Suwon and LH sign deal to supply independent-living homes for people with disabilities
In short
Suwon city and the Korea Land & Housing Corporation (LH) signed an agreement on 21 October to supply independent-living homes for people with disabilities, the city said on 22 October. LH will provide 12 homes in 2027 and the city will select residents and run the project. Hankook Ilbo reported the first 12 homes are due in July next year and 20 by 2030.
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Suwon city in Gyeonggi and the Korea Land & Housing Corporation (LH) have agreed to cooperate on supplying independent-living homes for people with disabilities. According to the city, the two sides signed the 'Suwon Disabled Persons Independent Living Housing Support Project' agreement at the city hall situation room on 21 October, and the city announced it on 22 October. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
Under the agreement, LH will supply the homes using purchased rental housing and similar stock, while Suwon takes charge of the overall project, including selecting residents and linking them to individual support services. Seoul Economic Daily and Newsis reported that the first supply is 12 homes in 2027, with the number to be raised gradually. Hankook Ilbo reported the first 12 homes are due in July next year, and that the two bodies plan to create and supply a total of 20 homes by 2030. It said LH's homes are in purchased rental housing being built near railway stations and other locations. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
Seoul Economic Daily described independent-living homes as housing for people with disabilities who live in facilities or want to live independently in the community. Residents live in separate living spaces and receive support services suited to their circumstances. The city plans to provide help with daily life, health management, links to welfare services and support for social activities. Hankook Ilbo said one city-supported housing service staff member helps four residents with supplies and activities. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
The city is preparing for the law on support for community independence and housing transition of people with disabilities, which is due to take effect on 19 March 2027 according to Seoul Economic Daily and Newsis. It is preparing a 'Suwon-type one-stop service support system' linking housing, welfare and employment services. An academic study on building a Suwon-type community independence support system is under way, and the city said it will use the results to build a support model reflecting local conditions and the varied independence needs of people with disabilities. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
Attending the signing were Suwon Mayor Lee Jae-jun (이재준), Kwon Un-hyeok (권운혁), head of LH's Gyeonggi South regional headquarters, and Lee Jong-gap (이종갑), head of the Suwon Federation of Disability Welfare Organizations. Kwon said LH would cooperate so that Suwon's independent-living housing model can spread nationwide. Lee said he hoped the agreement would raise disability welfare a step and that the city would provide help that is of real use to people who want to live independently. [ 1 , 2 ]
Newsis added background on the mayor's welfare policies. It said the city has run a community integrated care programme, Suwon Saebit Care, since the mayor took office in July 2022. The programme began in eight neighbourhoods in 2023 and expanded to all 44 the following year. Last year the city raised its income criteria and annual support amount, and the programme offers housekeeping help, hospital accompaniment and meal support. [ 2 ]
Why it matters
The agreement sets up a housing supply route ahead of a law on community independence and housing transition for people with disabilities, due to take effect on 19 March 2027. The documents give only the first 12 homes and, in one outlet, a 20-home target by 2030, so the scale of the programme is still small and early.
Key facts
- Suwon city and LH signed the 'Suwon Disabled Persons Independent Living Housing Support Project' agreement on 21 October at the city hall situation room. [ 1 , 3 ]
- LH will supply the homes using purchased rental housing and similar stock; the city will select residents and manage the overall project. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- The first supply is 12 homes in 2027, with the number to grow gradually. [ 1 , 2 ]
- Hankook Ilbo reported the first 12 homes are due in July next year and a total of 20 homes by 2030. [ 3 ]
- A law on support for community independence and housing transition of people with disabilities is due to take effect on 19 March 2027. [ 1 , 2 ]
- Under the model Hankook Ilbo described, one city-supported staff member helps four residents with supplies and activities. [ 3 ]
- The city is running an academic study on a Suwon-type community independence support system. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
Confirmed by several sources
- Suwon city and LH signed an agreement on independent-living homes for people with disabilities, and the city announced it on 22 October. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- LH will supply the homes from purchased rental housing and similar stock, and the city will select residents and handle the project overall. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- The first supply is 12 homes in 2027. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- The law on community independence and housing transition support takes effect on 19 March 2027. [ 1 , 2 ]
Still unclear
- Whether the first 12 homes will be ready in July 2027. Only Hankook Ilbo gives July next year; the other outlets say only 2027.
- Whether the programme will reach 20 homes by 2030. Only Hankook Ilbo gives this figure; the other outlets say the number will grow gradually without a total.