South Korea Luxury Residential Real Estate Market

The South Korea luxury residential real estate market, valued at USD 43 Bn, is growing due to rising affluence, urbanization, and demand for premium properties in Seoul, Busan, and Jeju.

Region:Asia

Author(s):Shubham

Product Code:KRAA1886

Pages:91

Published On:August 2025

About the Report

Base Year 2024

South Korea Luxury Residential Real Estate Market Overview

  • The South Korea Luxury Residential Real Estate Market is valued at approximately USD 43 billion, based on a five-year historical analysis. This growth is primarily driven by increasing demand from high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs), coupled with a robust economy and urbanization trends. The luxury segment has seen a surge in interest due to rising disposable incomes and a growing preference for premium living spaces.
  • Key cities dominating this market include Seoul, Busan, and Jeju. Seoul, as the capital, attracts significant investment due to its economic opportunities and cultural significance. Busan, known for its coastal lifestyle, appeals to affluent buyers seeking luxury residences, while Jeju is favored for its resort-style living, making these locations prime targets for luxury real estate development.
  • In 2023, the South Korean government implemented regulations aimed at stabilizing the housing market, including measures to curb speculative buying and promote affordable housing. These regulations are designed to ensure sustainable growth in the luxury residential sector while addressing the needs of the broader population.
South Korea Luxury Residential Real Estate Market Size

South Korea Luxury Residential Real Estate Market Segmentation

By Type:The luxury residential real estate market in South Korea is segmented into various types, including apartments and condominiums, villas and landed houses, branded residences, luxury officetels, and other prime formats. Among these, apartments and condominiums, particularly high-rise and ultra-luxury towers, dominate the market due to their appeal to urban dwellers seeking modern amenities and convenience. The trend towards vertical living in metropolitan areas has led to a significant demand for these properties, making them the leading sub-segment.

South Korea Luxury Residential Real Estate Market segmentation by Type.

By Buyer Profile:The buyer profile in the luxury residential real estate market is diverse, encompassing domestic high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), expatriates, institutional buyers, and investment funds. Domestic HNWIs and UHNWIs represent the largest segment, driven by a growing affluent class seeking luxury properties for personal use and investment. Expatriates and foreign private buyers are also significant, attracted by South Korea's stable economy and lifestyle offerings.

South Korea Luxury Residential Real Estate Market segmentation by Buyer Profile.

South Korea Luxury Residential Real Estate Market Competitive Landscape

The South Korea Luxury Residential Real Estate Market is characterized by a dynamic mix of regional and international players. Leading participants such as Samsung C&T Corporation (Raemian, Raemian One Bailey), Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd. (The H, Hillstate), Daewoo Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd. (Prugio Summit), GS Engineering & Construction Corp. (Xi), SK ecoplant Co., Ltd. (SK View), Lotte E&C Co., Ltd. (Lotte Castle, Signiel Residences), Hanwha Engineering & Construction Corp. (Forena), POSCO E&C (POSCO E&C, The Sharp), HDC Hyundai Development Company (IPARK, HDC Lab), Hoban Construction Co., Ltd. (Taeyoung • Hoban Maison, De View), DL E&C Co., Ltd. (Acro by Daelim), SH Corporation (Seoul Housing & Communities Corp.), Korea Land & Housing Corporation (LH), KB Kookmin Bank (Real Estate Finance & Wealth Management), Shinhan Bank (Private Banking & Mortgage for HNWIs) contribute to innovation, geographic expansion, and service delivery in this space.

Samsung C&T Corporation

1938

Seoul, South Korea

Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd.

1947

Seoul, South Korea

Daewoo Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd.

1973

Seoul, South Korea

GS Engineering & Construction Corp.

1969

Seoul, South Korea

SK ecoplant Co., Ltd.

1977

Seoul, South Korea

Company

Establishment Year

Headquarters

Premium Portfolio Size (units, GFA m²)

Share of Luxury in Total Residential Sales (%)

Average Selling Price (ASP) in Luxury (KRW/m² and price per unit)

Pre-Sales Rate at Launch (%)

Construction Pipeline (projects/units under development)

Delivery Timeliness (projects delivered on/before schedule %)

