[Report] "Went to See an Apartment, Found a Resort"... 383 Units Break Tradition with Post-Construction Sale [Real Estate AtoZ]

Villa d'Este Garden in an Apartment Complex... 1,500-Unit Resort-Style Living
Prime Residential Area in New Geomdan-gu... Developer Personally Upgrades Streetlights
Applications for 383 Units Open on the 25th, Results on the 26th, Contracts on t

On the 16th, 4-meter-tall cone-shaped Blue Angels were lined up along the walking path inside the Royal Park City II complex. DK Asia planted an additional 400 Blue Angels inside the complex and 100 outside this year. Photo by Seoyoon Choi

Wang-gil-dong, Incheon, is set to become an independent district next month. Upon arriving near the Royal Park City II complex on June 16, the newly expanded eight-lane Wondang-daero immediately caught the eye. After passing through the entrance and entering the complex, the noise of the city faded away, replaced by the sound of water falling from a stone fountain and gentle music.

Along the walking paths, 4-meter-tall Blue Angels, large Osmanthus, pine trees, and other premium species were lined up, while a European-style garden inspired by Italy’s Villa d’Este unfolded between the high-rise apartment buildings. The landscaping area ratio of the complex is 37 percent, far exceeding the legal requirement of 15 percent. More than 10 specialized sculptures, going beyond the statutory minimum installation requirements, have been placed throughout the site, evoking the atmosphere of a luxury resort.

On the unused land outside the complex, a rye flower field and an 8-kilometer barefoot walking trail made of yellow earth have been created. Beyond simply visual landscaping, the complex offers residents the opportunity to experience a healthy lifestyle both inside and outside, allowing them to walk barefoot on the earth at any time.

Incheon’s First Post-Construction Sale: Experience Before Signing

View of 'Queen's Garden' from the living room window of Royal Park City II. A European-style sculptural fountain and rose garden are created between the high-rise residential buildings. Photo by Seo Yoon Choi

This is Incheon’s first development where construction was completed before units went on sale. Real estate developer DK Asia managed the project, Daewoo Engineering & Construction was responsible for construction, and Samsung C&T Resort Division handled the landscaping, delivering a complex with 1,500 units. It is a case that overturns the traditional pre-sale practice, where buyers of high-priced homes worth hundreds of millions of won sign contracts based only on renderings and model homes. At Royal Park City II, buyers can walk through the completed complex and thoroughly inspect the actual homes before signing a contract.

This post-construction sale approach is reflected in the details of materials and finishes that are not easily noticed. A DK Asia representative said, "Even within the industry, people wondered, 'Could they really pay this much attention?' We put an extraordinary amount of care into the project." As an example, he cited the use of expensive automotive laminated glass for the barrier-free ramps at the main building entrances, instead of the typical steel, providing both openness and safety. He added, "We are continuously upgrading the landscaping and other facilities within the complex."

In particular, DK Asia Chairman Kim Jeongmo was inspired by the Borghese Gallery in Rome, Italy, and devoted special attention from the design stage, including designing the arched ceiling that connects the sauna and swimming pool.

The sale price for an 84-square-meter unit ranges from approximately 660 million won to 730 million won, while 74-square-meter units are priced between 590 million won and 660 million won. The sale price includes about 100 million won worth of options, such as a refrigerator, kimchi refrigerator, system air conditioner, and a total of 33 items. Buyers can move in immediately and enjoy the completed infrastructure by paying only a 5 percent down payment.

Indoor swimming pool provided in the Royal Park City II community facility. Designed with arched columns and chandeliers to create a hotel-style indoor space. Photo by SeoYoon Choi

Currently, community facilities such as the swimming pool, sauna, fitness center, indoor golf range, movie theater, and reading room are provided free of charge. Fees will be set after the residents’ association is established. The on-site music room (karaoke) is available at a 30 percent discount compared to external facilities.

The nearby Royal Park City I, with 4,805 units, currently provides all community facilities to residents for a monthly fee of 25,000 won per household. A DK Asia representative stated, "For Royal Park City II, the current monthly common maintenance fee for an 84-square-meter unit is in the upper 100,000 won range. Even if community facilities become fee-based, the monthly maintenance fee is expected to remain in the 200,000 won range." Separately, the three-meal service operated by Hanwha Gourmet Galleria for residents costs 11,000 won per meal.

