In September 2024, the average purchase price for apartments over *** square meters in South Korea amounted to around *** million South Korean won per square meter. This was a decrease of almost *** 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 **** million won per square meter. The most expensive area to live in Seoul was Gangnam, with an average apartment selling price of around *** 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 ** billion won, setting it apart from the second-most expensive apartment by more than ***** 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 ** percent of apartments in Seoul with more than *** kitchen and room were valued at over *** 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.

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 **** billion South Korean won. This price exceeded that of the second-most expensive apartment, creating a price gap of approximately *** 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 **** 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.

As of July 2021, Dobong-gu in Seoul, South Korea, was the district with the highest year-over-year (YoY) apartment price growth, with an increase rate of about ** percent. Nowon-gu and Gangbuk-gu followed with about **** and **** percent YoY growth, respectively.

Discover the booming South Korean luxury real estate market! This in-depth analysis reveals a $43.56B market with a 10% CAGR, driven by HNWIs and prime Seoul locations. Explore key trends, challenges, and top companies shaping this lucrative sector. Recent developments include: August 2023: A new development project calls for turning the Songdo International City R2 Block of the Incheon Free Economic Zone (IFEZ) into a "K-Contents City," according to local sources. As a shareholder in this development project, HYBE will see the construction of multiple expansive residential complexes throughout the city., September 2023: South Korea's real estate landscape as it comes to light that a mere 30 individuals have managed to acquire a staggering 8,000 homes in the country over the past five and a half years. These eyebrow-raising acquisitions, totaling nearly INR 7,446 crore (USD 0.89 billion), have raised concerns and questions about the state of the housing market and the potential implications for average citizens.. 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 options4.2.1.2 Incorporating advanced technology and smart home features making luxury properties more appealing to tech-savvy buyers. Potential restraints include: 4., South Korea's status as a global business hub can attract expatriates and foreign executives seeking high-end accommodation options4.2.1.2 Incorporating advanced technology and smart home features making luxury properties more appealing to tech-savvy buyers. Notable trends are: Reduction in prices creating demand for low-priced luxury real estate.

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

As of October 2025, the mean purchase price of housing in Seoul, South Korea, amounted to around *** million South Korean won. The average price of apartments amounted to around **** billion won, while the price of detached houses was about **** billion South Korean won. Apartments in South Korea Among all housing types, apartments are the most expensive, costing more than *** 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 ** 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 **** 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.

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.

South Korea Residential Real Estate Market was valued at USD 42.8 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 76.5 Billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 7.52% from 2026 to 2032.South Korea Residential Real Estate Market Key DriversThe South Korean residential real estate market is one of the most dynamic and closely watched globally, heavily influenced by a unique intersection of demographic shifts, geographic constraints, and proactive government intervention. Understanding the core drivers of the South Korea residential real estate market is essential for investors, developers, and policymakers. The market's complexity is defined by factors ranging from the nation's aging society to cutting-edge technological adoption.Demographic & Household Structure Changes : A primary structural shift driving the Korea housing market trends is the rapid increase in single-person households, particularly in the Seoul metro area. Fueled by an aging population, delayed marriages, and declining birth rates, this demographic change is fundamentally reshaping housing demand, shifting the focus from large family apartments to smaller, more diverse unit types. Concurrently, the overall aging population creates a growing need for specialized, age-friendly housing, emphasizing accessible designs and community-focused infrastructure. This trend is compounded by ongoing urban migration, where more citizens move to high-density zones like Seoul, Busan, and Incheon, intensifying competition for residential units in already crowded metropolitan centers.Supply Constraints & Land Scarcity : The inherent scarcity of developable urban land, especially in major Korean cities, is a critical supply constraint that significantly amplifies pressure on the existing housing stock. This geographic limitation ensures a high demand-to-supply ratio. Furthermore, the high cost of land in highly desirable areas, particularly in coveted prime school zones, acts as a powerful lever, consistently driving up real estate value in these locations. As urban sprawl is limited, land scarcity remains a persistent, non-negotiable factor underpinning high property prices in the most sought-after districts.

The most expensive area in Seoul, South Korea as of December 2024 was ********** with an average apartment selling price of around *** 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 **** billion South Korean won.

In December 2024, the monthly mean purchase price of apartments with over *** square meters in Seoul, South Korea amounted to around **** million South Korean won per square meter. Medium-sized apartments followed at around **** million South Korean won per square meter.

Most dwellings in Korea were apartments, accounting for around ** percent of all housing types. Detached houses were the next most popular housing type. Living in detached houses has become a trendy option for a comfortable and environmentally friendly lifestyle. Apartments in South KoreaThere are ***** main types of houses in Korea: high-rise apartments, detached houses, and row houses. Apartments are the most common form of housing in Korea. Apartments are usually buildings with **** to ** stories, but there are a few areas where even taller buildings are permitted. 'Doosan We've the Zenith' is an 80-story apartment building located in Haeundae, Busan and was the tallest apartment building in Korea at the time it was built. South Koreans prefer living in an apartment as residential environments, such as shopping centers and sports facilities, are conveniently built around apartment complexes. A surge in housing pricesThe Korean government has announced various policies to stabilize the housing market. In particular, the government has tried to limit the skyrocketing price of the housing market in Seoul. These actions also had led investors in Seoul to turn their attention to other provinces, and housing prices in some regions such as Sejong and Daejeon had increased accordingly. However, this has changed in recent years as in a survey conducted in 2023, most respondents said housing prices would go down in the future.

The apartment auction bid price rate in Seoul, South Korea, stood at around ** percent in January 2025. This was a little more than a *** percentage point increase from the month before. According to the source, the share of successful bids in Seoul that month stood at around ** percent.

As of June 2024, the mean purchasing price for apartments larger than *** square meters in South Korea amounted to around **** billion South Korean won. According to the source, the average price for apartments of the same size in Seoul was more than twice as high at that time.

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.

In February 2021, the average monthly rent for one-bedroom flats in Seoul, South Korea, amounted to around ******* South Korean won, up from about ******* 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 **** 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 ** 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.

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 *** parking spaces per household. Galleria Forêt recorded an actual transaction price of around ** billion South Korean won for *** square meters in August 2023.

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

In 2023, around ** percent of apartments in Seoul, South Korea, with more than one kitchen and room were worth over *** million South Korean won. The proportion of expensive housing in Seoul has increased rapidly over the past five years, not only in Seoul but also in the Seoul capital area, including Gyeonggi and Incheon.

As of the third quarter of 2024, the housing affordability index in South Korea stood at around ** points. The third quarter of 2022 saw the first drop in figures since 2020. The lower the index value, the more affordable a home is for a median-income household. Apartments in South Korea Average apartment prices in South Korea had risen for almost a decade before 2022. The country's popularity worldwide helped it become an economic powerhouse, attracting young workers from the countryside to large cities in hopes of taking part in or benefiting from this growth. As such, apartments are an attractive option for cities, optimizing space as they become more crowded. In terms of financing a new home, the leasehold deposit system exists as an alternative to traditional monthly rentals in Korea. Jeonse and leasehold deposits Jeonse is a leasehold deposit system in Korea where, instead of paying rent monthly, people pay a large deposit equivalent to a share of a property's value. In exchange, the person receives the right to reside in the property as a tenant for a limited amount of time. Granted, the up-front cost is high, and it is common to receive loans from banks to pay for the leasehold deposit. It had traditionally been a popular method as you could live in a housing unit without worrying about rent for *** or two years. However, this system is slowly being phased out as interest rates, the large up-front cost, and cases of jeonse fraud have turned people away.