South Korea Luxury Residential Real Estate Market Industry Analysis

Growth Drivers

  • Increasing Affluence and Disposable Income:The number of high-income households in South Korea has surged, with over 1.5 million households earning more than 100 million KRW annually as of in future. This increase in affluence has led to a rise in disposable income, which reached approximately 4.1 trillion KRW in future. As a result, affluent consumers are increasingly seeking luxury residential properties, driving demand in the high-end real estate market.
  • Urbanization and Migration to Major Cities:South Korea's urban population is projected to reach 53 million by in future, with a significant influx into cities like Seoul and Busan. This urban migration is fueled by job opportunities and lifestyle preferences, leading to a heightened demand for luxury residential spaces. The urbanization rate is expected to stabilize at around 82%, further intensifying the competition for premium properties in metropolitan areas.
  • Foreign Investment in Luxury Properties:Foreign direct investment (FDI) in South Korea's real estate sector has seen a notable increase, with investments reaching approximately 5.5 trillion KRW in future. This trend is expected to continue, driven by favorable exchange rates and the allure of South Korea's luxury market. The influx of international buyers is enhancing the demand for high-end residential properties, particularly in prime locations.

Market Challenges

  • Regulatory Restrictions on Foreign Ownership:South Korea has stringent regulations governing foreign ownership of real estate, which can deter potential international investors. As of in future, foreign buyers are subject to additional taxes and must navigate complex legal frameworks, limiting their participation in the luxury market. These restrictions can hinder the overall growth of the luxury residential sector, impacting investment levels.
  • High Competition Among Developers:The luxury residential market in South Korea is characterized by intense competition, with over 210 developers vying for market share. This saturation has led to aggressive pricing strategies and marketing efforts, which can erode profit margins. In future, the competition is expected to intensify, making it challenging for new entrants to establish a foothold in the market.

South Korea Luxury Residential Real Estate Market Future Outlook

The South Korea luxury residential real estate market is poised for continued growth, driven by increasing urbanization and a rising affluent population. As consumer preferences shift towards eco-friendly and technologically advanced living spaces, developers are likely to adapt their offerings accordingly. Additionally, the ongoing interest from foreign investors will further stimulate market dynamics. However, regulatory challenges and competition will require strategic positioning and innovation to capitalize on emerging opportunities in this evolving landscape.

Market Opportunities

  • Growth in Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Developments:The demand for sustainable living is on the rise, with eco-friendly developments projected to increase by 32% in future. This trend presents an opportunity for developers to create luxury properties that meet environmental standards, appealing to environmentally conscious buyers and investors.
  • Expansion of Luxury Rental Markets:The luxury rental market is expected to grow significantly, with rental prices for high-end properties increasing by 16% in future. This growth offers developers a chance to diversify their portfolios and cater to affluent renters seeking premium living experiences in urban centers.

Scope of the Report

SegmentSub-Segments
By Type

Apartments & Condominiums (High-Rise, Ultra-Luxury Towers, Penthouse Units)

Villas & Landed Houses (Luxury Detached, Townhouses)

Branded Residences (Hotel-Managed & Serviced Luxury Residences)

Luxury Officetels & Mixed-Use Residences

Other Prime Formats (Heritage/Low-Rise Luxury, Gated Compounds)

By Buyer Profile

Domestic HNWIs & UHNWIs

Expatriates & Foreign Private Buyers

Institutional & Corporate Buyers (Family Offices, Corporates)

Investment Funds & REITs

By Price Band (KRW)

–3 Billion

–5 Billion

–10 Billion

Above 10 Billion

By Location

Seoul (Gangnam, Seocho, Songpa, Yongsan, Jongno/Jung)

Greater Seoul (Seongnam/Bundang, Hanam, Pangyo)

Busan (Haeundae, Suyeong)

Jeju & Resort Destinations

Other Tier-1 Cities (Incheon, Daegu, Daejeon, Gwangju)

By Amenities & Specifications

Wellness & Sports (Pools, Spas, Fitness, Golf Simulators)

Security & Services (24/7 Concierge, Valet, Smart Access)

Parking & Mobility (EV Charging, Private Garages)

Sustainability & Smart Home (Green Certifications, Home Automation)

Community & Lifestyle (Lounges, Rooftop Gardens, Kids/Pet Facilities)

By Tenure/Ownership

Freehold/Strata

Long-Term Leasehold

Co-Ownership/Fractional

By Investment Channel

Direct Private Purchases

Foreign Direct Purchases

REITs & Private Funds

Developer Sales & Pre-Sales

Key Target Audience

Investors and Venture Capitalist Firms

Government and Regulatory Bodies (e.g., Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport)

Real Estate Developers

Luxury Property Management Companies

High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs)

Foreign Buyers and Expatriates

Financial Institutions (e.g., Banks and Mortgage Lenders)

