South Korea

Context at a glance

Habitat houses under construction in Kwangyang, South Korea

Korean brand names now span the world as South Korea continues to prove one of the great development success stories of recent decades. Poverty levels have shrunk significantly. In the 1950s, war ravaged the Korean peninsula and South Korea was one of the poorest places in the world. Most people lived in extreme poverty. Even as late as the mid-1960s, an estimated 60-70% of the population lived below the poverty line. Yet by the 1990s this figure had fallen as low as 3.4%.

But still South Koreans wanting decent homes face major obstacles. Escalating land prices have made it difficult for low-income families to afford decent shelter. The dramatic increase in population density has compounded the housing issue, resulting in the need for creative uses of available land.

Habitat for Humanity programme

In 1993, a group of volunteers investigated whether the Habitat for Humanity concept could be effective in Korea. With land donated by a Christian communal village and funds provided by individual donors, these volunteers completed three houses in Uijeongbu-si, Gyeonggi approximately 30 kilometres north of the capital, Seoul.

Today HFH Korea is building houses at home and abroad. On average, houses cover 53 sq. m. and cost around £13,600 to build. Land costs are borne by the national organisation. Houses are made from concrete, timber, plywood, drywall, Styrofoam, siding, and shingle. Because of Korea's harsh winters, insulation is essential. Construction takes 4-6 months.

HFH Korea also sends teams to the Philippines, Mongolia, Indonesia, and Thailand.

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