Apartments near large shopping complexes — known in the real estate market as "mall-adjacent" units — are drawing growing attention. Demand for residential environments where shopping, culture and leisure are all within easy reach has risen, pushing up the value of complexes close to major retail facilities.
Actual transaction price data from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport shows price gaps emerging based on proximity to large shopping facilities. An 84-square-meter unit at Hwaseo Station Prugio Brissiel in Jangja-dong, Jangan-gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, traded this month for 1.44 billion won ($937,000), setting a new record high. The complex has seen prices climb steadily since Starfield Suwon opened nearby.
By contrast, an 84-square-meter unit at Buk-Suwon Xi Lexvia — located about 2 kilometers from Starfield Suwon — recently changed hands for 1.06 billion won, illustrating the price gap.
A similar trend has emerged in Uiwang, Gyeonggi Province. An 84-square-meter unit at Uiwang Baegun Harrington Place Block 3, within walking distance of Lotte Premium Outlets Uiwang, sold last month for 900 million won. A comparable unit at the less accessible Uiwang Baegun Harrington Place Block 1 traded this month for 785 million won.
Industry observers say consumers are increasingly factoring in lifestyle infrastructure — places where shopping, culture and dining can all be handled in one location — driving stronger preference for homes near large retail facilities.
Against this backdrop, a new apartment supply is planned in Sinmun-dong, Gimhae, South Gyeongsang Province.
HDC Hyundai Development is set to build Gimhae Sinmun Central Ipark in Sinmun-dong, Jangyusinmun District, Gimhae, South Gyeongsang Province. The development will comprise 13 buildings rising up to 25 stories above ground with two basement levels, totaling 1,379 units. Unit sizes will span exclusive use areas of 84, 113 and 128 square meters.
The complex sits near a range of retail, cultural and lifestyle facilities, including Lotte Premium Outlets Gimhae, Nonghyup Hanaro Club, Lotte Cinema and Gimhae Lotte Water Park. Lotte Premium Outlets Gimhae houses numerous brand stores alongside dining and cultural venues.
The complex also offers strong educational access. Sinmun Elementary School, which opened last year, is within walking distance, and Jangyou Middle School and the Yulha-dong hagwon district are nearby.
The natural surroundings are another draw. The Joman River, Joman River Ecological Sports Park, Banryongsan and Yongdusan are all in the vicinity, and the Joman River park golf course is also easily accessible.
Transportation links are solid as well. Gimhae city center is reachable via Chilsan-ro, Ungjang-ro and Jangyou-ro, while the Nam-Jangyou and Jangyou interchanges provide access to neighboring cities including Busan and Changwon. The planned opening of Jangyou Station on the Bujeon–Masan double-track rail line is expected to further improve regional transit connectivity.
A model home is planned in Daecheong-dong, Gimhae, with move-in scheduled for March 2029.
kim3956@heraldcorp.com
