Amid This Year’s Heatwave Forecast, ‘Green Spaces’ with Lower Temperatures than Major Urban Areas Gain Attention, 'Hillstate Yangju Okjeong Patio Foret' Draws Interest

- Average Temperature in Housing within Gongse Area 3°C Lower than Urban Areas, Fine Dust About 41% Less... Enjoying Cooling Cost Savings
- ‘Hillstate Yangju Okjeong Patio Foret’ Surrounded by Parks, Gaining Attention as a Comfortable Gongse Area Complex

This summer is expected to be hotter than usual, with heatwave warnings already issued.

Actual usage of air conditioners and other cooling devices has significantly increased, pushing electricity demand beyond last summer's peak. The Korea Power Exchange announced that the highest power demand occurred on the 6th of this month, marking the highest level since the severe heatwave in July 2018.

As hot and humid weather continues nationwide, residential complexes surrounded by parks are gaining attention compared to those in urban areas. Complexes near parks recorded average temperatures 3 to 3.4 degrees Celsius lower (source: Seoul Metropolitan Government) than urban heat islands, with differences reaching up to 7 degrees. Since cooling costs rise by about 8,660 KRW per month for every 1 degree Celsius set on the thermostat, living in green areas offers significant savings on utility bills.

Additionally, complexes surrounded by parks experience less concern about fine dust. According to research by the National Institute of Forest Science, the concentration of suspended particulate matter (PM10) in forests is about 26% lower, and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is about 41% lower compared to urban areas.

As the importance of green spaces such as parks and forests grows, the popularity of residential areas near parks (Gongse-gwon) and forests (Supsse-gwon) is expected to rise in the housing market. The Housing Industry Research Institute's "2025 Future Housing Trends" report released earlier this year showed that 33% of survey respondents prioritize "comfort" when choosing their living environment.

In particular, detached houses surrounded by nature are praised for their excellent ability to mitigate urban heat island effects by incorporating greenery both inside and outside the units. Unlike in the past when the primary purpose was simply to find a place to live, more people are now seeking detached homes that serve as peaceful retreats where they can relax and heal in harmony with nature.

Detached houses offer the advantage of enjoying walks and leisure activities in private gardens without having to travel far. When adjacent to parks and green spaces, residents can escape the heat and enjoy cooler temperatures, comfort, and reduced cooling costs, making such homes highly attractive to people of all ages who dream of rural living.

A real estate official stated, "This year is expected to experience the most intense heat since 2018, and in the real estate market, green premiums such as forests and parks will become key factors influencing the value of residential complexes. While transportation, schools, and commercial facilities can be sufficiently supplied through development, natural environments like forests are difficult to artificially create, increasing their scarcity and value."

Meanwhile, in Yangju City, Gyeonggi Province, the "Hillstate Yangju Okjeong Patio Foret," a block-type detached housing complex located near parks and forests, is currently accepting contracts on a first-come, first-served basis with designated units and buildings.

Hillstate Yangju Okjeong Patio Foret offers a cool and comfortable living environment as it is adjacent to green spaces and provides detached houses with private gardens. The complex is surrounded by Dokbawi Park, Seondol Park, and Okjeong Ecological Forest Park, with Okjeong Central Park and Okjeong Sports Park also nearby. Additionally, spacious service areas such as attics and courtyards are included, allowing for versatile use tailored to individual tastes and lifestyles, and offering more than twice the living space compared to apartments of the same size.

To welcome the rainy season in July, Hillstate Yangju Okjeong Patio Foret plans to hold a Summer Festival at the model house, featuring spaces for children and gift giveaways. Various events and a flea market in collaboration with local cafes are scheduled for Sunday, July 24. On the upcoming weekend (July 16-17), a "Personal Color Consulting" event will be held.