Jeonnam-Style Affordable Housing Project: Officially Backed by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport

All Seven Counties in Jeonnam Selected in MOLIT Contest
Secures 117.8 Billion Won in National Funding, Reducing Provincial Burden by 45%
Enhanced Amenities and Accessibility in Line with Government Policy

Perspective rendering of affordable housing to be developed in Sinan, Jeonnam. Provided by Jeonnam Province

The "Jeonnam-style Affordable Housing" project, promoted by South Jeolla Province, has been officially recognized for its policy effectiveness by being selected in the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport’s public contest.

On December 31, South Jeolla Province announced that all seven projects it submitted to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport’s "2025 Regional Proposal-Based Specialized Public Rental Housing" contest, announced on December 30, were selected. As a result, the province has secured a total of 117.8 billion won in government funding over the next three years.

The selected projects, under the Jeonnam-style affordable housing model, include: Jindo County (a residential complex offering hope for young people), Goheung County (apartments with an integrated cultural center), Sinan County (apartments with a library and family center), Yeongam County (apartments coexisting with welfare housing for the elderly), Gokseong County (apartments with a swimming pool and elementary school), Gangjin County (apartments with a sports-themed zone), and Jangheung County (apartments surrounded by forests).

This achievement is attributed to South Jeolla Province’s pioneering introduction of a "construction-type" affordable housing model, which directly addresses population decline and the risk of regional extinction. The model is highly regarded for being a residential policy based on long-term settlement, rather than short-term rentals, distinguishing it from conventional public rental housing.

To prepare for the contest, South Jeolla Province held several practical consultations with the target counties starting from the second half of last year, refining the project plans. The pre-consulting on application documents and presentation materials, as well as the establishment of a joint response system with clearly divided roles between the province and counties, were also cited as key factors in the successful evaluation.

Through this selection, a total of 530 units of Jeonnam-style affordable housing will be supplied. With a total project budget of 215.7 billion won, the inclusion of national funding and loans has reduced the province’s financial burden to about 45% of the original plan, while still expanding the supply scale.

It is also analyzed that the policy direction aligns with the central government’s stance.

President Lee Jaemyung, in last year’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport work briefing, instructed, "Public rental housing should be built in good locations such as near subway stations, and the units should be spacious."

The Jeonnam-style affordable housing project has prioritized locations with excellent access to daily amenities, known as "Slesaekwon" (a neologism referring to areas where residents can conveniently access facilities in slippers), and has been designed with relatively large 33-pyeong (approximately 109 square meters) units to emphasize livability.

South Jeolla Province plans to use this achievement as a springboard to gradually expand the project.

The province aims to increase the number of target counties to nine, expanding the supply to up to 1,280 units, with total government financial support expected to reach 290.8 billion won.

Kim Youngrok, Governor of South Jeolla Province, stated, "The selection of the Jeonnam-style affordable housing project is the state’s official recognition that it meets the needs of young people and aligns with government policy. Based on the secured national funding, we will accelerate project implementation and develop it into a residential model that can be expanded nationwide."

Meanwhile, South Jeolla Province plans to begin move-ins in Jindo County in the second half of next year, with all units to be occupied by 2028.