Creating an Ecosystem for 36,500 Households: Enhancing Urban Value Beyond Sales

The Wang-gil-dong area, where the complex is located, will be officially launched as "Geomdan District" on July 1, after separating from Seo-gu. With the creation of a new district, administrative offices, including the district office, will be established, and a separate budget will be allocated for expanding local infrastructure. This reflects how rapidly the Geomdan area is growing, to the extent that it now warrants its own autonomous district.

This area forms the central axis of the "Eco Meta City" master plan, a key future project being promoted by Incheon City. The city plans to develop this area, in connection with Geomdan New Town and other zones, into an eco-friendly mega-city with 100,000 households in the future. Incheon City’s vision includes connecting the north-south axis of Eco Meta City with Incheon Urban Railway Line 3, as well as extending GTX-D, Seoul Subway Line 7, and linking with Incheon Lines 1 and 2.

DK Asia is participating in the Eco Meta City project through a private-led development encompassing a total of 36,500 households, in alignment with Incheon City’s plans. Following the completion of the first phase—Royal Park City I and II—the company recently signed a financial business agreement with Hana Bank and Kim & Chang Law Firm for the supply of 16,800 units in the second phase and is currently proceeding with permits and approvals. DK Asia has not limited itself to apartment development; it has also completely replaced old streetlights and planted new roadside trees on nearby roads such as Baekseok Bridge. This reflects the company’s intention to break away from the conventional developer practice of taking profits and leaving, and instead, to enhance and take responsibility for the value of the entire city until the very end.

Expansion of the transportation network is also becoming a reality. The Wondang-daero in front of the complex was expanded from four to eight lanes last month. When the Jungbong Tunnel, scheduled to begin construction in 2027, is completed, residents will be able to reach Cheongna International City in eight minutes, gaining access to major infrastructure such as Costco Cheongna (opened in August 2024), Starfield Cheongna (scheduled for completion in 2027), and Seoul Asan Hospital Cheongna (scheduled for completion in 2029).

Children at the daycare center within Royal Park City II are taking a walk with their teacher. Photo by Seo-yoon Choi

From Royal Park City II, Wang-gil Station on Incheon Line 2 is a 10-minute walk or a 3-minute drive away. Transferring to the Airport Railroad at Geomam Station allows residents to reach Seoul Station in about an hour. Once the direct connection between the Airport Railroad and Line 9 is completed in the future, it will be possible to travel to Gangnam without transferring. Major business districts, such as Seoul Magok District and Gimpo Airport, can be reached by car in approximately 30 minutes.

A shuttle bus connecting the complex and the station is also in operation. The shuttle bound for Geomdan Sageori Station travels between the complex and Wang-gil Elementary School to the station. It operates every 10 minutes from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding lunchtime. For those commuting to Seoul, a separate shuttle to Geomam Station on the Airport Railroad runs during rush hours.

The sites for elementary and high schools within walking distance from the complex have already been secured. The elementary school’s opening schedule is being coordinated in line with the development of 3,000 nearby households, while the high school is in the final design stage and is scheduled to break ground in March next year.

Subscription on the 25th: 383 Company-Owned Units Converted to General Sale

DK Asia will begin accepting applications on the 25th for 383 units of 74 and 84 square meters. Royal Park City II is already in the process of occupancy, and these units, originally retained by the company for rental, are now being offered for general sale in line with the government’s policy to increase housing supply.

Any Korean resident aged 19 or older can apply for this subscription online from anywhere in the country, regardless of residential area or savings account status. The winners will be announced on the 26th, and contracts can be signed from the 27th to the 29th.

A DK Asia representative stated, "For the 'Geomam Station Royal Park City Limited 197' supplied last March, 1,682 applications were received for 197 units, resulting in an average competition rate of 8.54 to 1, and a maximum of 28.6 to 1. The recent announcement by Korea Ratings·KR that DK Asia ranked first in the developer brand reputation survey is attributed to positive feedback from residents regarding post-completion operation, management, and community services."

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