Housing Minister Calls for Different Approaches to Housing Policies in Urban and Rural Areas

Hong Ji-sun, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, stated that housing policies should be differentiated based on the distinct housing market conditions in urban and rural areas. She acknowledged that there has not been sufficient analysis regarding the preference of young couples for non-apartment housing and their movement towards apartment living, and she plans to initiate related research.

During a National Assembly audit on October 7, in response to a question from Shin Seung-bum, a member of the ruling People Power Party, about the need for differentiated policies to address the polarization of housing markets between urban and rural areas, Hong said, "I believe we need to approach policies for urban and rural areas differently by examining the housing market and living conditions in both regions."

Shin pointed out that while housing prices are rising and supply is lacking in urban areas like Seoul, rural areas are experiencing an oversupply and sluggish demand, leading to unsold properties. He emphasized the need for tailored solutions based on regional conditions.

In response, Hong stated, "The disparities in the housing market and living conditions in rural areas should be fundamentally addressed through balanced regional development, expanding self-sufficient facilities, and creating jobs."

Regarding the housing situation for young couples, she admitted that there has not been adequate understanding of the issue. When asked by Democratic Party lawmaker Bu Seung-chan whether non-apartment housing serves as a 'stepping stone' for young couples, Hong acknowledged, "It is true that we have not conducted practical reviews or observations on the upward movement of young couples from non-apartment to apartment living."

She added, "In the future, we will track and observe how long it takes for young couples to transition from non-apartment to apartment living through commissioned studies."