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)

Players Mentioned in the Report:

Samsung C&T Corporation (Raemian, Raemian One Bailey)

Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd. (The H, Hillstate)

Daewoo Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd. (Prugio Summit)

GS Engineering & Construction Corp. (Xi)

SK ecoplant Co., Ltd. (SK View)

Lotte E&C Co., Ltd. (Lotte Castle, Signiel Residences)

Hanwha Engineering & Construction Corp. (Forena)

POSCO E&C (POSCO E&C, The Sharp)

HDC Hyundai Development Company (IPARK, HDC Lab)

Hoban Construction Co., Ltd. (Taeyoung Hoban Maison, De View)

DL E&C Co., Ltd. (Acro by Daelim)

SH Corporation (Seoul Housing & Communities Corp.)

Korea Land & Housing Corporation (LH)

KB Kookmin Bank (Real Estate Finance & Wealth Management)

Shinhan Bank (Private Banking & Mortgage for HNWIs)

Table of Contents

Market Assessment Phase

1. Executive Summary and Approach


2. South Korea Luxury Residential Real Estate Market Overview

2.1 Key Insights and Strategic Recommendations

2.2 South Korea Luxury Residential Real Estate Market Overview

2.3 Definition and Scope

2.4 Evolution of Market Ecosystem

2.5 Timeline of Key Regulatory Milestones

2.6 Value Chain & Stakeholder Mapping

2.7 Business Cycle Analysis

2.8 Policy & Incentive Landscape


3. South Korea Luxury Residential Real Estate Market Analysis

3.1 Growth Drivers

3.1.1 Increasing Affluence and Disposable Income
3.1.2 Urbanization and Migration to Major Cities
3.1.3 Demand for High-Quality Living Spaces
3.1.4 Foreign Investment in Luxury Properties

3.2 Market Challenges

3.2.1 Regulatory Restrictions on Foreign Ownership
3.2.2 High Competition Among Developers
3.2.3 Economic Fluctuations Affecting Consumer Confidence
3.2.4 Limited Availability of Prime Real Estate

3.3 Market Opportunities

3.3.1 Growth in Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Developments
3.3.2 Rise of Smart Home Technologies
3.3.3 Expansion of Luxury Rental Markets
3.3.4 Increasing Interest from International Buyers

3.4 Market Trends

3.4.1 Shift Towards Mixed-Use Developments
3.4.2 Emphasis on Wellness and Lifestyle Amenities
3.4.3 Integration of Technology in Property Management
3.4.4 Growth of Online Property Platforms

3.5 Government Regulation

3.5.1 Foreign Investment Regulations
3.5.2 Property Taxation Policies
3.5.3 Building Code Compliance Requirements
3.5.4 Zoning Laws Affecting Luxury Developments

4. SWOT Analysis


5. Stakeholder Analysis


6. Porter's Five Forces Analysis


7. South Korea Luxury Residential Real Estate Market Market Size, 2019-2024

7.1 By Value

7.2 By Volume

7.3 By Average Selling Price


8. South Korea Luxury Residential Real Estate Market Segmentation

8.1 By Type

8.1.1 Apartments & Condominiums (High-Rise, Ultra-Luxury Towers, Penthouse Units)
8.1.2 Villas & Landed Houses (Luxury Detached, Townhouses)
8.1.3 Branded Residences (Hotel-Managed & Serviced Luxury Residences)
8.1.4 Luxury Officetels & Mixed-Use Residences
8.1.5 Other Prime Formats (Heritage/Low-Rise Luxury, Gated Compounds)

8.2 By Buyer Profile

8.2.1 Domestic HNWIs & UHNWIs
8.2.2 Expatriates & Foreign Private Buyers
8.2.3 Institutional & Corporate Buyers (Family Offices, Corporates)
8.2.4 Investment Funds & REITs

8.3 By Price Band (KRW)

8.3.1 1–3 Billion
8.3.2 3–5 Billion
8.3.3 5–10 Billion
8.3.4 Above 10 Billion

8.4 By Location

8.4.1 Seoul (Gangnam, Seocho, Songpa, Yongsan, Jongno/Jung)
8.4.2 Greater Seoul (Seongnam/Bundang, Hanam, Pangyo)
8.4.3 Busan (Haeundae, Suyeong)
8.4.4 Jeju & Resort Destinations
8.4.5 Other Tier-1 Cities (Incheon, Daegu, Daejeon, Gwangju)

