Attention on 'City O Ciel 1st Complex', a Super-School Zone Ahead of Move-In

- Main homebuyers aged 30-40 with school-age children show high interest in educational environment
- 'City OCELE 1 Complex', an apartment near a school opening in March 2027

Recently, apartments known as ‘Chopuma’?those located near elementary schools?have gained remarkable popularity in the housing market. This is because more than half of the main demand segment in the housing market consists of the 30-40 age group, many of whom have school-age children, making the commuting environment a crucial factor in choosing a residence.

According to data from the Korea Real Estate Board, out of a total of 411,812 apartment sales transactions nationwide last year, more than half?52% (215,801 transactions)?were by the 30-40 age group. Considering that the proportion of apartment purchases by this group was 46% in 2022 and 50% in 2021, it is clear that the 30-40 age group has established itself as a major player in the housing market.

The 30-40 age group generally consists of prospective parents or those with school-age children, naturally leading to a strong preference for Chopuma apartments. With the increase in single-child households and a higher rate of dual-income families, the safety of children commuting alone to and from school is a significant concern. Additionally, due to the Elementary School Environment Protection Act and its enforcement decree, harmful facilities cannot be established near elementary schools, ensuring a good residential environment.

As a result, Chopuma complexes are also highly popular in the subscription market. According to data from the Korea Real Estate Board’s subscription homepage, among the top 10 complexes with the highest first-priority subscription competition rates nationwide last year, seven complexes were located within approximately 300 meters of an elementary school (including planned schools).

There is a Chopuma complex scheduled for move-in this month, attracting significant attention from prospective parents and 30-40 age group families with school-age children. The first complex to be occupied within the Incheon Yonghyeon-Hakik 1 Block Urban Development Project, ‘City O ciel’ (City O ciel), called ‘City O ciel Complex 1,’ is considered a Chopuma complex.

City O ciel Complex 1 is planned to have the tentatively named Yonghyeon-Hakik 1 Elementary School right next to the complex. Most importantly, children can safely commute to school without crossing any roads. The school will be built on a site of approximately 12,000 square meters, with one basement floor and four above-ground floors, totaling a gross floor area of 15,358 square meters. The school will have a total of 36 classes: 30 general classes, 1 special class, 4 general kindergarten classes, and 1 special kindergarten class. Construction is scheduled to begin in September, with the school opening in March 2027.

In addition, childcare and educational facilities such as a daycare center and a small library will be established within the complex. The small library will feature separate reading rooms for males and females (22 desks each), five group study rooms, and one reading discussion room, providing a comfortable and cozy study environment. Furthermore, a ‘Kids Station’ (an indoor space) will be created at the main entrance as a vehicle drop-off and pick-up area to ensure the safety of young children.

City O ciel Complex 1 also boasts diverse landscaping and community facilities. At the center of the complex, there will be a ‘Signature Gallery’ where sculptures and background plantings harmonize in an open space, as well as a ‘Party Garden’ where various resident events such as parties, flea markets, and performances can be held. Additionally, there are spaces throughout the complex such as a ‘Water Playground’ for year-round play activities, a ‘Pet Playground’ for pets, and a ‘Camping Ground’ for enjoying outdoor life.

The community center on the first basement floor includes facilities such as a fitness center, GX room, golf practice range (GDR+), screen golf practice range, putting zone, kids’ room, and locker rooms. On the second basement floor, there is an indoor gymnasium equipped with a multipurpose court for basketball, badminton, and other sports, as well as a rock climbing facility, allowing residents to enjoy various sports regardless of season or weather.

Meanwhile, new units will also be released at City O ciel. The 6th complex (1,734 households) and 7th complex (1,453 households), part of the City O ciel Phase 2 project, are scheduled to be offered within this year.