Home, the root of life and the mirror of society - Discussing the Korean housing market in 2025

The essence of the housing problem

In 2025, South Korea's housing issue has emerged as an essential and structural problem that permeates the lives of all citizens, rather than just being part of economic indicators. A home is more than just a space that shields against the elements. It should be recognized as a vital place where human dignity, stability, and hope begin. In the past, rising housing prices were accepted as a natural outcome of economic development however, now they have the opposite effect. The increase in housing prices serves as a genuine financial burden for many, transforming housing from a right into a privilege. This has now become a serious issue throughout society.

Distortion of the real estate market

The phenomenon of skyrocketing real estate prices in the metropolitan area, particularly centered around Seoul, is the result of a structural imbalance that has persisted for several decades. A combination of factors has led to the current market distortion. - Global low interest rates - Abundant liquidity - Population concentration - Limited supply As these elements intertwine, real estate in specific areas has come to be seen not merely as living space but as a means for asset growth. However, this situation has frustrated the housing purchase dreams of young people and the middle class, forcing many to adapt to a 'life without a home'.

Social housing issues

Now, housing issues have transcended individual concerns and have become one of the biggest problems in society as a whole. High rental prices, an unstable rental market, and increasing household debt are threatening the quality of life of individuals. Moreover, this housing instability has negative impacts that extend beyond mere inconvenience, affecting education, health, and family relationships across all aspects of life. In other words, housing instability is intertwined with the instability of human existence. In modern society, the right to housing should be regarded as a fundamental human right, and individuals have the right to ensure a safe and dignified living environment.

The Reality of Housing Rights

As stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, everyone has the right to live in a safe and dignified housing environment. However, the current reality in Korean society is that these rights are not being fulfilled. This is because the disparity in assets and income directly leads to housing inequality, and such gaps create a vicious cycle of inequality across generations and social classes. To address this structural inequality, it is essential to create housing alternatives for the working class and middle class. We need to consider a structural approach to solve these issues.

The need for government policies and participation

The government has proposed several policies to address housing issues, but has not brought about fundamental changes. Policies such as supply expansion often remain at a declarative level or yield only temporary effects. It is now essential for the government to establish a long-term vision without being overly focused on short-term results, and to achieve balanced development through cooperation with local governments. - Expansion of public rental housing - Rationalization of land policies - Reform of redevelopment and reconstruction systems - Strengthening tenant protection legislation These measures are not optional but rather essential.

Civic Responsibility and Solidarity

To solve housing issues, a change in consciousness and solidarity among citizens is more important than anything else. The space of home is not just an individual problem, but a stage of life that the community creates together. Therefore, it is a fundamental right that should not be limited to individual issues, but must be safeguarded by the entire community. We must redefine our concept of home and recognize 'the struggle' as a collective responsibility. At this point, we must gather the strength of society as a whole and make the choice to design a better tomorrow.

Choices for the Future

In 2025, we stand at a significant crossroads. We must decide whether to rely solely on the market and leave it to its own devices or to unite our efforts in pursuit of a better society. The step we take now, the hand we extend, will become the cornerstone that bridges the gap between generations and creates a safe and respectful living environment. We must not forget that a home should no longer be reduced to a market commodity, but should be a vessel that embodies human dignity.