Nation's Most Expensive Apartment Makes New History

According to the 2026 official apartment price proposal announced by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport on the 17th, 'Eterno Cheongdam' in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (464.11㎡ exclusive area) topped the nation at 32.57 billion won for the second consecutive year. This marks the first time an apartment's official price has exceeded 30 billion won in Korea. The price surged 62% (12.51 billion won) from last year's 20.06 billion won, symbolically demonstrating the polarization of Korea's real estate market.

Second place went to 'Nine One Hannam' in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu (244.72㎡) at 24.28 billion won. It rose one rank from third place last year, showing a significant increase of 7.98 billion won. Third place was 'PH129 (The Penthouse Cheongdam)' in Cheongdam-dong (407.71㎡) at 23.23 billion won. This apartment held first place for four consecutive years from 2021 to 2024 before losing the throne to Eterno Cheongdam last year. It is known to be home to actor couple Jang Dong-gun and Go So-young, as well as golfer Park In-bee.

Notably, all top five complexes this year surpassed the 20 billion won mark in official prices. Until last year, Eterno Cheongdam was the only apartment exceeding 20 billion won. Fourth place 'Warner Cheongdam' (341.6㎡) recorded 22.48 billion won, and fifth place 'Acro Seoul Forest' in Seongdong-gu (273.93㎡) recorded 20.71 billion won.

Rapid Rise Centered on Seoul's Gangnam and Han River Areas

While the national average for official apartment prices rose 9.16%, Seoul saw an 18.67% increase, more than double the national average. The surge was particularly pronounced in high-end properties along the Han River, centered in Gangnam-gu and Yongsan-gu. All top 10 apartments by official price are concentrated in Seoul: 4 in Yongsan-gu, 3 in Gangnam-gu, 2 in Seocho-gu, and 1 in Seongdong-gu.

'Raemian One Valey' in Banpo-dong, Seocho-gu rose from 10th place last year to 8th this year, with its 234.85㎡ unit priced at 13.56 billion won. This was followed by 'Acro River Park' in Banpo-dong (234.91㎡ at 13.19 billion won) and 'Parc Hannam' in Hannam-dong (268.95㎡ at 12.82 billion won).

Real estate experts predict that the tax burden on owners of ultra-high-end properties in Gangnam and along the Han River, as well as multiple homeowners, will increase. This is because rising official prices directly affect the tax base for property taxes and comprehensive real estate taxes.

Architectural Luxury: Eterno Cheongdam

Eterno Cheongdam is an ultra-luxury apartment designed by Pritzker Prize winner Rafael Moneo, often called the "Nobel Prize of architecture," and built by Hyundai E&C. With a scale of 29 units in one building, it was constructed in a way that avoided pre-sale price caps and public lottery regulations even within a speculation overheating zone. Completed in late 2023, the building is valued for its Han River location, scarcity, and architectural merit.

It attracted public attention when singer IU reportedly purchased a 74-pyeong unit for approximately 13 billion won, and actor Song Joong-ki for 15 billion won. In addition to celebrities, numerous business leaders are also known to have moved in.

Official Price Confirmation Process

The official price proposal released by the Ministry of Land will undergo owner review and public comment from the 18th until April 6th, with final announcement on April 30th. Objections may be filed and reviewed, potentially leading to adjustments.

Future Outlook [AI Analysis]

The polarization of Seoul's high-end housing market is likely to continue for the time being. The Han River and Gangnam premiums are expected to maintain their upward trajectory in official prices due to scarcity and locational value. However, increased holding tax burdens may prompt some multiple homeowners to list properties for sale, which could lead to changes in transaction volume. The government's real estate policy direction and interest rate trends are expected to be key variables determining future market flows.