Gangnam, Gwacheon, and Bundang "Knowledge Industry Triangle Belt" Rapidly Emerging as a Prime Residential Hub for High-Income Earners [Real Estate AtoZ]

Gangnam, Gwacheon, and Bundang Lead Seoul and Gyeonggi in Per Capita Earned Income
Gwacheon Standard 84㎡ Apartment Prices Approaching 3 Billion Won
Only 8,460 New Units Scheduled in the Triangle Belt Over the Next 3 Years
Supply Shortage Intensifies
Sales Boom Continues with Projects Like "Yeoksam Central Xi" Within the Year

The so-called "Knowledge Industry Triangle Belt," connecting Gangnam in Seoul, Gwacheon in Gyeonggi Province, and Bundang in Seongnam, is emerging as a prime residential area for South Korea's high-income and high-asset class. Luxury apartment prices are rising in tandem, and newly built developments are attracting strong interest from both end-users and investors due to their scarcity.

Perspective view of Harrington Square Gwacheon scheduled for sale within the year. The PR.

According to an analysis by Real Estate Info of KB Kookmin Bank price data on December 5, a clear coupling effect was observed: when apartment prices rise in Gangnam-gu and Seocho-gu in Seoul, neighboring Gwacheon and Bundang also experience increases. From January to November 2025, apartment prices in Gwacheon rose by 20.05%, the highest increase in Gyeonggi Province. Gangnam-gu saw an 18.99% rise, and Bundang-gu 14.30%. These figures significantly surpass the Seoul average (10.02%) and the greater metropolitan area average (3.41%) for the same period.

These areas are seeing a concentration of housing demand from high-income workers, thanks to their advanced industrial base and proximity to workplaces. According to the National Tax Service, as of 2022, per capita earned income was 84.19 million won in Gangnam-gu, 67.41 million won in Gwacheon, and 56.7 million won in Seongnam, ranking first and second in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province, respectively.

Actual transaction prices are also reaching all-time highs. As of October 2025, KB statistics show the average apartment price in Gangnam-gu at 3.44973 billion won, Gwacheon at 2.20402 billion won, and Bundang at 1.59325 billion won. The price for an 84㎡ (the standard size) apartment in Gwacheon has already approached the 3 billion won range. In October, an 84㎡ unit at Gwacheon Prugio Summit was traded at 2.8 billion won, while a pre-occupancy right for Prestige Xi (scheduled for occupancy in 2027) was traded at 2.57267 billion won in September. An 83㎡ unit at Jugong 10th Complex, which is slated for reconstruction, changed hands at 2.805 billion won.

Experts believe this upward trend will continue for the time being, citing a preference for new builds, a shortage of supply, and a concentration of high-income buyers. According to Real Estate R114, the combined number of apartment units scheduled for occupancy in Gangnam, Gwacheon, and Bundang over the next three years (2026-2028) is only 8,460.

Among these, Harrington Square Gwacheon at Commercial Block 5 in Gwacheon Knowledge Information Town is scheduled for sale within the year. The development will consist of 359 units (ranging from 76 to 125㎡), and Hyosung Heavy Industries is responsible for construction. The site is drawing attention as a direct-access station area, with Gwacheon Information Town Station on Subway Line 4 (scheduled to open in 2027) directly connected underground to the complex.

Nearby, Gwacheon Galhyeon Elementary School, Yulmok Elementary School, and Yulmok Middle School have already opened, and a new public middle school is scheduled to open in 2028. Synergy effects are also expected with prestigious school districts such as Gwacheon Foreign Language High School.

The architectural design also aims for differentiation. The exterior features a curtain wall look to emphasize luxury, and each unit offers a multi-balcony space of 9 to 10 pyeong (approximately 30 to 33㎡), which can be used as a home caf?, garden, or hobby area. Each unit comes with parking for 1.3 cars, more than five elevators per floor, and a maximum ceiling height of 2.75 meters (in the living room), all of which stand out.

A representative from the sales team stated, "In addition to its direct-access station location, this site can also attract demand from the greater metropolitan area seeking alternatives to Gangnam residences," adding, "It is expected to establish itself as a new luxury residential complex representing Gwacheon."

In addition, general sales are also scheduled within the year for "Yeoksam Central Xi" in Gangnam-gu (87 units) and "The Sharp Bundang Centro" in Bundang-gu (84 units), suggesting that the sales boom in the core of the Triangle Belt will continue.