Im Jae-man, the head of the National Land Research Institute, stated that merely increasing housing supply in the metropolitan area will not ensure stability in the housing market. He explained that in a structure where resources and capital are concentrated in the metropolitan area, it is difficult to meet demand even with increased supply. He emphasized that housing supply policies need to be pursued within the broader framework of national balanced development.
During a press luncheon held in Sejong on September 15, Im remarked, "In a situation where resources and capital are flowing into the metropolitan area, it is questionable whether we can handle the influx of demand even if we build more houses there. There are people living in areas like Daechi-dong, struggling with high rental prices due to educational issues, and I believe that without reforming these problems, housing stability will be difficult to achieve."
He also stressed that government housing supply policies should be pursued within the context of national balanced development. He noted, "If we continue to supply housing just because there is a shortage in the metropolitan area, it could create a contradictory situation where we are essentially telling people from the provinces to come live in Seoul. The solutions may vary depending on what the top priority policy is, and I believe that the top priority should be national balanced development."
Im believes that the concept of housing stability should not be limited to just stabilizing prices. Since his appointment, the National Land Research Institute has formed a 'Special Research Group on Basic Housing Rights.' He explained, "We can view housing stability from various perspectives, such as price stability, affordability, and occupancy stability. I think we should incorporate occupancy stability, affordability, and appropriateness of residence into the concept of housing stability."
Looking ahead, the research direction will focus on balanced development and housing stability. Im stated, "The most important issues for the National Land Research Institute are national balanced development and the stability of the land and housing market. From the perspective of improving the quality of life for citizens, I believe housing stability is crucial."
Regarding the second phase of public institution relocation, he mentioned that they are researching the connection between target institutions and regional industrial bases. Im said, "We are studying which public institutions should be relocated and where they should go to maximize the relocation effect and align well with the industrial base, but we are not discussing which specific institutions should go to which regions."
He explained that the fifth amendment plan for the comprehensive basic plan for Yongsan Park can only proceed after discussions on housing supply between the government and Seoul City are concluded. Im noted, "After Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Kim Yoon-deok proposed a plan to supply housing in part of Yongsan Park, discussions were halted due to a lack of agreement with Seoul City. However, since some possible areas have been mentioned for utilization, I think there may be room for compromise on that level."
He added, "The fifth amendment plan is necessary, but changes according to the subsequent plan can only be made after discussions related to housing supply are completed. Currently, we are in a situation where we are waiting for those discussions to conclude."
Meanwhile, the National Land Research Institute is a national research organization covering land, urban, housing, real estate, transportation, and construction sectors. Im was appointed as the 19th president in July, with a term lasting until June 30, 2029.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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