Post-Carbon Seoul: Low-Carbon Interventions for a High-Carbon Housing Stock

Abstract

Seoul, South Korea, exhibits an exceptionally rapid residential demolition-reconstruction cycle of approximately 30 - 40 years, resulting in one of the world’s shortest apartment building lifespans. This entrenched status quo, fueled by post-war policies, real estate speculation, and finance models treating housing primarily as a short-term asset, contrasts sharply with other developed nations. This research critiques South Korea’s model of rapid demolition for its significant, often overlooked, environmental impacts and social costs. To evaluate alternatives, the methodology comprises three key stages: A) a comparative analysis of the financial frameworks and sustainability outcomes characterizing Western residential longevity versus the unique Korean housing model; B) the formulation of a novel alternative practice focused on adaptive reuse and retrofitting, specifically tailored to integrate within South Korea’s economic system and cultural context; and C) the practical demonstration and assessment of this practice through a design case study, incorporating strategies like phased interventions and low-carbon materials such as mass timber. The analysis reveals that this alternative extends building lifespan and achieves substantial carbon reductions by preserving the embodied carbon within existing structures. It offers long-term financial benefits, presenting a viable economic pathway aligning key stakeholder interests through enduring value over speculative gains.