Case Studies for Considering Residential Quality of Semi-Basement Housing - Focusing on Semi-Basement Housing Units in Washington D.C. -

Eunjoo Lee; Suk-Kyung Kim

doi:10.6107/JKHA.2026.37.2.079

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2026 Vol.37, Issue 2 Preview Page Next Page

Research Article

Case Studies for Considering Residential Quality of Semi-Basement Housing - Focusing on Semi-Basement Housing Units in Washington D.C. - 반지하주택의 거주성능을 고려한 해외사례 분석 - 워싱턴 D.C.의 반지하주택을 중심으로 -

25 April 2026. pp. 079-087

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Abstract

This study aimed to identify practical strategies to upgrade, rather than eliminate semi-basement dwellings in Korea. It used long-standing English-basements in Washington, D.C. as reference cases. The research combined literature review on the socio-legal and material development of semi-basement housing in Korea and Anglo-American regions with field surveys and interviewed in three semi-basement units in Washington, D.C. The results indicated two priorities for improving Korean semi-basements: controlling indoor humidity through enhanced air circulation and condensation drainage, and securing at least one additional escape route beyond the main entrance. The study concluded by proposing integrated window–door systems that combine ventilation, security, emergency egress, and condensation management, to be developed and implemented through collaboration among technical experts and policy makers.

Keywords

Semi-Basement Housing

Residential Quality

Humidity Control

Escape Route

키워드

반지하주택

거주성능

습기 조절

대피로

References

Jang, J. (2013). A Study on the Social Representation of (Semi-) Basement Housing in Korea and the Identity of the Residents. Master’s thesis, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea

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Kim, K., Jeong, S., Min, G., Yoo, J., Kim, N., & Kang., S. (1994). A Study on the Rehabilitation Models for General Residential Areas. Seoul: Seoul Development Institute.

Kim, S. K. (2023). Improvement of habitability and residential environment for the housing underprivileged in Seoul. Seoul Housing Forum, Seoul, Korea.

Korea Ministry of Government Legislation (2024). Building Act. Retrieved from https://moleg.go.kr/

Korea Ministry of Government Legislation (2024). Enforcement Decree of the Building Act. Retrieved from https://moleg.go.kr/

Lim, C. B. (1989) A study on the typological continuity and transformation of detached houses in Korean cities. Doctoral dissertation, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea

Lim, C. B. (2011). History of Housing Types in Korea. Seoul: Dolbaege.

Norbert, S. (2004). 6000 Years of Housing (Y. H. Kim Trans.). Seoul: Dau publishing.

Shin, S. Y., Kim, S. E., Nam, H. J., & Kim S. K. (2023). Basement homes in Seoul: types and safety improvements. Seoul: The Seoul Institute.

Information

Publisher :The Korean Housing Association
Publisher(Ko) :한국주거학회
Journal Title :Journal of the Korean Housing Association
Journal Title(Ko) :한국주거학회논문집
Volume : 37
No :2
Pages :079-087
Received Date : 2026-02-12
Revised Date : 2026-03-15
Accepted Date : 2026-03-24
DOI :https://doi.org/10.6107/JKHA.2026.37.2.079

Journal of the Korean Housing Association ISSN:2234-3571(Print) 2234-2257(Online) 한국주거학회논문집

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