Public Space of 18 Pyeong Turned into Private Terrace...Controversy Over Illegal Expansion by First-Floor Apartment Residents

Expansion Construction in Resident Common Area
Size Increased from 34 Pyeong to 52 Pyeong Due to Construction
Residents and Local Authorities Demand Demolition
Parties Involved Say "It Can't Be Helped"

[Photo by JTBC]

A resident living on the first floor of an apartment building has come under criticism after it was revealed that they illegally expanded the apartment's common area into a private terrace.

On the 22nd, JTBC reported, "A first-floor resident of a newly built apartment in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, illegally expanded the shared common area used by other residents, adding an extra room and even creating a terrace." The resident, Mr. A, who is the head of an architectural office, moved into the first floor and illegally remodeled the apartment.

Outside Mr. A's home was originally a common area for residents, but he broke through the exterior wall to install a door and built a wall to create an additional room. He also erected a partition wall to block external access, using the space as a private terrace. Due to this construction, Mr. A's apartment increased from 34 pyeong to 52 pyeong, expanding the home by nearly 20 pyeong.

Photo by JTBC

The residents are currently collecting signatures requesting restoration to the original state. Song Chang-hoon, chairman of the prospective residents' association, told JTBC, "Since it is a common area, all residents paid for the area when purchasing their units," adding, "For one individual to use that space is an infringement on the property rights of all residents."

Complaints about noise from the construction have also been reported. One resident said, "The construction starts early in the morning, and later it gets so bad that I can't even eat," adding, "The noise isn't just banging; it's the loud roar of heavy machinery."

The local district office has issued a correction order to Mr. A. A representative from Giheung District Office stated, "If the restoration is not carried out, we will take administrative action," and added, "We will file a complaint or impose fines."

Mr. A admitted to the illegal expansion but said he had no choice. Regarding the reason for the illegal construction, he said, "The household directly affected by the trash and fallen leaves inside is this unit," and "I thought it would be better to convert it into a space that can be managed directly."