& Justice
Survey
What is the housing crisis in South Korea?
Index
Demographic Profile of Respondents
Age Distribution: The majority of respondents fall within the 30–39 and 19–29 age groups, indicating the survey predominantly reflects the views of younger and middle-aged adults, the cohorts most actively engaged in the housing market.
Self-Assessed Living Standards: Most respondents described their living conditions as “Average”, followed by “Somewhat Tight,” suggesting notable levels of financial strain among participants.
Current Housing Situation
The most common living arrangements were:
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Self-Owned Home
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Living with Parents
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Living in Rental Housing
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Living in Jeonse Housing
This mix indicates both financial dependency and limited access to independent housing, especially among younger adults.
Barriers to Home Ownership
High Housing Prices were overwhelmingly cited as the primary difficulty in acquiring a home.
This suggests that affordability remains the most pressing challenge, particularly for younger respondents trying to enter the housing market.
Perceptions of Home Ownership
Despite financial challenges, home ownership is considered:
"Very Important" or "Somewhat Important" by the majority.
However, when asked about the realism of owning a home within 10 years:
Responses ranged from "Somewhat Realistic" to "Not Realistic at All."
This reflects a deep aspiration for ownership but also a widespread lack of confidence in the ability to achieve it.
Evaluation of Government Housing Policy
Most respondents rated youth-targeted housing policies as:
"Ineffective" or "Somewhat Ineffective."
This reflects a general disillusionment with current government efforts and highlights the need for stronger, targeted intervention.
Perceptions of the Rental Market
Respondents described the local rental market as:
"Somewhat Unfair" or "Unfair."
This suggests public concern over:
Transparency
Regulation
Equitable pricing
Support for Government Intervention
There is strong consensus that the government should:
"Somewhat Agree" or "Strongly Agree" to strengthen housing support for low-income households.
Similarly, housing price regulation is seen as:
“Somewhat” or “Very Necessary.”
These responses reflect public support for increased regulation and direct assistance to promote housing equity.
Tenants vs. Homeowners: Policy Focus
A mixed but notable sentiment emerged that the government should:
Focus more on supporting tenants over homeowners.
Respondents also widely believed the housing market:
Contributes to social inequality or division.
This highlights a growing awareness of systemic issues and a demand for equity-driven reforms.
Desired Housing Support Programs
There is strong consensus that the government should:
"Somewhat Agree" or "Strongly Agree" to strengthen housing support for low-income households.
Similarly, housing price regulation is seen as:
“Somewhat” or “Very Necessary.”
These responses reflect public support for increased regulation and direct assistance to promote housing equity.
Rental Contract Preferences
Respondents expressed a desire for:
"Somewhat Flexible" or "Very Flexible" rental housing contracts.
This indicates a call for more adaptive, tenant-friendly agreements that better accommodate life changes and economic instability.
Overview:
The survey reveals a deeply concerned public facing significant housing challenges. Respondents overwhelmingly support a stronger governmental role in making housing more affordable, equitable, and accessible—especially for renters and lower-income households. Without effective and inclusive reforms, the gap between housing aspirations and reality will likely continue to widen.