Where Are the Homes of the Wealthy? High-End Residential Trends Examined Through Officially Announced Property Prices

“Where do the wealthy live?” No matter how times change, there is no story that captures attention like real estate. Among them, curiosity and interest in the homes of the rich remain an indispensable topic.

The so-called “world they live in,” high-end residential spaces, have changed their appearance over time. Luxury villas once known as chairman’s residences have passed their popularity to ultra-high-rise mixed-use apartment complexes, and now, residential facilities with rarity that only a few can inhabit are considered “high-end” real estate.

‘High-End’ Trends Seen in Nationwide Apartment Officially Announced Prices

In 2006, the highest officially announced price for an apartment nationwide was the “Traumhaus 5th Complex” located in Seocho-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul. Although not widely known to the public at the time, it was home to many heads of major domestic corporations, including the late Lee Kun-hee, chairman of Samsung Electronics, maintaining its top spot in official prices until 2011.

In the 2010s, several ultra-high-rise mixed-use complexes appeared among the top official prices, drawing attention. In fact, among the top 10 nationwide apartment official prices in 2012, four high-rise mixed-use apartments were included: △ Gangnam-gu’s “I’Park Samsung (46 floors),” △ Busan’s “Haeundae I’Park (72 floors),” △ Seongdong-gu’s “Galleria Foret (45 floors),” and △ Gangnam-gu’s “Tower Palace 1st Complex (66 floors).”

Later, in 2017, “Hannam The Hill” made its presence known by ranking second nationwide in official prices. It was mentioned as the residence of popular celebrities including BTS, becoming known to the public as “high-end real estate.”

And this year, a new trend in “high-end” was discovered in the nationwide apartment official prices. The top spot this year was “The Penthouse Cheongdam (PH129),” with an official price of 16.32 billion KRW (exclusive area 407㎡). This apartment, built with six basement floors and 20 above-ground floors, highlights its rarity with only 27 households and offers top-tier hotel-style services, increasing its value.

‘Aesthetic Life’ Enjoyed by Only 81 Units

The repeated changes in “high-end real estate” over time are interpreted as reflecting the changing age and lifestyle of the wealthy consumers. They prefer special residential experiences that only a few can enjoy, rather than ultra-high-rise, ultra-large living spaces.

In line with this trend, a high-end residential space with only 81 units has been introduced, capturing the attention of wealthy individuals. This is “ASTY Nonhyeon,” located in Gangnam-gu.

“ASTY Nonhyeon,” developed in Ilwon, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, consists of 81 residential officetels with exclusive areas ranging from 48 to 57㎡, built from two basement floors to 20 above-ground floors. With limited supply, it is expected to offer a private living environment and the formation of their own “aesthetic society.”

“ASTY Nonhyeon” is the first project to apply the high-end officetel brand ASTY. The name combines “AESTHETIC,” meaning aesthetics, and “SOCIETY,” meaning society, signifying a residential space embodying the pinnacle of aesthetic value inhabited by people with a high aesthetic sensibility.

In particular, under the brand philosophy “The end of high-end is aesthetics,” great care was taken to maximize aesthetic value from location to exterior and interior amenity facilities.

The exterior applies a grid repetition composition reminiscent of Mondrian’s abstract paintings. Through this, it aims to create a facade that is simple yet three-dimensional, serene yet overwhelming. The lobby located at the main entrance is designed as a lounge with a gallery. The spiral staircase connecting two floors in the lobby serves as an architectural element creating the main flow of the lounge while also standing as an object showcasing dramatic curved aesthetics.

The interior boasts an extraordinary spatial feeling. Compared to typical officetels, it features higher ceiling heights, allowing a penthouse-level openness. Rotating walls and modern sliding doors are applied to aesthetically separate spaces while creating free movement paths.

Additionally, European high-end living brands are applied throughout the home to ensure aesthetic value can be experienced anywhere inside. These include the Italian premium kitchen brand “Modulnova,” Italian high-end living brand “Rimadesio,” “Fantini” faucets, “The Edit” lighting, and “Tarkett” flooring.

Private community spaces are also created. On the top floor, a party pool with an exotic atmosphere will be built, along with a sauna for enjoying personal relaxation and a chef’s kitchen for small parties. Furthermore, high-level hotel-style concierge services such as valet parking and room cleaning will be provided.

“ASTY Nonhyeon,” launching this month, plans to operate its gallery in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, by prior reservation. The construction of the complex is handled by Lotte Construction, which leads high-end residential facilities such as Lotte Tower Signiel, Nine One Hannam, Sinsa Station Mulberry Hills, and Penthill Cascade.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.