Private Goshiwons in Seoul
Support Provided Upon Meeting Safety and Housing Standards
Applications Accepted from Districts Until the 13th
The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on the 5th that it will provide up to 7 million KRW in heating and cooling expenses to privately owned gosiwons recognized as "Safe Gosiwons."
A goshiwon certified as a 'Safe Goshiwon' by the Seoul Metropolitan Government. Provided by the Seoul Metropolitan Government
Safe Gosiwons are certified and supported gosiwons that meet safety standards such as sprinkler installation and securing evacuation routes, as well as minimum residential area requirements, to ensure residents can live in a safe and comfortable environment.
The city stated, "By supporting heating and cooling expenses, we aim to encourage certification of Safe Gosiwons. Through this, we plan to guarantee a safe living environment for gosiwon residents living in poor conditions and gradually reduce gosiwons exposed to risks."
The support targets gosiwons located in Seoul that have completed business registration after reporting as gosiwon businesses and are expected to maintain operations for at least three more years. Gosiwon operators wishing to participate in the project should submit the required documents to the relevant district office by the 13th. The announcement and application forms can be found on the Seoul city website.
After receiving applications, district officials and home repair specialists will visit the sites to inspect certification criteria. Subsequently, a certification committee and subsidy management committee will be held to select support recipients. Those selected as Safe Gosiwons can receive support covering 50% of electricity and city gas bills incurred from January to September this year, up to a maximum of 7 million KRW.
To obtain Safe Gosiwon certification, a score of 90 or above must be achieved across three categories: Safety, Security, and Comfort. In the Safety category, the presence of various firefighting facilities for disaster preparedness, corridor width and window availability for safe evacuation, and fire compartment installation are checked. In the Security category, the installation of access control systems (such as number or fingerprint recognition door locks) at entrances, and crime prevention capabilities through CCTV installation at entrances or corridors are verified. In the Comfort category, compliance with basic room construction standards, soundproofing structures between rooms to ensure comfort, proper installation of shared facilities such as laundry rooms and lounges, and the presence of restrooms and shower rooms are inspected.
The city will award certification plaques to Safe Gosiwons and register them in the "Residential Safety Net System" within the comprehensive building and housing information system it operates, continuously managing and monitoring resident satisfaction at these gosiwons.
Han Byung-yong, Director of the Seoul Housing Office, said, "Safe Gosiwon certification is a system to raise facility standards to support a safe living environment for gosiwon residents. Expanding the number of gosiwons that can receive this certification will contribute to improving the quality of life for vulnerable residents."
Anshim Goshiwon remodeling construction site in Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Provided by Seoul City
Meanwhile, earlier this year, the city also conducted a gosiwon remodeling support project to improve living conditions. Six selected gosiwons are currently undergoing construction to meet certification criteria such as corridor width, private room area, and windows facing the outside. The construction is scheduled to be completed by the end of this year. Through this, the living environment of a total of 112 rooms is expected to be improved.
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