Recently, mixed-use complexes equipped with commercial facilities within the development have been gaining popularity. As the real estate market shifts to focus on end-users, mixed-use complexes with high living convenience are emerging as attractive options.
According to Korea Real Estate Board's Cheongyak Home, all of the top five nationwide residential complexes with the highest first-priority subscription competition rates from January to May this year were mixed-use complexes featuring commercial facilities within the development. Regardless of location?whether in Seoul, Gyeonggi, North Chungcheong, or Ulsan?mixed-use complexes have achieved strong sales even amid challenging market conditions.
The key appeal of mixed-use complexes is that residents can enjoy both the surrounding commercial districts and the on-site commercial facilities, allowing convenient access to various amenities. The on-site retail spaces often consist of essential services such as laundromats and convenience stores, directly enhancing the daily convenience of residents. This significantly increases residential satisfaction, ultimately creating a virtuous cycle that generates robust housing demand.
Recently, new terms such as 'Seulsae-gwon'?referring to residential areas where one can access various amenities in comfortable attire like slippers?and 'Pyeonrimium,' meaning convenience itself is a premium, have emerged, reflecting the growing demand among consumers for greater living convenience.
Mr. A, who recently moved from a standard apartment to a mixed-use complex, said, "I had only lived in older apartments until now, but after moving into a new apartment, my daily life has become much more convenient. I am especially satisfied because I can take care of most things without having to go far outside the complex."
Amid this trend, a rare mixed-use complex in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province, has announced a June launch, drawing significant attention. The project in question is 'Harrington Square River Park,' presented by Hyosung Heavy Industries.
The complex is located in the Yeokdong area of Gwangju (Geongan 2 District Urban Development Zone, Block A1), and will be built with five basement levels and up to 39 above-ground floors, comprising four buildings. It will offer a total of 890 units, including 818 apartment units (817 for general sale) with exclusive areas ranging from 59 to 161 square meters, and 72 officetel units with exclusive areas of 84 square meters.
'Harrington Square River Park' will feature on-site commercial facilities, enabling residents to access amenities without leaving the complex. In addition, a wealth of lifestyle infrastructure?including Chamjoeun Hospital, Emart, Geongan Market, CGV, and the Administrative Welfare Center?are all within walking distance.
Furthermore, Gwangju in Gyeonggi Province, where the complex is located, offers excellent accessibility to Seongnam, as well as Songpa and Gangnam districts in Seoul. Residents of Harrington Square River Park can reach Pangyo in about 14 minutes and Gangnam in approximately 40 minutes via the nearby Gyeonggang Line Gyeonggi Gwangju Station. Once the planned GTX-D line opens at Gyeonggi Gwangju Station, Gangnam will be just four stops away.
At Gyeonggi Gwangju Station, construction is also underway for the Suseo-Gwangju double-track railway, which will connect to Suseo Station in Gangnam, Seoul. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2025, and when the line opens in 2030, travel times will be around 10 minutes to Suseo and Samsung, and within 30 minutes to Gangnam, dramatically improving commuting conditions.
For those traveling by car, Gyeongchung-daero and Poeun-daero provide convenient access throughout Gwangju and to Seongnam and Yongin. The newly opened Sejong-Pocheon Expressway (Second Gyeongbu Line) Guri-Anseong section and the Jungbu Expressway also offer easy access to the broader transportation network.
The complex also boasts a pleasant residential environment. Cheongseok Park and Geongan Stream are located directly in front of the complex, allowing some units to enjoy permanent views of beautiful natural scenery, as well as providing ideal spaces for walking and exercise. According to Gwangju City Hall, an ecological and cultural riverside park project is underway along Geongan Stream, featuring abundant landscaping, walking paths, and plazas, with completion scheduled for 2027. Residents will be able to fully enjoy this attractive natural environment.
In terms of educational facilities, Gwangju Elementary School, Gwangju Middle School, Gwangju Jungang High School, the Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education Gwangju Library, and Gwangju City Central Library are all located nearby.
The model home is located at the Yeokdong site in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province, and is scheduled to open in June.
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