"Newly built apartments are scarce in Seoul. I came because a new apartment was being offered in the neighborhood where I live. I've toured many other model dwellings to buy a home, and DE'FINE Yeonhui looks quite neat."
On the 16th, at the DE'FINE Yeonhui model dwellings set up by SK ecoplant in Yongsan District, Seoul, a resident of Seodaemun District in their 40s, identified as A, said this. DE'FINE Yeonhui is the first complex in Seoul where SK ecoplant is applying its high-end brand DE'FINE.
As this is the first offering in Seoul this year, a wide range of age groups visited the DE'FINE Yeonhui model dwellings, from couples about to get married to seniors in their 60s. With the shortage of housing supply in Seoul making new apartments scarce and real estate regulations tightening, many came to the model dwellings for end use rather than investment.
DE'FINE Yeonhui is an apartment complex to be built at 533-5 Yeonhui-dong, Seodaemun District, consisting of 13 buildings with 4 basement levels to 29 above-ground floors and a total of 959 households. Of these, 332 households are for general sale. The number of units by exclusive area is ▲59㎡, 172 units ▲74㎡, 24 units ▲75㎡, 23 units ▲84㎡, 112 units ▲115㎡ (penthouse), 1 unit.
◇ Ample storage…specialized spaces for pets and one- to two-person households draw attention
Upon entering the 84㎡ (Type B) model home, the four-bay, flat-plate layout made the interior space appear highly efficient. The use of view windows and a three-sided open design also enhanced the apartment's sense of openness. A representative of the sales agency said, "DE'FINE Yeonhui features a four-bay layout that is rarely seen in redevelopment or reconstruction sites," adding, "Resident satisfaction is expected to be high."
This unit type stood out for its generous storage space. There are pantries at both the entrance and the kitchen, allowing items to be stored by category. The walk-in closet in the primary bedroom is also designed wide enough that a separate wardrobe seems unnecessary. Another feature is that some 84㎡ units are provided with balconies as service areas. A representative at the model home explained, "From the 3rd floor up, balconies are inserted in alternating floors such as the 6th, 8th, and 10th in a staggered-cross pattern."
The 59㎡ unit also includes many spaces convenient for daily living. This layout does not have a separate pantry, but instead has a large walk-in closet attached to the primary bedroom. A visitor identified as B, in their 50s, said, "Even though it's 59㎡, the closet seems very large," adding, "Before coming, I thought about setting aside a separate room as a dressing room, but at this size that may not be necessary."
DE'FINE Yeonhui also features specialized designs tailored to users' daily routines and preferences. "Peterior (Peterior)" is a space specialized for households with pets. Peterior applies slip-resistant flooring and wallpaper three times more scratch-resistant than standard wallpaper. A sliding door is used in the kitchen to separate space from dogs. A pet-only wash basin is installed in the bathroom instead of a bathtub. Households with pets can choose Peterior as an option.
"Studio Room (Studio Room)" is also a user-customized housing option at DE'FINE Yeonhui. By selecting the Studio Room option, one room can be used as a personal broadcasting room, vocal recording room, movie and music appreciation room, or instrument practice room. It features floating construction, functional flooring, and a ceiling with sound-absorbing materials to reduce basic living noise. The walls also use floating construction and soundproofing materials, and a soundproof door is installed to minimize sound transmission to other units.
A representative at the model home said, "Recently, the number of people doing one-person broadcasting, such as YouTubers, has been increasing, and more people need space to enjoy hobbies," adding, "By selecting the Studio Room option, such a space can be created from the outset."
In particular, with the high-end brand applied, the standard of community facilities has also been raised. DE'FINE Yeonhui will include a book club in collaboration with Choi In Ah Bookstore, as well as fitness, an indoor golf range, a sauna, and a care center.
◇ "The price is high vs. it's fine for Seoul" mixed reactions to price and location
Opinions were split over DE'FINE Yeonhui's prices. The sale prices by exclusive area (based on the highest price) are ▲59㎡, 1.2001–1.243 billion won ▲74㎡, 1.263–1.331 billion won ▲75㎡, 1.29–1.379 billion won ▲84㎡, 1.397–1.565 billion won ▲115㎡, 2.359 billion won.
A, who visited the model dwellings, said, "Since it's a new apartment in Seoul, I will of course apply, but I do think the price is expensive." C, who lives in Mapo District, said, "Recently in Gwangmyeong, apartments have been offered at 1.5–1.6 billion won, so I don't think this is particularly expensive for a Seoul apartment." A representative of the sales agency said, "Considering nearby complex prices, a price gain of about 100–200 million won could be expected."
DE'FINE Yeonhui is also receiving varied assessments regarding its location. While it has the advantage of being nature-friendly with Hongjecheon in front, it is some distance from large-scale complexes like Gajaeul New Town and Susaek–Jeungsan New Town nearby, making it harder to use their infrastructure. It should also be noted that the assigned Seoul Yeonhui Elementary School is 1.6 kilometers from the complex, which can be burdensome for walking to school.
DE'FINE Yeonhui will open special supply on the 19th, take priority applications in the applicable area on the 20th, and take priority applications in other areas on the 21st. Winners will be announced on the 28th. Legitimate contracts will be conducted Feb. 8–10.
To qualify for first priority, you must have held a subscription account for at least two years and have deposited at least the area-specific minimum. Only heads of households with no home or with one home can apply as first priority, and neither the head of household nor any household member must have won a subscription within the past five years. Also, those who have lived continuously in Seoul for at least two years can apply as first priority in the applicable area. Move-in is scheduled for Jan. 2029.