Land minister nominee Hong Ji-sun vows to coordinate closely with Seoul on housing supply

Hong Ji-sun, nominated to lead South Korea’s Land Ministry, said housing policies would be developed through full consultation with the Seoul government so they work on the ground.

Speaking to reporters on his way to work at the Government Complex Sejong on the 31st, Hong highlighted housing issues in Seoul, including the possible supply of homes in Yongsan Park. He said his years in local government had given him experience of how central policies reach municipalities and operate in practice.

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I will consult sufficiently with the Seoul government in advance so that policies work in the field.

Hong entered public service after passing the local senior civil service examination in 1996 and built most of his career in Gyeonggi Province. When Lee Jae-myung was governor of Gyeonggi, Hong served as head of the province’s Urban Housing Office and helped design policies including the “Gyeonggi Basic Housing” program. He became the Land Ministry’s second vice minister last December, overseeing roads, railways, aviation and logistics.

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I think I have been entrusted with a heavy mission at a difficult time.

If he passes his confirmation hearing, Hong would become the ministry’s first minister with a local-government official background. He described the post as a heavy responsibility and said he would quickly provide high-quality homes in preferred locations, with particular attention to young people and newly married couples.

Hong also promised support for major regional projects and expanded transport infrastructure to promote balanced national development and narrow gaps between regions. On the wider housing market, he called for consistent and predictable policy, saying supply plans should move quickly from government announcement to construction and eventual occupancy.

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Housing policy has a major impact on people’s lives and market expectations.