Located about a 15-minute bus ride from Gwanghwamun, apartments near Muakjae Station are relatively affordable, with 84 square meters trading around 1 billion won. This area attracts residents seeking proximity to the city center. A recent visit revealed that while the excellent urban accessibility is a major advantage, the steep terrain and limited commercial amenities remain challenges.
Exiting through Exit 3 of Muakjae Station on Line 3, the first sight is Tongil-ro, a major thoroughfare connecting Eunpyeong-gu and Goyang/Il-san to downtown Seoul. A 30-year-old apartment complex faces a newly constructed building across the street.
Gwanghwamun is approximately 3 kilometers away, while Seoul City Hall is about 3.5 kilometers. A bus ride from the stop in front of the complex took just over 12 minutes to reach Gwanghwamun. Using the subway, residents can reach Gyeongbokgung, Jongno 3-ga, and Euljiro 3-ga in under 10 minutes without transfers.
However, Tongil-ro, as a key arterial road in northwest Seoul, often experiences traffic congestion during rush hours. A local real estate agent noted, "The bus lanes generally remain clear, but regular lanes tend to be congested." While public transport offers excellent access to the city center, drivers should consider potential traffic delays.
The first stop was the Muak Cheonggu Apartments, built between 1994 and 1997, located just a 2-3 minute walk from Muakjae Station. Upon entering the complex, the atmosphere changed significantly. The area is characterized by hills, making the walk feel steep despite only a short distance. Parking is also limited. A nearby real estate agent commented, "The slope is somewhat steep, and parking space is not abundant."
Nonetheless, there is optimism regarding future reconstruction of the Cheonggu Apartments. A local agent mentioned, "Residents are discussing forming a reconstruction committee." However, no official procedures for designating a maintenance area or establishing a cooperative are currently underway.
The Muak Cheonggu Apartments consist of three phases. The first phase includes 14 buildings with 862 units, while the second phase has one building and the third phase has two, making them relatively smaller. Another agent stated, "Currently, we are collecting consent forms for reconstruction primarily from Phase 1, and while there is potential to pursue the project with Phase 2, it may be challenging to include Phase 3."
Prices are relatively low considering the urban accessibility. According to the real estate platform Asil, an 84-square-meter unit in Muak Cheonggu Phase 3 sold for 940 million won in April. Currently, a 79-square-meter unit in Phase 2 is listed for 1.05 billion won. The larger Phase 1 unit sold for a record 1.265 billion won in June.
Crossing the street leads to the newly constructed Seodaemun Prugio Central Park, which opened in 2022. This complex, built on the site of the Hongje 1 district redevelopment, consists of 832 units.
During a weekend visit, children playing in the playground were a prominent sight. The complex features a daycare center, community facilities, and a book café, with residents frequently seen walking around.
Although the complex is situated on a hilly terrain, navigating it proved more convenient than expected. Elevators are installed throughout the complex, allowing residents to move between buildings without climbing the hill directly. The elevators require inputting building and unit numbers to operate, restricting access for outsiders. A local agent explained, "While the complex is on a hill, many residents feel there is hardly any slope due to the elevators."
There is currently a limited supply of rental units. A nearby agent noted, "There are no rental listings for 20 and 22-pyeong units, only for 25-pyeong units. As the leases will expire simultaneously after four years at the end of this year, we expect more rental units to become available then."
Sales prices reflect the premium associated with new construction. Asil reports that a 55-square-meter unit sold for 1.25 billion won in April, while 84-square-meter units are currently listed around 1.5 billion won.
Overall, the most striking aspect of the Muakjae Station area is its proximity to the city center. Both complexes are just a 2-3 minute walk from the station, allowing residents to enjoy the greenery of Ansan while being close to Gwanghwamun and Jongno. The combination of urban accessibility and natural surroundings is a defining feature of this area.
In contrast, the local infrastructure is somewhat lacking. While there is no large supermarket, residents can shop for essentials at the E-Mart Everyday located near the station exit. The dining and café options are limited, resulting in relatively quiet streets even during the evening. The hilly terrain also poses considerations for daily life.
Entering the complex reveals a different atmosphere. Ansan Elementary School is adjacent, and the Ansan Trail is easily accessible. Some buildings offer views of Inwangsan, and despite being close to Tongil-ro, the interior of the complex maintains a relatively quiet ambiance.
The older and newer buildings across from each other at Muakjae Station share the same living environment but showcase different residential experiences. While both benefit from urban accessibility and natural surroundings, the older buildings carry hopes for reconstruction, while the new ones emphasize quality and community, attracting distinct groups of residents.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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