Residential Poverty in Gwanak-gu: Current Status of Housing Poverty and a Roundtable Discussion on Legal Blind Spots

Gwanak-gu is densely populated with goshiwons (small rooms often used by students to prepare for exams) and small basements. Last year, heavy rainfall caused many residents to suffer from flooding in their basement dwellings. Despite various measures being discussed, the housing crisis continues in the poor living conditions known as 'Ji, Ok, Go' (basements, rooftop rooms, and goshiwons).

In response to this issue, the academic journal "Public Interest and Human Rights" and the Public Law Center at Seoul National University School of Law aim to investigate the reality of local residential poverty and explore the problems related to legislation from various perspectives. Furthermore, they plan to invite experts from different fields who have accumulated expertise and experience to discuss possible solutions to improve housing poverty through legal structures.

1. Date and Venue

   • Date: July 31, 2023 (Monday), 19:00 - 21:00
   • Venue: Seoul National University School of Law, 17th Building, 6th Floor, Seoam Hall

2. Detailed Program

   • Moderator: Choi Jeong-eun (Clinical Professor, Seoul National University School of Law)
   • Greetings: Shin Yoon-jin (Professor, Seoul National University School of Law)
   • Presentation 1: Reporting on the Student Room Village near Universities / Lee Hye-mi (Reporter, Korea Ilbo)
   • Presentation 2: Inequality in Cities and the Right to Housing / Lee Won-ho (Executive Director, Poverty and Social Solidarity)
   • Presentation 3: Between Law and the Exercise of Rights / Jung Du-young (Director, Gwanak Housing Welfare Center)
   • Presentation 4: Current Issues and Challenges in Housing Public Interest Legislation / Yoo Wook (Lawyer, Dongcheon Foundation Housing Public Interest Law Center)

3. Organized by: Editorial Board of "Public Interest and Human Rights," Public Law Center at Seoul National University School of Law

4. Inquiries: Public Law Center at Seoul National University School of Law (02-880-6864, slcc@snu.ac.kr)

• Anyone can attend the event without prior registration.