- Next to Seongnam, but Home Prices Are Half... Gwangju Draws Attention as an Undervalued Area
- Gwangju Expands Transportation Network, Attracting Genuine Buyers as It Gets Closer to Seoul
Located in the eastern part of Gyeonggi Province, Gwangju City boasts excellent accessibility to the Seoul metropolitan area. It is characterized by its potential, thanks to a pleasant natural environment and a wide-area transportation network. In particular, while it borders neighboring areas such as Seongnam and Hanam, housing prices remain affordable, making it an emerging choice for genuine homebuyers.
According to data on average apartment sales prices for April 2025 released by the Korea Real Estate Board, the average price in Gwangju City is 418.88 million won, which is about 62% lower than neighboring Seongnam City (1.09784 billion won). This is also 113.68 million won less than the Gyeonggi Province average of 532.56 million won.
Considering Gwangju City's location and living conditions, most experts assess that current prices are "undervalued." While it has sufficient value as a new residential area in the southeastern part of the metropolitan area, this value has not yet been fully reflected in prices.
In addition, Gwangju City is experiencing steady population growth and rapid expansion of transportation infrastructure.
The population of Gwangju City was 324,056 in 2015, but over the past 10 years it has increased by about 27% (88,134 people), reaching 412,190 as of April 2025. The Gyeonggang Line stops at Chowol Station and Gonjiam Station, and the Seongnam?Janghowon Road and the Second Yeongdong Expressway run through the area, providing easy access to Seoul and the Gangnam district. In particular, new apartment complexes are being supplied one after another in areas such as Opo, Chowol, and Gonjiam, expanding the residential belt, and there is strong demand not only for sales but also for leases and actual residence in these areas.
Above all, Gwangju City is attractive because it still has "upside potential" that has not yet plateaued. A real estate expert commented, "There are a series of positive factors that are increasing future value, but current prices are still below the Gyeonggi Province average," adding, "As genuine and investment demand flows in, prices are expected to gradually catch up with those of neighboring areas."
Amid these trends, Hyosung Heavy Industries has announced that it will begin sales of "Harrington Square River Park" in Gwangju City, Gyeonggi Province, in June. As the tallest complex in Gwangju City, and with outstanding infrastructure in transportation, living conveniences, and nature, it is expected to become a landmark representing the area.
Harrington Square River Park is located in the Yeok-dong area of Gwangju City, Gyeonggi Province, and will consist of four buildings ranging from five basement levels to a maximum of 39 above-ground floors, with exclusive areas of 59 to 161 square meters. The complex will offer 818 apartment units and 72 officetel units, for a total of 890 units.
Gwangju City, where the complex will be built, offers excellent accessibility to Seongnam City and the Songpa and Gangnam districts of Seoul. Residents of Harrington Square River Park can reach Pangyo in about 14 minutes and Gangnam in about 40 minutes via the nearby Gyeonggang Line Gyeonggi Gwangju Station. When the GTX-D line (planned) opens at Gyeonggi Gwangju Station, it will be just four stops to Gangnam.
At Gyeonggi Gwangju Station, the construction of the Suseo?Gwangju double-track railway, which will connect to Suseo Station in Seoul's Gangnam district, is also underway. Construction is scheduled to begin in June this year, and when it opens in 2030, it will take just over 10 minutes to reach Suseo and Samsung, and less than 30 minutes to Gangnam, dramatically improving the commuting environment.
The model home will be located in Yeok-dong, Gwangju City, Gyeonggi Province, and is scheduled to open in June.
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