High-End Rental Silver Town 'Wirye Simphonia' Supply Draws Attention

- Increasing Single Elderly Households vs. Low Supply, Luxury Silver Town Reflecting W Generation Demand Draws Attention
- Seniors Aged 65 and Over Establish Themselves as Key Consumers in Cafes, Desserts, Cosmetics, and Beauty Industries

With the increasing elderly population, a new generation called the ‘W Generation’ (born between 1955 and 1974) pursuing a premium lifestyle is emerging among them. Compared to previous generations, they are characterized by higher levels of education (Wisdom), greater wealth (Wealth), and a willingness to spend on well-being such as health management (Well-being).

In particular, they no longer simply demand living environments based on ‘age’ but dream of a special life after retirement using the money they have saved for a better quality of life. In fact, a recent analysis conducted in November by Maeil Business Newspaper in collaboration with KB Kookmin Card on card spending by seniors aged 65 and older living in Seoul showed a noticeable increase in consumption at cafes, dessert shops, cosmetics, and beauty sectors. Last year, senior card spending on cafes and desserts surged by 171% compared to the previous year, while spending on cosmetics and beauty increased by 133%.

Despite seniors rapidly emerging as consumers with purchasing power, the supply of silver towns offering various convenience facilities and services remains insufficient. According to the ‘National Status of Senior Welfare Housing (Silver Towns)’ surveyed by the Ministry of Health and Welfare last year, there are only 40 silver towns nationwide, totaling 9,006 households.

Industry insiders say, “Although demand is high, supply is limited, so even high-end senior towns with deposits reaching 1 billion KRW require a waiting period of 2 to 3 years to move in,” adding, “This makes the supply of new rental-type silver towns urgently needed.”

Amid this, the luxury senior housing ‘Wirye Symphonia’ located in Jangji-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul, scheduled for occupancy in March next year, is attracting attention from potential residents. It consists of 115 units across 4 basement floors to 9 above-ground floors. It offers a significant differentiation from other silver towns located on the outskirts of the city by providing access to the abundant living infrastructure and convenient transportation environment of the Wirye New Town.

Within a 10-minute drive are Seoul Subway Line 8’s Jangji Station, Bokjeong Station, and Namwirye Station, offering excellent transportation accessibility. Additionally, the Wirye Tram Line, scheduled to open in 2025, is expected to greatly improve mobility within Wirye New Town. The Wirye Tram Line consists of a main line connecting Seoul Subway Line 5’s Macheon Station and Line 8’s Bokjeong Station, and a branch line linking Changgokcheon to Namwirye Station, which is anticipated to strengthen the public transportation network between Wirye New Town and surrounding areas.

Furthermore, the residential facility includes an internal restaurant designed to allow dining while overlooking a sunken garden, as well as various community facilities such as a nurse’s office, healthcare room, program room, golf, sauna, fitness center, and multipurpose auditorium, designed to support not only residents’ physical health but also provide a psychologically stable environment.

Specialized designs for seniors are also noteworthy. The complex’s main entrance and exit roads are designed with gentle sloped stairs and ramps to allow free access outdoors. It is adjacent to the 4.4 km-long Human Ring elevated walking trail, a symbol of Wirye New Town, and near Namhansanseong Fortress, enabling a lifestyle close to nature.

Within the complex, multiple gardens including the sunken garden, rooftop garden, and first-floor garden are arranged to provide a pleasant and healthy resting space.

The sales promotion center for ‘Wirye Symphonia’ is located in Seokchon-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul, with occupancy scheduled for March 2025. Currently, signing a contract allows move-in with a deposit frozen for four years, and special benefits are offered where residents can choose either a two-month living expense discount or six months of free meal support.