8.5 By Amenities & Specifications

8.5.1 Wellness & Sports (Pools, Spas, Fitness, Golf Simulators)
8.5.2 Security & Services (24/7 Concierge, Valet, Smart Access)
8.5.3 Parking & Mobility (EV Charging, Private Garages)
8.5.4 Sustainability & Smart Home (Green Certifications, Home Automation)
8.5.5 Community & Lifestyle (Lounges, Rooftop Gardens, Kids/Pet Facilities)

8.6 By Tenure/Ownership

8.6.1 Freehold/Strata
8.6.2 Long-Term Leasehold
8.6.3 Co-Ownership/Fractional

8.7 By Investment Channel

8.7.1 Direct Private Purchases
8.7.2 Foreign Direct Purchases
8.7.3 REITs & Private Funds
8.7.4 Developer Sales & Pre-Sales

9. South Korea Luxury Residential Real Estate Market Competitive Analysis

9.1 Market Share of Key Players

9.2 Cross Comparison of Key Players

9.2.1 Company Name
9.2.2 Premium Portfolio Size (units, GFA m²)
9.2.3 Share of Luxury in Total Residential Sales (%)
9.2.4 Average Selling Price (ASP) in Luxury (KRW/m² and price per unit)
9.2.5 Pre-Sales Rate at Launch (%)
9.2.6 Construction Pipeline (projects/units under development)
9.2.7 Delivery Timeliness (projects delivered on/before schedule %)
9.2.8 Amenities Index (concierge, wellness, smart tech, parking—scored)
9.2.9 Geographical Exposure (Seoul core vs. other cities % of portfolio)
9.2.10 Brand Premium vs. Market (+/? % over local benchmark)
9.2.11 Sales Velocity/Turnover (months-on-market for luxury units)
9.2.12 Occupancy/Move-in Rate within 12 months of completion (%)
9.2.13 Customer Satisfaction/Defect Rate (post-handover NPS/defects per unit)
9.2.14 Capital Efficiency (ROIC on luxury projects, gross margin %)

9.3 SWOT Analysis of Top Players

9.4 Pricing Analysis

9.5 Detailed Profile of Major Companies

9.5.1 Samsung C&T Corporation (Raemian, Raemian One Bailey)
9.5.2 Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd. (The H, Hillstate)
9.5.3 Daewoo Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd. (Prugio Summit)
9.5.4 GS Engineering & Construction Corp. (Xi)
9.5.5 SK ecoplant Co., Ltd. (SK View)
9.5.6 Lotte E&C Co., Ltd. (Lotte Castle, Signiel Residences)
9.5.7 Hanwha Engineering & Construction Corp. (Forena)
9.5.8 POSCO E&C (POSCO E&C, The Sharp)
9.5.9 HDC Hyundai Development Company (IPARK, HDC Lab)
9.5.10 Hoban Construction Co., Ltd. (Taeyoung • Hoban Maison, De View)
9.5.11 DL E&C Co., Ltd. (Acro by Daelim)
9.5.12 SH Corporation (Seoul Housing & Communities Corp.)
9.5.13 Korea Land & Housing Corporation (LH)
9.5.14 KB Kookmin Bank (Real Estate Finance & Wealth Management)
9.5.15 Shinhan Bank (Private Banking & Mortgage for HNWIs)

10. South Korea Luxury Residential Real Estate Market End-User Analysis

10.1 Procurement Behavior of Key Ministries

10.1.1 Budget Allocation for Luxury Housing
10.1.2 Decision-Making Processes
10.1.3 Preferred Property Features

10.2 Corporate Spend on Infrastructure & Energy

10.2.1 Investment Trends in Luxury Real Estate
10.2.2 Corporate Housing Policies
10.2.3 Budgeting for Employee Relocation

