Only 16% of Seoul urban housing project units have approval

Seoul’s urban housing program covers nearly 59,400 homes across 34 sites.

Only eight sites, with 9,606 homes, have received project-plan approval, while 20 sites with 36,342 homes are waiting.

Progress has stalled over how much building density to allow and what public contributions to require.

The land ministry raised a special density limit from 1.2 to 1.4 times the legal cap, prompting renewed requests for further easing and a fresh review of earlier agreements.

Seoul says higher density could increase pressure on transport and other infrastructure, and it wants public contributions of up to 20% of a site, compared with the stated principle of no more than 15%.

A ruling-party lawmaker proposed returning approval powers from Seoul to the land ministry, but the minister was cautious, saying negotiations should move quickly.

Changing who approves plans may not resolve delays unless the ministry and Seoul agree on the standards, and Seoul aims to prepare its standards by the end of the year.