Seoul completes first 'Moa Housing' project, 215 units to be occupied next month

Seoul has marked a significant milestone with the completion of its inaugural 'Moa Housing' project, transforming the former Hanyang Villa low-rise residential area into a modern apartment complex with 215 units. This achievement comes four years after the introduction of the Moa Housing initiative in 2022, a small-scale housing redevelopment program designed to revitalize aging, low-rise neighborhoods across the city.

The completed Hanyang Villa project, which broke ground in February 2024, saw the original 99 units replaced by a new development featuring four buildings with a maximum height of 15 stories, accommodating 215 households. Seoul city officials utilized relaxed zoning regulations under the Moa Housing guidelines, allowing for increased building height and density.

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Moa Housing and Moa Town are being actively developed with a target of commencing construction on 40,000 units by 2031.

This initiative was spearheaded by Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon upon his return to office in 2021, aiming to invigorate small-scale redevelopment projects. Moa Housing operates under a broader framework called 'Moa Town,' which integrates multiple Moa Housing sites with essential infrastructure like roads. The city highlights that Moa Housing offers a faster development process compared to large-scale projects, as it bypasses certain approval stages, such as the formation of a steering committee and the approval of management disposal plans.

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The completion of this first Moa Housing project is a prime example of rapidly redeveloping old, low-rise residential areas.

Myung No-jun, Head of Seoul's Housing Bureau, stated that the Moa Housing and Moa Town projects are progressing with a target of commencing construction on 40,000 units by 2031. He emphasized the Hanyang Villa project as a prime example of rapid redevelopment for older low-rise housing areas. The city remains committed to further expanding Moa Housing and Moa Town as a key pillar of private redevelopment efforts, supported by regulatory easing and administrative assistance.

The successful completion of the first Moa Housing project signals a promising new direction for urban renewal in Seoul, addressing housing needs and improving living conditions in established neighborhoods through a streamlined and efficient development model.

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Going forward, we will continue to expand Moa Housing and Moa Town as a pillar of private redevelopment projects through deregulation and administrative support.