10.3 Pain Point Analysis by End-User Category

10.3.1 Affordability Concerns
10.3.2 Quality of Construction
10.3.3 Location Preferences

10.4 User Readiness for Adoption

10.4.1 Awareness of Luxury Market Trends
10.4.2 Financial Preparedness
10.4.3 Willingness to Invest

10.5 Post-Deployment ROI and Use Case Expansion

10.5.1 Long-Term Value Appreciation
10.5.2 Rental Income Potential
10.5.3 Market Resale Opportunities

11. South Korea Luxury Residential Real Estate Market Future Size, 2025-2030

11.1 By Value

11.2 By Volume

11.3 By Average Selling Price


Go-To-Market Strategy Phase

1. Whitespace Analysis + Business Model Canvas

1.1 Market Gaps Identification

1.2 Business Model Framework


2. Marketing and Positioning Recommendations

2.1 Branding Strategies

2.2 Product USPs


3. Distribution Plan

3.1 Urban Retail Strategies

3.2 Rural NGO Tie-Ups


4. Channel & Pricing Gaps

4.1 Underserved Routes

4.2 Pricing Bands


5. Unmet Demand & Latent Needs

5.1 Category Gaps

5.2 Consumer Segments


6. Customer Relationship

6.1 Loyalty Programs

6.2 After-Sales Service


7. Value Proposition

7.1 Sustainability Initiatives

7.2 Integrated Supply Chains


8. Key Activities

8.1 Regulatory Compliance

8.2 Branding Efforts

8.3 Distribution Setup


9. Entry Strategy Evaluation

9.1 Domestic Market Entry Strategy

9.1.1 Product Mix Considerations
9.1.2 Pricing Band Strategies
9.1.3 Packaging Approaches

9.2 Export Entry Strategy

9.2.1 Target Countries
9.2.2 Compliance Roadmap

10. Entry Mode Assessment

10.1 Joint Ventures

10.2 Greenfield Investments

10.3 Mergers & Acquisitions

10.4 Distributor Model


11. Capital and Timeline Estimation

11.1 Capital Requirements

11.2 Timelines for Market Entry


12. Control vs Risk Trade-Off

12.1 Ownership Considerations

12.2 Partnerships Evaluation


13. Profitability Outlook

13.1 Breakeven Analysis

13.2 Long-Term Sustainability


14. Potential Partner List

14.1 Distributors

14.2 Joint Ventures

14.3 Acquisition Targets


15. Execution Roadmap

15.1 Phased Plan for Market Entry

15.1.1 Market Setup
15.1.2 Market Entry
15.1.3 Growth Acceleration
15.1.4 Scale & Stabilize

15.2 Key Activities and Milestones

15.2.1 Milestone Planning
15.2.2 Activity Tracking

Research Methodology

ApproachModellingSample

Phase 1: Approach1

Desk Research

  • Analysis of government publications and reports on the South Korean luxury residential real estate market
  • Review of market research reports from real estate agencies and financial institutions
  • Examination of demographic and economic data from the Korean Statistical Information Service (KOSIS)

Primary Research

  • Interviews with real estate developers and agents specializing in luxury properties
  • Surveys targeting high-net-worth individuals to understand purchasing preferences
  • Focus groups with real estate investors to gauge market sentiment and trends

Validation & Triangulation

  • Cross-validation of findings through multiple data sources, including sales data and expert opinions
  • Triangulation of qualitative insights from interviews with quantitative data from market reports
  • Sanity checks through expert panel reviews consisting of economists and real estate analysts

Phase 2: Market Size Estimation1

Top-down Assessment

  • Estimation of total luxury residential sales based on national real estate transaction data
  • Segmentation of the market by geographic regions and property types (e.g., apartments, villas)
  • Incorporation of macroeconomic indicators such as GDP growth and foreign investment trends

Bottom-up Modeling

  • Collection of sales data from leading luxury real estate firms to establish baseline figures
  • Analysis of average property prices and transaction volumes in key luxury markets
  • Estimation of market growth rates based on historical data and emerging trends

Forecasting & Scenario Analysis

  • Multi-factor regression analysis incorporating variables such as interest rates and consumer confidence
  • Scenario modeling based on potential regulatory changes and economic shifts
  • Development of baseline, optimistic, and pessimistic forecasts through 2030

Phase 3: CATI Sample Composition1

Scope Item/SegmentSample SizeTarget Respondent Profiles
Luxury Apartment Buyers120High-net-worth Individuals, Real Estate Investors
Luxury Villa Owners90Property Developers, Wealth Managers
Real Estate Agents Specializing in Luxury70Real Estate Brokers, Market Analysts
Foreign Investors in South Korean Real Estate60International Investors, Financial Advisors
Luxury Property Management Firms50Property Managers, Operations Directors

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current value of the South Korea luxury residential real estate market?

The South Korea luxury residential real estate market is valued at approximately USD 43 billion, driven by increasing demand from high-net-worth individuals and a robust economy, alongside urbanization trends and rising disposable incomes.

Which cities are the primary markets for luxury residential real estate in South Korea?

What types of properties are included in the luxury residential real estate market in South Korea?

Who are the primary buyers in the South Korean luxury residential real estate market?

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