• Journal of the Korean housing association
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.71-79
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• 2015

This study was aimed to explore housing costs and housing cost burdens of early-career young renter households in Seoul Metropolitan area. Between March 10 and April 24, 2014, an online questionnaire survey was conducted to young professionals in Seoul Metropolitan area living apart from their parents. Among the responses collected, this study analyzed 476 useable responses from renter households. Major findings were as follows: (1) Jeon-se renters' deposit was average 2.24 times their annual income; deposit of monthly renters with deposit was average 6.7 times their monthly income and their monthly rent was 18.6 percent of their monthly income; and monthly rent of monthly renters without deposit was about 23 percent of their monthly income; (2) thirty percent of the respondents were found to have housing cost burden paying 25 percent or more of their income for rental costs; and (3) about 55 percent received parental supports to pay current housing costs. The study findings implies that it is critical to extend provision of affordable housing units with small or no deposit for beginning-stage professionals.