Gangnam-gu Provides Housing for Youth Preparing for Independence

Gangnam-gu Signs Lease Agreement with Korea Land and Housing Corporation; Pilot Operation of Gangnam-style Independent Preparation Housing No.1 from April... (Prospective) Independent Preparation Youth Can Reside for Over a Year with Full Deposit and Rent Support

Gangnam-gu (District Mayor Jo Seong-myeong) is pioneering the pilot operation of one Gangnam-style Independent Preparation Housing unit, where youth preparing for independence can reside for more than one year, a first nationwide.

Youth preparing for independence refers to young people who have no guardians or whose guardians find it difficult to raise them, who have been cared for in child welfare facilities or foster families and whose protection ends after turning 19. To support their independence, the government and Seoul city have been conducting LH and SH rental housing projects, but due to high demand, some have been unable to find suitable housing while waiting. The district is starting the Independent Preparation Housing project at the local government level for the first time to promptly provide housing to these youth.

The Gangnam-style Independent Preparation Housing differentiates itself from experiential living spaces in other districts, where youth can experience independence for a certain period, by providing actual living spaces. Residents can live for one year and, if there is no waiting list, extend their stay for an additional year, up to two years. Furthermore, since the district fully supports the deposit and rent, residents can reduce housing cost burdens and save funds for independence in the high living cost area of Gangnam-gu. During their stay, district office staff continuously monitor the youth’s living conditions and provide ongoing support for their independence.

In March, the district signed a lease contract with the Seoul Regional Headquarters of the Korea Land and Housing Corporation to secure one housing unit for pilot operation. Applicants wishing to move into the Independent Preparation Housing were selected through a fair screening process by a selection committee, and the final residents were chosen. Confirming the strong will of the youth to become independent during the screening, the district plans to secure additional housing units in the future. It also plans to support small household items and home appliances to ensure residents can live comfortably.

Jo Seong-myeong, Mayor of Gangnam-gu, said, “Since last year, we have been implementing proactive support policies such as providing move-in supplies and employment success congratulatory funds for youth preparing for independence. This time, we aim to resolve the most urgent housing issues by providing housing. We will continue to support youth with a parent’s heart so that they can successfully take their first steps into society and become independent.”