Hong Ji-sun, the new Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, is launching a multi-layered consultative body with local governments in the Seoul metropolitan area to ensure that housing supply translates into actual construction and occupancy, rather than remaining just a planned figure. The initiative aims to establish a fast-track approval process for integrated reviews and permits for the 3rd New Town and urban housing projects.
According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Minister Hong emphasized the need to focus policy efforts on housing stability, which is closely tied to the lives of citizens, during her inauguration ceremony held at the government complex in Sejong. She officially took office after her appointment was confirmed the previous day.
Minister Hong stressed the importance of executing supply policies effectively. She stated, "Housing supply should not be limited to plans and numbers. I will ensure that the pace of the 3rd New Town and urban housing projects leads to actual construction and occupancy."
To achieve this, she will activate a multi-layered consultative body with local governments in the metropolitan area. The plan includes establishing a fast-track approval process for integrated reviews and creating a 'cooperative housing supply model' that combines institutional support from the central government with the autonomy of local governments.
She also proposed measures to stabilize the rental market. This includes expanding private long-term rentals to provide a safety net against fluctuations in the housing market and instability in the rental market, as well as promoting 'universal public rentals' to allow young people and newlyweds to live in well-located housing at reasonable rents. Support will continue to protect tenants' deposits from rental fraud.
Addressing the gap between the metropolitan area and regional cities is also a key priority. The plan is to focus on urban and architectural exceptions and infrastructure support in major regional cities to create growth hubs that combine jobs and housing, while fostering corporate high-tech cities as a new model for regional growth. The government also plans to accelerate the second relocation of public institutions and balance development projects in Sejong and Saemangeum.
In construction and transportation, there will be a strengthened commitment to safety and fairness. Minister Hong expressed her determination to eradicate poor construction and illegal subcontracting, and to establish a safety system that identifies risks in roads, railways, and aviation in advance to prevent accidents. She identified the need to improve unreasonable practices in the real estate, construction, and transportation sectors.
Additionally, she aims to promote future industries. The ministry plans to foster future mobility industries such as autonomous driving, urban air mobility (UAM), and mobile robots, while integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced technologies into the construction industry to develop new growth sectors.
Minister Hong indicated a shift towards a field-centered approach in the ministry's operations. She referenced her administrative experience in urban, housing, and transportation in Gyeonggi Province, stating, "What appears as a single line in a report can mean months or years of waiting for residents on the ground." She emphasized that policies are only complete when they are implemented by local governments and the private sector, allowing citizens to feel the changes.
She plans to reduce unnecessary documentation and meetings, stating, "I will prioritize substance over form. I will first ask what changes have occurred for the public, rather than focusing on reports for the sake of reporting or meetings for the sake of meetings." She urged that any issues within the ministry should be shared quickly and that barriers between departments should be lowered.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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