In 2024, the Penthouse Cheongdam apartments, located in the Gangnam district of Seoul, were the most expensive in South Korea, with an actual transaction value of around 16.4 billion South Korean won. This price exceeded that of the second-most expensive apartment, creating a price gap of approximately 3.5 billion won. The most expensive area in South Korea Seoul ranks as the most expensive city in South Korea. As of November 2023, the average apartment price in Seoul stood at around 12.6 million won, about three times the national average. According to the housing affordability index, Seoul received the highest score nationwide. Within Seoul, the most expensive area was Gangnam, whose residents are known for their luxurious lifestyle. Increasing mortgage loans Since apartments constitute the majority of housing in South Korea, it is no surprise that most mortgage loans are granted for apartment purchases. Moreover, mortgage loans have steadily increased over the years, indicating a higher financial burden for housing, in line with the high housing affordability index. Despite the high housing prices, a survey revealed that most respondents thought housing prices would fall over the next year. Although this provides a relatively positive outlook for future developments, the current housing situation has left respondents with a negative impression of the current government’s real estate policies.

The most expensive area in Seoul, South Korea as of December 2024 was Gangnam-gu with an average apartment selling price of around 2.4 billion South Korean won. The Gangnam area, which includes Gangnam-gu, Seocho-gu, Yongsan-gu, and Songpa-gu, is one of the richest neighborhoods in South Korea. What is Gangnam Style?Gangnam has developed greatly since the 1960s with intensive government investment. It literally means 'south of the Han River' and is one of the busiest entertainment districts including Hongdae and Itaewon. Gangnam is also known as a place where people with a high level of education or wealth live. These backgrounds motivated Psy, the well-known Korean singer, rapper, and songwriter, to write his internationally popular song “Gangnam Style”. Luxury apartments in South KoreaThe average purchasing price of apartments in the country has almost doubled in the last 10 years. Part of the reason for this are the multiple luxury-branded apartment complexes in Seoul. Located in Gangnam-gu in Seoul, The Penthouse Cheongdam was the most expensive, with a transaction amount of around 16.4 billion South Korean won.

In September 2024, the average purchase price for apartments over 135 square meters in South Korea amounted to around 7.6 million South Korean won per square meter. This was a decrease of almost two million won per square meter from the previous month for apartments of this size.

Apartment price trends In recent years, apartment prices in Korea have experienced a steady rise, driven by factors such as urbanization and economic growth. Seoul, the capital city, documented the highest average apartment price at about 13.4 million won per square meter. The most expensive area to live in Seoul was Gangnam, with an average apartment selling price of around 2.4 billion won. As of 2024, The Penthouse Cheongdam apartment located in Gangnam was considered the most expensive apartment in South Korea. Its transaction value exceeded 16 billion won, setting it apart from the second-most expensive apartment by more than three billion won. Living in luxury Exclusive districts like Gangnam showcase high-end residences with panoramic city views, luxurious designs, and premium facilities. Over the past five years, there has been a notable increase in the share of luxury apartments in Seoul. More than 60 percent of apartments in Seoul with more than one kitchen and room were valued at over 900 million won. According to a survey, Hyundai's "Hillstate" merged as the most preferred brand for apartments, followed by Samsung C&T’s "Raemian" as the second-most popular choice.

Among apartment complexes with the highest actual transaction prices in South Korea in the second half of 2023, Galleria Forêt offered the most space for parking at around 6.5 parking spaces per household. Galleria Forêt recorded an actual transaction price of around 10 billion South Korean won for 241 square meters in August 2023.

The South Korean luxury real estate market, valued at $43.56 billion in 2025, is poised for robust growth, projected to achieve a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 10% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is driven by several key factors. Firstly, a rising high-net-worth individual (HNWI) population in South Korea, fueled by economic growth and a thriving tech sector, is increasing demand for premium properties. Secondly, the increasing preference for larger, more luxurious homes, particularly in prime locations like Seoul and Busan, is a significant driver. Finally, government policies aimed at stimulating the economy, though potentially impacting affordability in some segments, indirectly support the luxury market by bolstering overall economic confidence. The market is segmented by property type (apartments & condominiums, villas & landed houses) and city (Seoul, Busan, other cities), with Seoul and Busan consistently commanding the highest prices due to their central location and established infrastructure. Major players like Samsung C&T Corporation, Bando Engineering & Construction, and Ssangyong Engineering & Construction are shaping the market through high-end development projects. While the market shows strong potential, challenges like fluctuating interest rates and potential government regulations aimed at controlling property prices could pose some restraints to growth in the coming years. However, the long-term outlook for the South Korean luxury real estate market remains positive due to the continued growth of the affluent population and sustained demand for upscale properties. The international influence on South Korea's luxury real estate market is noticeable, but currently secondary to domestic demand. While data on specific regional contributions isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that Asia-Pacific regions, particularly those with strong economic ties to South Korea, contribute significantly to foreign investment in luxury properties. North American and European investors also likely play a role, though potentially to a lesser degree compared to other Asian markets. The presence of established global developers also highlights the international appeal of the market. Further research would be needed to quantify the precise influence of each region, but the trend towards globalization points to a gradual increase in international investment over the forecast period. Future analysis may consider factors like exchange rate fluctuations and global economic conditions, as they impact foreign investors' participation. Unlocking the Potential: A Deep Dive into South Korea's Luxury Real Estate Market (2019-2033) This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of South Korea's burgeoning luxury real estate market, covering the period from 2019 to 2033. With a base year of 2025 and an estimated year of 2025, the report offers valuable insights for investors, developers, and industry professionals seeking to navigate this dynamic sector. High-search-volume keywords such as South Korea luxury apartments, Seoul luxury real estate, Busan luxury villas, and Korean luxury property investment are strategically integrated throughout the report to maximize search engine optimization (SEO). Key drivers for this market are: 4., South Korea's status as a global business hub can attract expatriates and foreign executives seeking high-end accommodation options4.; Incorporating advanced technology and smart home features making luxury properties more appealing to tech-savvy buyers. Potential restraints include: 4., Lack of foreign investment4.; Stricter government regulation inhibiting the growth. Notable trends are: Reduction in prices creating demand for low-priced luxury real estate.

