Seoul launches one-stop shop for housing services

Social Affairs

Published: 25 Apr. 2022, 19:26 Updated: 25 Apr. 2022, 19:46

Seoul launches one-stop shop for housing services

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon (right) and Seoul Housing and Communities Corporations (SH) CEO Kim Heon-dong, hang a signboard during a ceremony at the Seoul Housing Welfare Center Yongsan, the city's first housing assistance center, on Monday. [NEWS1]

Seoul will establish housing-assistance centers that provide welfare services, such as home repairs and emergency housing, in every district by 2024.

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon attended the opening ceremony of the city's first Housing Welfare Center in Yongsan District, central Seoul, on Monday.

The city government announced Monday that the capital plans to open additional centers in the Gangdong, Yangcheon and Dongdaemun districts by the end of this year.

The one-stop housing welfare center integrates a comprehensive range of residential services that were previously overseen by different institutions.

The center will provide public housing to an estimated 96,000 people living in places such as jjokbang (a house divided into small rooms to accommodate more people), gosiwon (small studios primarily meant for students), and temporary accommodation on farms covered by vinyl sheets.

The relocation service, which was available in 11 districts last year, will be expanded to all 25 districts this year, and will include aid to cover moving expenses and home essentials.

People who lose their homes due to circumstances such as unemployment, domestic violence, or natural disasters can receive emergency housing assistance for up to one year through the center.

The center will also provide education on real estate policy and finance to young people and newlyweds in Seoul.

Under the Multi-family Housing Management Act, public housing buildings with few households do not benefit from mandatory management services. But the center will provide management services to those with less than 300 households.

The single-person-household management service, used by 771 households since its launch in October last year, will be expanded to over 2,000 households this year. People can make requests ranging from light bulb and window screen replacements to cleaning services and disinfection.

“The housing assistance center that will be set up in all 25 districts will be a strong fence to support citizens with housing problems,” Mayor Oh said. “We will provide help so no resident in Seoul will shed tears or be pushed to the brink due to housing problems.”

BY SEO JI-EUN [seo.jieun1@joongang.co.kr]