Proximity to Workplaces Becomes Key Trend in Regional Areas... Growing Interest in 'Doosan We've the Zenith Cheongju Central Park'

- Preference for "Proximity to the Workplace" Spreads Among the Young Generation
Strong Demand in Both Sales and Pre-Sale Markets with Billion-Won Price Increases
- "Doosan We've the Zenith Cheongju Central Park" Draws Attention Near Cheongju Industrial Complex

Proximity between home and workplace continues to be highly valued in the real estate market. The tendency to prioritize the distance to one's workplace when choosing a residence is becoming more pronounced, especially among younger generations. As a result, residential complexes located near industrial parks are showing strong performance in both the sales and pre-sale markets.

According to the "2025 Real Estate Trends" report released in January 2025 by R2 Korea Real Estate Investment Advisory, Heerim Architects & Planners, and Gallup Korea Research Institute, "proximity to the workplace" accounted for 45% as a location factor considered in future housing choices. This figure was higher than the preference for a pleasant residential/natural environment (36%) and excellent educational conditions for children (30%).

The data also showed that the younger the age group, the more importance they place on the distance to their workplace. In particular, among people in their 20s, proximity to the workplace (63%) was preferred even more than the convenience of access to daily amenities (62%) and local development prospects (28%). This distinct preference is interpreted as being influenced by the work-life balance trend, as people seek to reduce commuting costs and time and secure more personal leisure time.

Based on these preferences, residential complexes with excellent proximity to workplaces have seen significant increases in value. According to the actual transaction price disclosure system of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, a 84-square-meter unit at Yongji The Sharp Lake Park (which began occupancy in November 2017) in Seongsan-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, was sold for 1.05 billion won in September 2025, up 170 million won from the February sales price of 880 million won. The complex is located near Changwon National Industrial Complex, which houses major companies such as Doosan Enerbility, Hanwha Aerospace, and LG Electronics.

The pre-sale market is also showing strong results. In April 2025, Cheongju Technopolis Athera 2nd (A7), located in Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, attracted 16,668 applicants for the first-priority subscription for 152 units (excluding special supply), resulting in an average competition rate of 109.66 to 1. This was the highest pre-sale competition rate in non-metropolitan areas from January to September 2025. The success is attributed to the convenient commute, as Cheongju Technopolis Industrial Complex, which is home to companies such as SK Hynix and LG Household & Health Care, is located nearby.

In the same month, Taehwagang Epit (S1), offered in Ulju-gun, Ulsan, attracted 5,591 first-priority subscription accounts for 126 units (excluding special supply), resulting in an average competition rate of 44.37 to 1. The complex is within a 2-kilometer radius of Ulsan Technopark, which includes companies such as Doosan Mobility Innovation.

Meanwhile, attention is focused on a new complex set to be offered near the Cheongju Industrial Complex. Cheongju is considered an area with excellent proximity between home and workplace, as it is home to Cheongju General Industrial Complex as well as Cheongju Technopolis, which houses many major companies such as SK Hynix, LG Chem, and LS ELECTRIC.

As a result, there is a steady demand for housing, supported by a large base of industrial park workers and other potential residents. This is leading to heightened interest in new pre-sale complexes.

In October 2025, Doosan Engineering & Construction plans to offer "Doosan We've the Zenith Cheongju Central Park" through the Cheongju Uncheon Jugong housing reconstruction and maintenance project in Sinbong-dong, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do. The complex, which features excellent proximity to industrial parks, will consist of 18 buildings with 2 basement levels and up to 31 above-ground floors, offering a total of 1,618 units with exclusive areas ranging from 59 to 114 square meters. Of these, 705 units with exclusive areas of 59 to 114 square meters will be available for general sale.

The future value of the complex is also expected to be high, thanks to various development benefits. First, Bongmyeong-dong (site of the Cheongju Agricultural and Marine Products Wholesale Market), adjacent to the complex, has been designated as an urban regeneration innovation district. This area will be developed as a mixed-use zone, including work, residential, living SOC, and commercial facilities, which is expected to further enhance the future value of the surrounding residential areas.

In addition, large-scale redevelopment projects are underway in the area where the complex will be located, raising expectations for improved residential environments and increased future value. Once these projects are completed, the area is expected to be reborn as a new residential district with more than 15,000 households. As the residential area is redeveloped, significant improvements to the living infrastructure for local residents are anticipated, including the opening of new road networks, expansion of public facilities, and creation of new green spaces.

Meanwhile, the model home for the complex will be located in Songjeol-dong, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do.