This study empirically examines the impact of aging public rental housing on residents' housing satisfaction in South Korea, further investigating how this impact differs according to household lifecycle (householder’s age) and regional characterist...
This study empirically examines the impact of aging public rental housing on residents' housing satisfaction in South Korea, further investigating how this impact differs according to household lifecycle (householder’s age) and regional characteristics. Although public rental housing policies in Korea have historically focused on increasing the supply of new housing, much of the existing public housing stock is now over 20 years old, raising significant concerns about deteriorating housing quality. Since public rental housing typically accommodates socioeconomically vulnerable populations—such as low-income groups, elderly individuals, and young people—poor housing conditions can negatively impact their quality of life, potentially exacerbating social equity issues.
To address these concerns, this research analyzed data from the 2022 Korea Housing Survey provided by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport, using multiple regression analysis on a sample of 2,470 households residing in public rental housing nationwide. Housing satisfaction served as the dependent variable, with housing deterioration as the primary independent variable. Household lifecycle (represented by householder’s age) and region (17 metropolitan cities and provinces) were incorporated as moderating variables. Additionally, housing type, dwelling size, rental cost burden, and household size were included as control variables to enhance analytical accuracy.
The key findings are as follows: First, housing deterioration significantly reduced housing satisfaction, clearly indicating that as the physical condition of housing worsens, residents' satisfaction declines accordingly. This finding emphasizes the critical need for physical environment improvements. Second, the interaction between householder’s age and housing deterioration was not statistically significant, indicating that the negative impact of housing deterioration on satisfaction remains consistent across different age groups or lifecycle stages. Third, regional differences significantly moderated the relationship between housing deterioration and housing satisfaction. Specifically, in areas such as Incheon and Gwangju, the negative impact of aging housing on satisfaction was notably greater compared to Seoul. Conversely, in regions like Daejeon, Sejong, and Gangwon, this negative impact appeared to be comparatively mitigated. These results suggest that regional housing management quality and urban infrastructure considerably influence residents' satisfaction.
Based on these findings, the following policy implications are suggested: First, public housing policies should shift from focusing solely on expanding the supply of new housing to reinforcing the maintenance and management of existing housing stock. Actively pursuing refurbishment and rehabilitation of deteriorating public housing is critical to improving residents' quality of life. Second, given regional variations in how housing deterioration impacts satisfaction, region-specific strategies tailored to local conditions are essential. For example, intensive facility improvements and maintenance support should target regions heavily affected by housing deterioration, while areas less affected should prioritize enhancements in residential infrastructure and amenities. Finally, more detailed qualitative research focusing on lifecycle-specific housing needs and preferences should be conducted to develop nuanced housing welfare policies. Adopting these differentiated approaches will effectively enhance housing satisfaction and overall quality of life for public rental housing residents.