A fundamental structural transformation in South Korea’s housing market characterized by the transition from traditional rental arrangements to monthly rental models will significantly impact Seoul’s residential market. According to new research published by JLL, increasing institutional investor interest in alternative residential formats, including co-living developments, will play a key role in the rental market transition of one of the world’s largest urban centers.
According to data and analysis in JLL’s 2026 Seoul Residential Market White Paper, the opportunity for co-living developments is backed by favorable demographics. As of May 2026, South Korea’s population of approximately 51.1 million demonstrates significant metropolitan concentration, with 50 percent residing in the greater Seoul area. Within Seoul proper, population density reaches 18 percent of the national total, where single-person households now represent approximately 41 per
