Prime minister calls urban housing project 'critically important,' urges agencies to stay on track

Prime Minister Han Seong-sook on Friday urged officials to ensure the urban housing complex project becomes a leading model for both expanding housing supply in city centers and improving deteriorating residential environments.

Han made the remarks during a visit to an urban housing complex project site in Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul, where Han reviewed the progress of the development.

The urban housing complex project is a city renewal initiative in which public entities such as the Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH) directly carry out development in aging urban areas where private redevelopment is difficult. The model improves project viability through floor-area-ratio incentives and accelerates timelines by streamlining complex permitting procedures.

Projects are currently under way at 47 sites nationwide, targeting a combined 85,000 households, with eight districts located in the Eunpyeong-gu area.

Han particularly noted the significance of the Bulgwang-dong site, saying it is the first district to pursue an integrated design-and-construction tender — a mechanism introduced under the Sept. 7 measures to shorten project timelines. "Relevant agencies must take special care to ensure there are no delays," Han said.

Han stressed the urgency of action, saying the area clearly needs residential environment improvements and that swift progress is critical. "Active communication is also important so that residents' opinions can be fully reflected," Han added.