As of December 2024, the mean purchase price of housing in Seoul, South Korea, amounted to around 866 million South Korean won. The average price of detached houses amounted to around 1.14 billion won while the price of apartments was about 1.13 billion South Korean won. Apartments in South Korea Among all housing types, apartments are the most expensive, costing more than one billion South Korean won on average. Living in apartments is typical for Seoul, as an increasing number of citizens move towards the city, causing high population density. As of 2022, more than 40 percent of all households were living in apartments, excluding alternative housing, such as officetels or goshiwons. Gangnam Style Based on the average selling price of apartments in Seoul, Gangnam is the most expensive area in Seoul to live in, with an average sales price of around 2.38 billion South Korean won. The area became internationally known due to the viral YouTube hit Gangnam Style by South Korean artist PSY. Since Gangnam is known for its wealthy citizens, the song was inspired by their mannerisms.

As of June 2021, around 57 percent of apartments in Seoul, South Korea, were worth over 900 million South Korean won. According to the source, about 22.4 percent of apartments in Seoul were even worth more than 1.5 billion South Korean won.

In December 2024, South Koreans in their thirties were the most active age group in the apartment sales market in Seoul, South Korea. In Seoul, in where expensive apartments are concentrated, it was traditionally believed that older age groups would have stronger purchasing power.

In December 2024, the average price of an apartment purchase in South Korea was around 5.7 million South Korean won per square meter. The apartment price was highest in Seoul with about 13.5 million won per square meter, almost twice as much as following the province of Gyeonggi with around 6.6 million won per square meter.

The centrality of Seoul Boasting a population of over nine million people and accounting for a large part of the country’s GDP, the capital city is both economically attractive and notoriously expensive in terms of housing. Going by mean apartment selling prices, Seoul’s southern and southeastern districts of Gangnam and Seocho rank the highest. Changing trends For a society which traditionally expected for its younger generations to care for their elders, these norms began to soften up in the country. The first two decades of the century saw the share of one-person households more than double. As the principal age groups that reside in such households are younger people, the country is expected to continue building housing units in the future.

In February 2021, the average monthly rent for one-bedroom flats in Seoul, South Korea, amounted to around 510,000 South Korean won, up from about 480,000 South Korean won in the previous month. The average monthly rent for one-bedroom apartments in Seoul has shown an upward trend recently.

Living in Seoul In a metropolitan area like Seoul, housing is a scarce commodity, and prices are constantly rising as a result. The high population density of the capital, and the increasing trend to move towards the city to enjoy urban life is reflected in the housing situation. This can also be seen in the most common type of housing in Seoul, which is apartments. This is a general trend nationwide, with high-rise apartments over five stories being the most frequent type of housing in South Korea.

Single-households are most prominent The most prominent type of household in South Korea is single households, as they make up more than 30 percent of all domestic households. To aid this portion of the public, there are housing support programs single households can participate in. The share of participants for such programs was the highest in loans for housing leases. Other offered programs are subsidies for monthly rent or the supply of long-term public rental housing.

In 2024, there were just over one million housing transactions in South Korea, up from about the 900,000 seen in the two years prior. The number of housing transactions in South Korea has notably decreased since 2020. Housing in South Korea There are around 23 million housing units and counting for the more than 50 million people living in South Korea. Given the mountainous topography of the peninsula and the imbalance in population density between urban and rural areas, there is limited space for constructing houses. Apartments make up most of the housing in the country as they allow for the vertical stacking of housing units. Housing outside of Seoul Detached houses have become more expensive over the years as people want space in Seoul and the surrounding areas. Many people who can afford to commute have purchased houses in the South Korean province of Gyeonggi, which is just outside the Seoul metropolitan area. The island of Jeju, below the southern coast, is also a popular holiday and retirement destination. Far less dense than the capital, detached houses constitute the highest number of housing units on the island.