[2026 Outlook] Thirty-Six Experts Name Gangnam as Top Candidate for Highest Housing Price Growth in 2026 [Real Estate AtoZ]

Thirteen Experts Say "Gangnam to Lead Price Growth"
Redevelopment Projects Enter Full Swing
Songpa and Seocho Follow Close Behind
"Full-Scale Redevelopment to Exert Upward Pressure"
Seongdong Tops Non-Gangnam Areas
Mixed-Use Developments in

Thirty-six experts identified Gangnam District in Seoul (13 respondents) as the area expected to see the highest housing price growth rate this year. They cited reasons such as “inelastic supply” and a “unique, irreplaceable location.” This year, the number of new housing units scheduled for occupancy in Gangnam District is noticeably lower than in previous years, and with large-scale redevelopment projects in areas like Apgujeong and Gaepo-dong entering full swing, analysts believe this will drive overall price increases.

Apgujeong Hyundai Apartment. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

Alongside Gangnam District, Songpa District (8 respondents) and Seocho District (7 respondents)-the other two districts commonly grouped as the “Gangnam 3 Districts”-are also expected to experience rising home prices. Songpa District is known for its high proportion of apartments and concentration of large complexes, making it particularly sensitive to market fluctuations. Experts analyzed that the full-scale redevelopment of symbolic, aging complexes such as the Olympic Athletes’ Village and Asia Athletes’ Village will exert strong upward pressure on prices. In Seocho District, the continued occupancy of large branded complexes like Banpo Raemian Trini One and The H Bangbae is expected to significantly stimulate the surrounding market through the “new construction premium,” which is cited as a key reason for the anticipated price increase.

Outside the Gangnam area, many experts highlighted Seongdong District (5 respondents) as a strong contender for the top spot. Seongdong District has a relatively lower entry barrier compared to the Gangnam 3 Districts. In addition, the active mixed-use development of work and residential spaces in the Seongsu and Wangsimni areas was cited as a major strength. Yongsan District (2 respondents) is both an area directly impacted by the shortage of urban supply and a beneficiary of large-scale development projects such as the Yongsan International Business District, which are becoming more tangible. As a result, there are predictions that Yongsan could also record the highest growth rate. The district is considered to have very strong downward rigidity due to robust latent demand compared to limited supply.

Other areas selected by multiple experts are characterized by solid demand driven by policy themes and proximity to workplaces. Bundang District in Seongnam City (2 respondents) was analyzed as being powered primarily by the visible progress of redevelopment projects, following its designation as a leading area for the first-generation new town redevelopment. Suji District in Yongin City (2 respondents) was cited for its clear role as a hinterland for Gangnam and Pangyo, as well as the significant potential for a “balloon effect” resulting from last year’s sharp price increases in Seoul.