SH Corporation Completes Above-Ground Relocation of 228 Semi-Basement Households... "Ensuring Safety of Semi-Basement Residents"

Among a total of 713 households, 425 households are non-residential measures
26 households are undergoing above-ground relocation, and 34 households are being encouraged

Seoul Housing and Communities Corporation (SH Corporation) announced on the 5th that it has completed the relocation of 228 semi-basement housing units it owns to above-ground residences to improve the housing welfare of semi-basement residents.

Since 2021, SH Corporation has taken non-residential measures for 425 out of a total of 713 semi-basement housing units and has relocated the remaining 288 units to above-ground residences, achieving this result. As a result, the non-occupancy rate of semi-basement housing owned by the corporation is 91.6% (653 units).

SH Corporation is currently in the process of relocating 26 units to above-ground residences. The remaining 34 units will be continuously encouraged to relocate above ground.

Kim Heon-dong, President of SH Corporation (center in the photo), is meeting and talking with residents relocating to the ground floor. Photo by SH Corporation

In 2023, SH Corporation conducted surveys on relocation willingness and preferred relocation areas for semi-basement households and has been promoting relocation to above-ground floors. Last year, 110 households were relocated above ground, exceeding the combined total of 104 units relocated in the previous two years.

In addition, efforts are being made to prevent flooding in semi-basement households. The condition of semi-basement houses currently occupied or recently purchased has been inspected, and operable security windows and flood barriers have been installed. Functionality was also checked ahead of the monsoon season.

Furthermore, evacuation guidelines and shelter information leaflets were created and distributed to residents at the end of June. For disaster-vulnerable households, a ‘Flood Damage Prevention Accompanying Partner’ team was formed with the cooperation of local districts. This response system enables immediate dispatch upon receiving reports so that residents can evacuate promptly.

Kim Heon-dong, President of SH Corporation, stated, “In accordance with the government and Seoul City’s policy of ‘gradual elimination of semi-basements,’ we will continue to purchase semi-basement housing while making greater efforts to ensure the safety of semi-basement households.”