SEOUL — In response to the rising number of single-person households, which now constitute 37 percent of its total household population, the Seoul city government announced on Monday plans to offer shared housing options at a discount. The initiative aims to address the growing demand for affordable living spaces among singles in the city, where one-person households have reached 1.5 million.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the project will kick off in the second half of this year, following the selection of suitable locations and the completion of administrative procedures. The plan includes providing private rooms to single-person households at rates 50 to 70 percent below market prices for comparable studio apartments. Additionally, residents will have access to shared amenities such as kitchens, laundry rooms, and entertainment spaces on a chargeable basis. The city also intends to generate revenue to cover maintenance costs through the operation of various facilities within these apartment buildings, including parking lots and game rooms. Priority for these shared housing units will be given to individuals aged 19 to 39, who will be eligible for up to six years of residency, while those older can qualify for ten years of occupancy, all in locations with essential infrastructure to facilitate easy access to work, school, and healthcare facilities.