South Korea eases marriage proof deadline for housing applicants

South Korea's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport has announced regulatory reforms aimed at easing burdens on citizens, particularly newlyweds seeking housing. A key change involves the Shin Shin Hope Town housing project, where the requirement for proof of marriage has been relaxed.

Previously, couples applying for Shin Shin Hope Town under the pre-nuptial category had to provide proof of marriage within one year of the application announcement. This has now been extended to the period just before move-in, typically two to three years after the initial application. This adjustment aims to alleviate the pressure on couples who felt compelled to register their marriage prematurely to meet the deadline.

In addition to housing regulations for newlyweds, several other significant changes have been adopted. The criteria for housing obligation exceptions for long-serving, unmarried military personnel have been expanded. Previously limited to special supply applications, these exceptions will now also apply to general supply applications when personnel are relocated due to personnel orders.

Furthermore, the regulations for minor vehicle modifications are being broadened. The acceptable weight increase limit for modifications has been doubled from 60kg to 120kg. This change is expected to simplify the approval process for lifestyle and leisure-related modifications, such as installing rooftop tents. Toll fee reductions for highways will also be extended to vehicles leased or rented for over a year, mirroring the benefits previously available only for owner-occupied vehicles.

Other reforms include excluding certain structures like non-covered shelters and boiler rooms below a specific size from floor area calculations in older homes, aiming to facilitate maintenance and improve living conditions. The process for architectural permits in rural areas will also be streamlined by integrating rural road improvement approvals into the overall construction permit application.

“

In line with the new government's policy of rationalizing regulations, we will thoroughly analyze the necessity and effectiveness of regulations and boldly improve unreasonable regulations that restrict citizens' lives and corporate activities.