Proximity to Work and Leisure... "Gwell Elium Yangju Deokgye Station" Stands Out as a Balance-Type Complex

Accelerating Changes in Residential Trends:
The "Proximity to Work" Keyword Evolves Beyond Simple Distance

Locations with Excellent Transportation Networks and Leisure Infrastructure
Lead the Subscription and Sales Markets

The definition of "proximity to work" is changing. In order to secure more leisure time and achieve a true work-life balance, apartments located in so-called "balance-type sites"—which offer not only convenient access to workplaces but also a full range of leisure infrastructure—are gaining attention.

According to data from Korea Real Estate Board’s subscription platform, in February of this year, "Ssangyong The Platinum Onsu Station" in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, attracted 1,317 applicants for 109 units (excluding special supply), resulting in an average competition rate of 12.08 to 1. The property’s popularity is attributed to its excellent accessibility to major business districts such as Gangnam and Yeouido via Onsu Station, an interchange for subway lines 1 and 7, as well as the presence of extensive green spaces and leisure infrastructure nearby, which contributed to strong subscription demand.

In the same month, "Anyang Station Central IPark Sujain," supplied in Anyang, Gyeonggi Province, also recorded a double-digit average competition rate of 10.29 to 1. This was due to its proximity to Anyang Station on line 1 as well as the pleasant residential environment provided by nearby streams such as Anyangcheon and Hakuicheon.

This growing popularity of balance-type sites is attributed to changes in lifestyle. As the "work-life balance" trend spreads and interest in leisure activities increases, there is a growing awareness that people lack sufficient time to enjoy such activities, leading to a heightened interest in living environments that allow for leisure activities close to home.

According to the "National Leisure Activity Survey" published by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the average daily leisure time per person last year was 3.8 hours on weekdays, falling short of the desired amount of 4.4 hours. Only 67.4% of respondents felt they had enough leisure time, indicating that one out of three people feels their leisure time is insufficient.

Notably, the tendency to feel a lack of leisure time is more pronounced among economically active age groups. In the same survey, the proportion of people in their 30s and 40s who felt they had enough leisure time was 58.8% and 60.3%, respectively—well below the overall average. This contrasts with the retirement-age groups, with 82.6% of those aged 70 and older and 75.2% of those in their 60s reporting sufficient leisure time.

An industry insider commented, "With rising income levels and the spread of the work-life balance trend, there is a growing interest among consumers in residential environments that can improve quality of life. Complexes located in balance-type sites not only offer high satisfaction for residents but are also often positively evaluated in terms of asset value, which is why they are drawing increasing attention."

Against this backdrop, complexes that offer both excellent transportation and pleasant leisure environments—achieving a balance between living and lifestyle—are standing out in the sluggish housing market.

In fact, even as the housing market remains in a wait-and-see mode, complexes in balance-type locations are maintaining solid price growth, with record-high transaction prices being reported. According to actual transaction data from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, an 84㎡ unit at "Deokgye Station Daekwang Rosebian The Metro Palace" in Yangju, Gyeonggi Province, recently sold at a record-high price for this type this year, at 583 million won. Its positive attributes include walkable access to Deokgye Station on subway line 1 and proximity to leisure infrastructure such as the upcoming Deokgye Industrial District Sports Park and the Godeok Life Sports Park.

Additionally, a 73㎡ unit at "Gochon Station Yangwoo Naeanae" in Gochon-eup, Gimpo-si, also set a new record in May, selling for 575 million won. The site's appeal is attributed to its balance-type features, such as being close to Gochon Station on the Gimpo Gold Line and convenient access to Singok Noeul Park.

Accordingly, interest in new apartment complexes with balance-type locations is rising.

Shinyoung and Daebang Industrial Development are currently offering units at "Gwell Elium Yangju Deokgye Station" in Deokgye-dong, Yangju, Gyeonggi Province. This large-scale complex comprises ten buildings ranging from four basement levels to 39 floors above ground, with a total of 1,595 units sized from 49㎡ to 122㎡. Deokgye Station on the metropolitan area line 1 (with express train service) is within walking distance, allowing direct access to major business districts in Seoul without transfers. Moreover, several transportation infrastructure expansion projects are underway, including the GTX-C line and the extension of Seoul Subway Line 7, which are expected to dramatically improve accessibility to Seoul in the future.

The area also features pleasant natural surroundings such as a riverside park and Gojangsan Mountain, and, in particular, the "Deokgye Industrial District Sports Park" is planned to be built directly in front of the complex. Scheduled for completion in 2029, the park will include a six-lane, 25-meter indoor swimming pool, as well as a multi-purpose indoor gym for basketball and badminton, fitness center, GX room, changing rooms, and showers. Spanning a total floor area of approximately 3,904㎡, residents will be able to use these facilities as if they were part of the complex’s community amenities.

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