Apartments Ideal for Raising Children Near Parks, Schools (Haksegwon), and Libraries Draw Attention
The primary concern of parents in South Korea is ‘education.’ Choosing a home based on school districts has become a cultural norm. Recently, due to the severe low birthrate, parents have been focusing more on their single child, and it is common to see those who concentrate on emotional development and learning from a very young age.
In the real estate market, when discussing ‘educational environment,’ the term ‘Haksegwon’ (school district) is commonly used. However, even within the same ‘Haksegwon,’ more competitive and differentiated environments are demanded in the housing market.
In response, the real estate market analysis firm Real Estate Info has newly proposed the term ‘Gonghakdo’ as a key keyword for the second half of the year’s housing market success, which condenses the idea of a good educational location.
‘Gonghakdo’ combines parks, schools (Haksegwon), and libraries, referring to an environment accessible on foot for children. Recently, concerns about school zone safety accidents, commuting distances, and environments have become sensitive issues, and interest in health has increased, making these factors important in choosing a residence. Libraries not only support learning but also offer cultural lectures and events, which greatly help children’s emotional development.
Quick-moving buyers are already competing to secure apartments in such locations. Thanks to this, these apartments are recording solid performance in the sales market.
Despite controversies over high sale prices, the housing market in Gwangmyeong City saw success with both complexes launched this year. Gwangmyeong Jaideoshap Forena Gwangmyeong Central I-Park, which were sold in May and August, are ‘Gonghakdo’ apartments located within walking distance of Gwangmyeongdong Elementary School, Gwangmyeongbuk Elementary School, Gwangmyeongbuk Middle and High Schools, as well as Gwangmyeong City Yeonsan Library and Hyeonchung Neighborhood Park, attracting the attention of parents.
Outside Gwangmyeong, Indukwon Pursbiel in Naeson-dong, Uiwang City, Gyeonggi Province, which sold out within nine days of the contract opening in May, is surrounded by neighborhood parks including Naeson Sports Park and Hakui Stream Citizen Rest Area, with Naeson Elementary School adjacent. Additionally, Naeson Library is located right in front of the complex, making it easily accessible.
Real Estate Info’s Research Team Leader Kwon Il said, “Given the recent increase in serious crimes in society, parents naturally worry if their children’s travel routes are long. Therefore, apartments located near parks, schools, and libraries that children can easily access are increasingly favored by buyers. Parks and libraries are also great places for families to use together, making such locations competitive due to their emotional benefits.”
Apartments that have parks, schools, and libraries all nearby are also attracting attention. GS Construction plans to launch ‘Anyang Jaieo The Forest’ in Seoksu-dong, Anyang City, Gyeonggi Province, in September. Out of a total of 483 households, 212 units with exclusive areas of 49㎡, 59㎡, and 73㎡ will be available for general sale.
Anyang Jaieo The Forest is adjacent to Hwacheong Elementary School and offers commuting options to Anyang Middle School, Anyang Girls’ Middle School, Chunghun High School, and Anyang High School. The Anyang City Seoksu Library is also located right next to the complex. Surrounded by Waryongsan, Kkotmesan, and Seoksusan mountains, it is a ‘Supswegwon’ (forest district) apartment, and residents can enjoy leisure activities at Anyangcheon, Chunghun Park, and Anyang Saemul Park, providing a pleasant environment.
Additionally, Gwanak Station on Subway Line 1 is within walking distance, and KTX Gwangmyeong Station is about a 7-minute drive away. The planned Manan Station (tentative name) on the Wolgot?Pangyo Line will also be within walking distance, and the Sinansan Line connecting to Yeouido is under construction at Gwangmyeong Station, making access to Seoul by public transportation even more convenient.
Convenience facilities are well-equipped. IKEA, Lotte Mall, Costco, and Chung-Ang University Hospital near Gwangmyeong Station are easily accessible, and facilities such as Anyang 1st Street, Daengri Dan-gil, and Anyang Central Market are located nearby.
A sales official said, “Anyang Jaieo The Forest allows residents to enjoy the core infrastructure of Anyang and Gwangmyeong Station within close proximity, offering excellent transportation conditions and a pleasant environment. We will do our best to prepare a differentiated product so that it can become a landmark representing the region, given its outstanding location and surrounding infrastructure.”
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