The “Saetteul Village Project,” introduced 10 years ago, has significantly transformed urban vulnerable areas in South Korea. Initially, these areas lacked basic infrastructure like indoor plumbing and had shared public toilets. Today, thanks to initiatives led by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport, these neighborhoods now have city gas, proper sewage systems, and enhanced safety measures such as CCTV installations.
The project has repaired 6,270 homes and demolished 1,317 vacant houses. It has also established 216 communal facilities such as city gas and sewage lines. Notable private sector companies like KCC, Commax, Kyungdong Navien, and KCC Shinhan Wallpaper have participated by supplying materials and expertise.
Since 2015, the initiative has targeted older districts commonly referred to as shantytowns or refugee villages, characterized by outdated homes predominantly inhabited by the elderly or low-income residents. The goal is to install fundamental infrastructure and renovate dilapidated homes to improve living conditions.
To date, the project has been implemented in 182 villages, with 98 completed and 79 ongoing, involving a total budget of approximately 542.5 billion won. Among the funding, about 379.8 billion won came from the national budget. The initiative has not only facilitated the installation of water, sewer, and gas connections but also added amenities like parking lots, communal laundry facilities, and community spaces.
The impact on residents has been significant: a satisfaction survey conducted by the ministry revealed that 87.2% of respondents were satisfied, with 24.5% expressing “very satisfied.” Residents reported high satisfaction with the improved living facilities, disaster prevention infrastructure, and home renovations.
Moreover, the project complements other government initiatives, such as the Ministry of Justice’s crime prevention environmental improvement and the Ministry of Environment’s asbestos roof removal programs. Since 2018, the project has incorporated private sector collaboration, repairing homes using private funding and expertise in 32 villages, impacting 1,104 homes.
The project plans to expand further, with the ministry planning to implement the private-public partnership house repair initiative in approximately 250 homes in selected areas like Yeongju, Bonghwa, Yeongcheon in Gyeongbuk, Gwangyang in Jeonnam, and Samcheok in Gangwon this year. Lee Sang-joo, Director of the Ministry of Land and Urban Affairs, emphasized the intent to ensure a minimum quality of life nationwide and called for continued collaboration between the public and private sectors.