes clearer.An official event to announce the Cheongna relocation will also take place. Hana Financial is set to hold an opening ceremony for the Cheongna headquarters on October 2, with up to 250 attendees, including government officials and group employees. The event will outline the group's growth strategy, future vision, and plans for co-prosperity with the Incheon region.Hana Financial estimates that the economic impact of the relocation over the next decade will reach approximately 3.4 trillion won. The direct and indirect job creation effect is expected to be around 15,000 jobs, with an anticipated increase in tax revenue, including corporate local taxes, local income taxes, and acquisition taxes, amounting to about 420 billion won.A Hana Financial representative remarked, "Incheon is growing into an international business hub where global companies gather, thanks to Incheon International Airport and Incheon Port. Once the Cheongna headquarters relocation is completed, it will enhance the group's operational efficiency and collaboration among affiliates while establishing a foundation for long-term growth with the Incheon region."Next month, Hana Financial will also move its legal headquarters from Seoul to Incheon. Once the registered address is changed to Cheongna, the transition to the 'Cheongna era' for Hana Financial will be officially recognized. 2026-09-10 14:56:00
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Nearly half of South Koreans oppose Hormuz deployment, poll finds SEOUL, September 10 (AJP) - Nearly half of South Koreans oppose sending military assets to the Strait of Hormuz, a poll released on Thursday shows. The finding comes as Seoul considers contributing to maritime security in the strategic waterway, following the return of a government-led inspection team earlier in the day from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where it assessed conditions for a possible deployment. The National Barometer Survey or NBS, found that 45 percent of respondents opposed deploying assets including maritime patrol aircraft and a logistics support ship, compared with 36 percent who supported the move. Another 19 percent said they did not know or declined to answer. Opposition was particularly strong among supporters of the ruling Democratic Party (DP), with 55 percent against deployment and 31 percent in favor. Among supporters of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP), 46 percent backed deployment while 40 percent opposed it. A team of inspectors from the Ministry of National Defense and other officials recently returned from the UAE after reviewing military facilities, logistics, and operational conditions relevant to a possible South Korean contribution in the region. They are expected to brief the National Security Council on their findings, but Seoul has stressed that the inspection does not mean a deployment will take place, as no decision has been made yet. Cheong Wa Dae said the government was considering various options including providing technical assistance instead of sending personnel. During his state visit to France earlier this week, President Lee Jae Myung also discussed maritime security and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz with French President Emmanuel Macron, though their talks did not cover any specific plans to deploy troops. The issue has gained urgency amid pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly criticized Seoul for declining to assist Washington in its offensive against Iran. Trump said in an Aug. 16 social media post that he had asked Lee whether South Korea wanted to join U.S. operations against Iran and claimed the South Korean president replied, "No thanks!" Trump elaborated the following day, saying he had asked Lee to "give us a little hand" with Iran and questioning why Washington should continue bearing the cost of defending South Korea if Seoul was unwilling to assist the U.S. Trump also linked Seoul's refusal to his decision to substantially reduce U.S.-South Korea joint military exercises. 2026-09-10 14:55:47 -
Financial Supervisory Service to Inspect OK Savings Bank and SBI by Year-End 금융감독원이 지난달 OK저축은행에 이어 연말 SBI저축은행에 대한 검사에 나선다. 업계 1·2위 저축은행의 경영 관리 실태를 잇달아 들여다보는 것이다. 국제결제은행(BIS) 기준 자기자본비율이 권고치를 밑돈 NH저축은행에는 자본확충 등 건전성 개선계획을 요구했다. 10일 금융권에 따르면 금감원은 지난달 말 OK저축은행에 대한 검사에 착수했다. 금감원은 OK저축은행의 수수료 체계 실태를 집중적으로 점검했다. 금감원은 연초부터 고객의 대출 청약철회 신청을 임의로 중도상환 처리하는 등 저축은행 업권의 무분별한 행태를 막기 위해 내부통제를 강화해왔다. OK저축은행은 지난해에도 높은 연체율로 금감원의 현장검사를 받은 바 있다. OK저축은행 연체율은 2024년 말 9.05%로 당시 업권 평균인 8.52%를 웃돌았다. 2025년 말 5.80%까지 낮아졌지만 올해 6월 말에는 6.58%로 다시 상승했다. 그러나 이번 점검에서는 수수료를 중점적으로 살펴본 것으로 알려졌다. 금감원은 연말 SBI저축은행에 대해서도 정기검사에 착수할 예정이다. SBI저축은행의 올해 상반기 전체 연체율은 4.52%로 지난해 같은 기간보다 0.19%포인트 상승했지만 자산 상위 5개 저축은행 평균인 6.19%보다는 낮았다. 다만 부동산 PF 연체율은 20.05%로 전년 동기보다 13.33%포인트 급등했다. 이에 따라 PF 사업장 정리와 충당금 적립, 연체채권 관리 등 부동산 관련 여신의 건전성이 주요 점검 대상이 될 전망이다. 금감원은 건전성 지표가 권고 수준에 미치지 못한 저축은행에 대한 관리도 강화하고 있다. 금감원은 BIS 기준 자기자본비율이 권고치인 11%를 밑돈 NH저축은행에 자본확충과 자금조달 방안 등이 담긴 건전성 개선계획을 요구했다. NH저축은행의 올해 6월 말 BIS 비율은 10.95%다. 저축은행업권에 대한 건전성 압박이 이어지는 것은 PF 부실 우려가 여전히 해소되지 않고 있기 때문이다. 저축은행중앙회에 공시된 79개 저축은행의 올해 상반기 경영공시를 전수조사한 결과 부동산 관련 업종 대출 연체율이 10%를 넘는 곳은 40곳으로 전체 중 절반을 넘었다. 부동산 관련 업종에는 부동산 PF와 건설업, 부동산업이 포함된다. KB저축은행과 상상인저축은행, 대명저축은행 등 3곳은 연체율이 30%를 웃돌았다. 자산 상위 5개 저축은행인 SBI·OK·한국투자·웰컴·애큐온저축은행의 부동산 관련 업종 대출 연체율도 올해 6월 말 12.58%로 지난해 말 9.82%보다 2.76%포인트 상승했다. 업계에서는 부동산 PF 사업장 정리가 이어지고 있지만 지방을 중심으로 부동산 경기 침체가 장기화하면서 남아 있는 사업장의 부실이 오히려 깊어지고 있다는 분석이 나온다. 저축은행업계 관계자는 “부동산 경기 회복이 늦어지는 가운데 시장금리까지 오르면서 연체율 부담이 이어지고 있다”며 “신규 대출을 보수적으로 취급하고 있지만 시장 여건이 나빠지면서 기존 대출에서도 부실이 발생하고 있다”고 말했다. 2026-09-10 14:52:20