KOREA HOUSING INVESTMENT GUARANTY

The Korean Housing Bank (KHB) and the Korean National Housing Corporation (KNHC) will implement the HG. Low-cost apartments and rowhouses, ranging in size from 8 to 13 pyongs (py) will be built in Seoul and other urban areas; prices will range from $4,760 to $6,830. Play areas, community centers, shopping facilities, and women"s workshops will be constructed as well. HG funds will be lent to low-income families to purchase these units. The KHB may lend the funds itself, or it may make loans through credit unions, cooperatives, local governments or other agencies. An estimated 15,275 loans will be made, of which 5,000 will be for new housing, 3,125 for serviced lots and building materials, and 7,150 for home improvements. For mortgages, downpayments will range from 20-50%, interest will be charged at a uniform rate (ca. 12-15%), and repayment will be graduated over a 20-year period to reflect rising incomes. The KHB will establish new policies, such as a uniform mortgage interest rate, a contract savings system, and the expansion of national housing bond sales. A series of studies will examine the most effective way to finance lower-income housing purchases. Finally, the KHB will increase its accessibility to savers and borrowers by opening 61 additional branch offices.