Changwon Special City in Gyeongnam has secured rental housing for residents of Bongam Apartment Complex, which was completed 43 years ago, and is actively requesting their cooperation in relocating.
On September 9, Changwon City held an emergency briefing at the city hall press center and announced the results of the emergency safety inspection of Bongam Apartment Complex in Masanhwoin District.
According to the city, the safety inspection found that out of the eight buildings of Bongam Apartment Complex, completed in 1982, four were rated D, requiring urgent repairs and reinforcement, and four were rated E, which means they must be immediately vacated.
Of the 129 households in Bongam Apartment Complex, 64 were rated D and 65 were rated E.
On September 8, Masanhwoin District Office sent evacuation orders to the 65 households that received an E rating, but as of now, only one resident has expressed willingness to relocate.
Lee Jaekwang, Director of Urban Policy Bureau of Changwon City, Gyeongnam, is announcing the results of the emergency safety inspection of Bongam Apartment Complex in Masanhwoin District. Photo by Lee Seryeong
The city plans to provide up to 1.5 million won in moving expenses per relocating household, as well as loans for rental deposits covering up to 10 million won or 70% of the required amount.
Additionally, the city will offer rental housing where residents can stay for a minimum of six months and up to two years.
Currently, Changwon City has secured a total of 28 rental units, including 23 units from Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH) and 5 city-owned units.
Lee Jaekwang, Director of the Urban Policy Bureau, stated, "We plan to sign an agreement with Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH) in October so that residents can move in immediately, and we may be able to supply additional LH rental units in the future."
He added, "While residents are living in the rental housing, we will consider various options such as private development or city-level utilization plans."
Bongam Apartment Complex is located in a geographically strategic area connecting Masan, Changwon, and Jinhae, with good transportation conditions and no height restrictions, allowing buildings up to 39 stories in this general residential zone.
In recent years, some reconstruction and redevelopment projects for the complex have been attempted, but they fell through due to low profitability and issues with compensation payments.
Most residents are over 60 years old, and many are expressing concerns that it is difficult to find a new home with only the city's relocation support.
Director Lee explained, "At the residents' briefing on September 5, many demanded compensation before relocating. However, under current regulations, the management entity is responsible for safety measures for privately owned properties at risk, so the city cannot directly purchase or compensate without a specific utilization plan."
He further emphasized, "Above all, we will prioritize residents' safety and focus all administrative resources on this matter. We ask for your cooperation with the relocation plan for safety."
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