Hongje-dong is about a 15-minute bus ride from Gwanghwamun. Although it falls within the urban living area of Seoul, apartments with a floor area of 84 square meters are trading for around 1 billion won, which is relatively affordable compared to nearby complexes. The area around Muakjae Station on Line 3 continues to attract interest from potential buyers seeking proximity to work and home. A recent walk revealed that while the excellent urban accessibility is a significant advantage, the steep hills and limited commercial options remain challenges.
Exiting through Exit 3 of Muakjae Station, the first thing that catches the eye is Tongil-ro. Vehicles from Eunpyeong-gu and Goyang and Ilsan in Gyeonggi Province continuously head toward downtown Seoul, with a nearly 30-year-old apartment complex facing a newly built one across a crosswalk.
Gwanghwamun is approximately 3 kilometers away, and Seoul City Hall is about 3.5 kilometers distant. A bus ride from the stop in front of the complex takes about 12 minutes to reach Gwanghwamun. Using Line 3, one can travel to Gyeongbokgung, Jongno 3-ga, and Euljiro 3-ga in under 10 minutes without transfers. However, Tongil-ro, a major arterial road connecting the northwest of Seoul, often experiences traffic congestion during rush hours, making it somewhat difficult to use personal vehicles. A local real estate agent noted, "The bus-only lanes are generally not too congested, but regular lanes can be quite slow."
The first site visited was the Muak Cheonggu 1, 2, and 3 complexes, completed between 1994 and 1997. Although they are just a 2-3 minute walk from Muakjae Station, the atmosphere changes once inside the complex. Built along the slopes of Ansan Mountain, the area features significant inclines, making even a short walk feel steep. Parking conditions are also somewhat limited.
Currently, there is growing anticipation for the reconstruction of Cheonggu Apartments. A local real estate agent mentioned, "Residents are discussing the formation of a reconstruction promotion committee." However, no official procedures for designating a maintenance area or establishing a union are currently underway.
Muak Cheonggu is divided into three sections. The first section consists of 14 buildings with 862 units, making it the largest, while the second section has one building and the third has two. Another real estate agent stated, "Currently, we are collecting consent forms for reconstruction primarily from the first section, and while there is a possibility of pursuing the project with the second section, it will be challenging to include the third section in the plan."
Prices are relatively low considering the urban accessibility. According to the real estate platform Asil, a 84-square-meter unit in Muak Cheonggu 3 sold for 940 million won in April. Recent listings show a 79-square-meter unit in Muak Cheonggu 2 priced at 1.05 billion won. The larger Muak Cheonggu 1 saw a record sale of 1.265 billion won for an 84-square-meter unit in June.
Crossing the street from Cheonggu Apartments leads to a newly built complex, the Seodaemun Prugio Central Park, which opened in 2022. This complex, developed from the Hongje 1 district, consists of 832 units. On a recent weekend afternoon visit, children playing in the playground were a prominent sight. The complex features a daycare center, community facilities, and a small library, with residents frequently seen walking around.
Although the complex is situated on a hilly terrain, getting around is more convenient than expected. Elevators are installed throughout the complex, allowing residents to move between buildings without having to climb the hill directly. The elevators require inputting the building and unit number to operate, restricting access for outsiders. A local real estate agent explained, "While the complex is on a hill, many residents feel there is hardly any incline due to the elevators."
There are currently few rental options available. A nearby real estate agent noted, "There are no rental listings for 20 and 22-pyeong units, only for 25-pyeong units. As the end of this year marks four years since the complex opened, we expect a significant increase in rental listings at that time."
Sales prices reflect the premium for new construction. According to Asil, a 55-square-meter unit in this complex sold for 1.25 billion won in April, while 84-square-meter units are currently listed around 1.5 billion won.
What stood out most while exploring the Muakjae Station area was its proximity to the city center. Both complexes are just a 2-3 minute walk from the station, allowing residents to enjoy the urban lifestyle of Gwanghwamun and Jongno while also benefiting from the green environment of Ansan Mountain. The ability to access both urban amenities and natural surroundings is a defining feature of this area.
In contrast, the local infrastructure is somewhat lacking. While there is no large supermarket, basic shopping is possible at the E-Mart Everyday located near the station exit. The dining and café options are limited, resulting in relatively quiet streets even during the evening. The hilly terrain also appears to be a factor to consider in daily life.
Entering the complex changes the atmosphere. Ansan Elementary School is adjacent, and the Ansan Trail is easily accessible. Some buildings offer views of Inwangsan Mountain, and despite the proximity to Tongil-ro, the interior of the complex remains relatively quiet.
In Hongje-dong, where older and newer buildings coexist across from Muakjae Station, both urban accessibility and natural environment are shared advantages. The older buildings have the potential for reconstruction, while the new ones stand out for their amenities and community features. For those seeking urban living in the 1 billion won range, this area is worth a visit.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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