Acting President Han: "Impressed by Incheon's 'Cheonwon Housing'... Central and Local Governments Must Cooperate on Low Birth Rate Issue"

Visit to the Michuhol District Site in Incheon

Acting President and Prime Minister Han Ducksoo visited the Cheonwon Housing site in Michuhol District, Incheon, on the 24th, where he conversed with Mayor Yoo Jungbok of Incheon while inspecting the residential environment. Photo by Yonhap News

Acting President and Prime Minister Han Ducksoo stated on the 24th, "The low birth rate is the most urgent national issue that must be addressed for the future of our country and the younger generation." He added that effective policies can be developed if the central and local governments combine their ideas and resources.

On this day, Han visited the Cheonwon Housing site in Michuhol District, Incheon, and said, "I am impressed that local governments are taking proactive steps to address the low birth rate issue."

The Cheonwon Housing project is an initiative by Incheon City aimed at easing the housing cost burden for newlyweds and households with newborns. The plan is to supply 500 purchased rental units and 500 jeonse rental units, both available for a daily rent of 1,000 won (30,000 won per month). When Incheon City recruited tenants for the purchased rental units for the first time last month, 3,681 households applied for 500 units, resulting in a competition ratio of 7.36 to 1.

Han emphasized, "Housing is the most fundamental element of our lives, and I believe that housing stability is the greatest form of welfare." He urged, "Please concentrate all government capabilities with a determination to see this through to the end when it comes to securing housing stability for young people and newlyweds."

Han also thanked Incheon Mayor Yoo Jungbok, saying, "Thank you for coming up with such innovative ideas." He added, "The central government must do much more to support these efforts, while local governments should implement tailored approaches that suit their regions."