Busan Launches Nation's First "Single-Person Household Safety Complex Town"

Busan, South Korea - Busan has launched the nation's first "Single-Person Household Safety Complex Town" in Namsan-dong, Geumjeong-gu. This innovative project aims to create a secure living environment for single-person households and vulnerable groups, such as women, who face higher risks of crimes like stalking and home invasions.

The project is a collaborative effort involving the city, Busan Urban Corporation, and the Busan Design Promotion Agency. The safety complex incorporates advanced security features using Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles. These features include entrance control systems, security screens, internal and external surveillance cameras (CCTV), and dimming sensor lights. These measures are designed to enhance both safety and the aesthetic appeal of the living environment.

Mayor Park Heong-joon emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “This project sets a new standard for safe urban living, demonstrating our commitment to protecting our citizens and improving their quality of life.”

Busan's efforts to improve safety for single-person households extend beyond the safety complex town. Last year, the city established a "Safe Village" near Pusan National University (PNU). This area, with a high concentration of single-person households, received comprehensive crime prevention infrastructure and the "Youth Safe Housing Support Project." The project certified 70 studio apartments with the "Safe Studio" label, following consultations with the Busan Police Agency and Geumjeong Police Station. Custom crime prevention designs were applied to address unique features of single-person housing, such as urban voids, pilotis structures, and exposed gas pipes. Resident feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with a satisfaction score averaging 90.4 points​.

The city also supports a "Safe Studio Certification" initiative, which aids small-scale multi-family homeowners in installing security facilities. The city provides support for the installation of security windows and gas pipe covers, while the Busan Police Agency certifies and periodically revalidates the safety of these homes, ensuring ongoing protection.

Looking ahead, Busan plans to complete the second “Single-Person Household Safety Complex Town” near Pusan National University in Jangjeon-dong by the end of the year. This expansion aims to provide more secure living spaces for single-person households.

The rise in single-person households is a significant trend in South Korea. As of 2021, one-third of all households in the country were single-person households, reflecting a shift in social dynamics with fewer people opting for marriage and children. This demographic is particularly vulnerable to crime, with lower income levels and higher risks of violent crime reported among these groups.

Busan’s initiative sets a model for other cities, emphasizing the importance of tailored crime prevention measures to enhance urban safety and improve residents' quality of life​.