Abandoned Houses Reborn as Hot Spots... Gyeonggi Province Launches 'Reborn' Project

This Year, 330 Million Won Invested
Demolition of 32 Vacant Houses in Border Areas
Support for Utilization of Cleared Land

Gyeonggi Province announced on April 23 that it will work with cities and counties in border areas to implement a vacant house renovation project for 2025, aiming to create a safe and pleasant residential environment in these regions.

The renovated appearance of Jori-eup, Paju City. Provided by Gyeonggi Province

Based on a preliminary demand survey, the province plans to carry out the vacant house renovation project by selecting 32 sites that meet the renovation criteria out of 117 applications submitted by seven cities and counties (Goyang, Paju, Gimpo, Yangju, Pocheon, Dongducheon, and Yeoncheon).

For the selected sites, up to 20 million won per house will be provided for the demolition of vacant houses, and up to 10 million won per site will be provided to support the public use of the cleared land.

Addressing the issue of vacant houses is considered a key task for improving the residential environment of residents in border areas. Since 2018, the province has invested a total budget of 4.1 billion won to renovate 542 vacant houses in seven border cities and counties, transforming them into spaces such as public parking lots and parks for community use.

Sung Injae, Director of Balanced Development at Gyeonggi Province, stated, "The vacant house renovation project is not simply about removing empty houses, but is part of our efforts to provide sustainable change and enhance the welfare of residents in border areas." He added, "With Gapyeong County's incorporation into the border area, we will further expand the vacant house renovation project."

Meanwhile, according to data from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, there are approximately 132,000 vacant houses nationwide, with more than half concentrated in areas experiencing population decline. Abandoned vacant houses not only cause crime and safety issues but also accelerate the stagnation of entire regions. In response, Gyeonggi Province is joining central government agencies in developing comprehensive plans for the renovation and utilization of vacant houses and is cooperating to resolve the issue.