The emergence of architects as key players in Korea’s rental housing landscape

This study investigates the emergence of Korean architects as key actors in the rental housing market since the 2010’s, particularly their roles as initiators and operators. While their numbers remain small, their participation represents a shift from conventional architectural practice toward new forms of housing engagement. To examine this phenomenon, the study adopts a qualitative methodology based on semi-structured one-on-one interviews, allowing for in-depth understanding of each architect’s background, motivation, and strategic approach. The findings reveal that architects are not merely responding to economic pressures by seeking alternative business models. Rather, they aim to create new housing cultures by developing rental housing with innovative spatial configurations and typologies. Their strategies include utilising legal frameworks, targeting specific resident groups, and facilitating social interaction through distinctive spatial design. In contrast, most third sector organisations in Korea lack sufficient planning expertise and operational experience. As such, the findings provide a foundation for both policymaking and practical implementation – supporting local and central governments in institutionalising architect participation, while offering guidance for third sector organisations aiming to enter the rental housing field through more effective planning and operational strategies.