Seoul Land Prices Rise 2.32% in First Half of 2026, Highest in 5 Years

South Korea's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the Korea Real Estate Board announced on July 23 that Seoul land prices rose 2.32% in the first half of 2026, marking the steepest semi-annual increase in approximately five years. Nationwide land prices increased 1.22% during the same period, continuing the upward trend that began in the second half of 2025. The increase reflects sustained demand in the capital region, with Seoul's 2.32% rise representing the highest half-year growth rate since the second half of 2021.

Seoul Land Prices Record Highest Semi-Annual Increase Since 2021

Nationwide land prices rose 1.22% in the first half of 2026, with increases of 0.58% in the first quarter and 0.63% in the second quarter. Seoul led all regions with a 2.32% increase, the highest semi-annual rate since the second half of 2021.

Source: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport

Among 255 municipal districts nationwide, 187 districts recorded price increases ranging from 0.00% to 1.20%, with growth concentrated in the Seoul metropolitan area.

Nationwide Land Transaction Volume Rises 2.2% in First Half

Approximately 945,000 parcels (574.2㎢) were traded nationwide during the first half, representing a 2.2% increase from the previous half-year period.

Source: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport

Transaction volume increased in 10 cities and provinces, led by Sejong (42.2%) and Jeonbuk (10.8%), while seven regions experienced declines. By zoning classification, agricultural and forestry areas (26.9%) and industrial zones (20.5%) showed active trading. By land category, paddy field transactions (19.9%) were particularly prominent.

FAQ

What was Seoul's land price increase in the first half of 2026?

Seoul land prices rose 2.32% in the first half of 2026, the highest semi-annual increase since the second half of 2021, according to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and Korea Real Estate Board announced on July 23.

How much did nationwide land transaction volume change?

Nationwide land transaction volume increased 2.2% to approximately 945,000 parcels (574.2㎢) in the first half of 2026 compared to the previous half-year period, with Sejong showing the largest increase at 42.2%.