Incheon City Council, Public Hearing on Enactment of Support Ordinance for Revitalizing Social Housing

The Incheon City Council held a discussion session to revitalize social housing within the region.

Kim Dae-jung (National, Michuhol 2), Chair of the Construction and Transportation Committee of the City Council, announced on the 26th that on the 24th, a 'Discussion Forum on the Enactment of the Incheon Social Housing Support Ordinance' was held in the Construction and Transportation Committee meeting room to discuss the public role in revitalizing social housing in Incheon.

At the forum, Moon Young-rok, former Executive Director of the Korea Social Housing Association, and Lawyer Kim Yoon-jin of the Dongcheon Foundation participated as presenters. Additionally, Choi Hwan, President of the Incheon Social Enterprise Council; Kim Yong-gu, Director of the Incheon Social Economy Support Center; Lee Cheol-yong, Urban Regeneration Project Team Leader at Incheon Urban Corporation; and Shin Young-mi, Public Housing Team Leader of Incheon City, participated as discussants.

The Incheon City Social Housing Support Ordinance Enactment Forum was held on the 24th in the Construction and Transportation Committee meeting room of the City Council. September 24, 2024.
[Photo by Incheon City Council]

First, Moon, who presented on the topic of 'Current Status and Achievements of Korean Social Housing,' introduced cases of local governments that have proactively worked to revitalize social housing, suggesting directions and possibilities for revitalization through the roles of public and private social housing operators.

Moon emphasized, "Today's social housing is not simply used for residence but must first address various social issues such as strengthening bonds among residents through community activities within the region and responding to low birth rates based on securing housing stability for newlyweds, in order for social housing revitalization to be achieved."

Secondly, Lawyer Kim presented on the topic of 'Current Status and Necessity of Social Housing Support Ordinances,' outlining the legal basis and limitations of social housing in current legislation, and argued that "it is necessary to enact a separate ordinance that systematically includes the definition, supply entities, targets, and support contents of social housing tailored to regional characteristics."

Following this, discussant Choi proposed the need for public financial support to revitalize social housing as a supply entity; Team Leader Shin suggested support for nurturing social housing players; and Team Leader Lee proposed revitalization measures through reviewing mixed social strata in social housing and linking related business and profit models.

Chair Kim stated, "Considering the regional and economic conditions of Incheon, we will prepare institutional support measures so that social housing can function as a tool for regional revitalization and as a housing ladder for various social classes."