Unexpected Challenges: Kim Sook's Jeju House in a Cultural Heritage Zone

Kim Sook was taken aback by the unexpected status of her house in Jeju.

On the October 20th episode of tvN's variety show 'Unpredictable [Home]', Kim Sook discovered surprising facts while preparing to remodel her 220-pyeong house in Jeju.

Kim visited the Jeju Provincial Office to confirm procedures before starting the construction. What she thought was a simple repair plan changed completely after speaking with an official.

It was revealed that her house is located in Seongeup Village, an area designated as a 'National Folk Cultural Heritage'. The protection, which used to focus on individual buildings, now extends to the entire village, including Kim's house.

Why Can't I Remodel My Own House?

Kim expressed her surprise, saying, “I thought our house was outside the designated area.” She added, “I don't recall hearing about this when I bought it,” showing her confusion.

The explanation continued. To change the structure, not just the interior, a 'status change permit' is required, and in some cases, approval from the National Heritage Administration is necessary.

There were more restrictions. Repairs and designs related to national heritage can only be done by qualified professionals, adding to the complexity.

It was a moment of realization that “even with money, you can't easily remodel the house.”

The Shocking Secret of Zero Property Tax

Kim realized, “No wonder there's no property tax,” as she learned that some taxes are exempt or subsidized in the area. She gave a wry smile at the revelation.

However, the situation was far from simple. The scarcity of qualified professionals in Jeju who meet the criteria made the remodeling plan a challenging task.

Kim expressed her frustration, saying, “It feels like it's not mine if it's a cultural asset.” The Jeju house project, started under unexpected conditions, faced another variable.

Reporter Na-yeon Cho, Ten Asia nybluebook@tenasia.co.kr