Social Economy Housing in Korea: Can it Solve Youth Housing Issues? Key Insights from Anam Life

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Housing models rooted in the social solidarity economy—based on sharing and mutual support rather than ownership—are emerging as a new approach to housing welfare.

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety said Minister Yoon Ho-jung visited Anam Living in Seongbuk District on May 14 to inspect an exemplary housing model grounded in the social solidarity economy.

The visit was organized to observe firsthand how social solidarity economy organizations contribute to housing stability and community recovery and to identify directions for policy support.

Anam Living is an example of a vacant tourist hotel that was converted into urban housing for young people. The social-solidarity-economy firm Aibuki repurposed the property through Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH)’s “specialized acquisition-for-rental” public competition. Units are offered at roughly half the area’s market rents, easing housing costs for young residents.

Beyond basic living units, the building includes shared kitchens, coworking spaces and a rooftop barbecue area, creating communal spaces where residents can live with neighbors and grow together.

After the site inspection, Minister Yoon met with young residents and operators of the social-solidarity-economy housing model to hear about on-the-ground challenges and policy proposals.

At the roundtable, participants also reviewed strong outcomes from the apartment-style community Wistay Byeolnae (a publicly supported private rental program) and discussed the practical challenges facing social-solidarity-economy housing models and concrete support measures.

Yoon said, “Creating the conditions that allow young people to shed housing burdens and grow alongside their peers is precisely the kind of housing innovation the social solidarity economy aims for.” He added, “I hope the Framework Act on the Social Solidarity Economy is enacted soon so the government can provide cross-agency support and institutional reforms to revitalize the sector, enabling more citizens to benefit from integrated improvements in housing, jobs and living infrastructure.”

Reporter Chae Hyun-joo 1835@viva100.com