The Only Basic Local Government in Korea to Win the Top Award
Comprehensive Survey and Grading System for Semi-Basement Homes Implemented
Seongdong District in Seoul (Mayor Jung Wonoh) announced on the 21st that it had received the Presidential Award at the 21st Korea Local Autonomy Management Awards, organized by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety.
The district explained that this award was the result of high praise for the "Seongdong-Style Hazardous Housing Environment Improvement Project," which has been promoted over the past four years. Seongdong District was the only basic local government in the country to receive the Presidential Award at the Local Autonomy Management Awards.
At the 21st Korea Local Autonomy Management Awards, Seongdong District received the Presidential Award. Photo center: Jung Wono, Mayor of Seongdong District. Provided by Seongdong District.
In 2022, when basement flooding in semi-basement homes became a major social issue due to heavy rainfall, Seongdong District made the protection of residents' lives and safety its top priority. To address housing inequality and create a safe environment for all, the district launched the nation's first comprehensive survey and tailored improvements.
In September 2022, a comprehensive survey of 6,321 semi-basement homes was conducted, and flood prevention facilities such as water barriers and operable security windows were installed. Over the following four years, the district eliminated risk factors in 4,072 households, creating a safer residential environment. In 2023, two D-grade houses deemed unsafe for habitation were relocated to above-ground rental housing in consultation with residents, and vacant semi-basement spaces were repurposed as disaster safety equipment storage and self-support spaces.
Seongdong District also drew attention for its differentiated approach, focusing on precise diagnosis and evaluation rather than simple demolition. Based on this, the "Ordinance on the Improvement and Support of Hazardous Housing" was enacted and selected as an excellent ordinance by the Ministry of Government Legislation in 2022. In 2024, the comprehensive survey of semi-basement homes was included for the first time in the Population and Housing Census, reflecting it in national statistical standards. Currently, the district is expanding its scope to include houses over 30 years old, conducting surveys and providing customized support for hazardous housing.
Seongdong District, originally the largest waterfront city in Seoul bordering Cheonggyecheon, Jungnangcheon, and the Han River, has long suffered from frequent flooding due to its geographical characteristics. However, since 2018, the district has steadily strengthened its urban safety infrastructure by expanding three rainwater pumping stations, repairing old sewer pipes, and promptly dredging storm drains. As a result, while there were 273 cases of flood damage between 2010 and 2018, not a single case has occurred in the five years since 2019.
Jung Wonoh, Mayor of Seongdong District, stated, "This Presidential Award is the result of the combined efforts of residents, experts, and partner organizations who have worked together over the past four years to make every home in Seongdong District safe." He added, "Housing is not just a space but a basic right of life, so we will continue to do our utmost to ensure that Seongdong District's hazardous housing environment improvement project becomes a model policy that can be applied anywhere in Korea."
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