Korean Apartment Interiors: Ohouse and Remodel Trends — 2026-10-08

Top developments

Interior construction disputes spike 22% in first half of 2026

The Korea Consumer Agency reported that consumer victim relief requests for interior remodeling jumped 22.2% year-on-year in the first half of 2026, with 430 cases recorded. Defect repairs accounted for 56.9% of the 2,243 cases filed since 2023, highlighting persistent issues with poor workmanship and unregistered contractors. The agency issued a cautionary alert, noting that over half of the disputes involved "defect repairs" where contractors failed to honor agreed-upon materials or abandoned projects mid-construction.

Hanssem launches premium entryway storage amid profit recovery

Hanssem introduced its "Signature Entryway Cabinet" on October 6, offering six door options and modular storage that increases capacity by up to 22%. This launch coincides with a strong financial recovery for the company, with Q2 operating profit rising 400.2% to KRW 11.3 billion. The move targets consumers who are staying put in existing homes rather than moving, seeking to maximize utility in smaller apartment entryways.

"Partial Remodeling" becomes dominant trend due to cost pressures

As full-scale renovation costs rise, "partial remodeling"—renovating only specific spaces like kitchens or bathrooms—is gaining popularity among Korean homeowners. This shift is driven by an aging housing stock and economic uncertainty, leading consumers to avoid the high upfront costs of complete overhauls. Interior companies are responding with package products designed for targeted improvements, allowing households to upgrade incrementally rather than committing to massive budgets.

Hanssem’s Swive sofa sales jump 49% on expanded lineup

Sales of Hanssem’s "Swive" swing-back sofa series increased by 49% year-on-year between June and August, following an expansion to five models. The growth reflects a broader trend where consumers invest in high-quality, functional furniture pieces that fit well in modern apartment layouts. This performance underscores the resilience of the home furnishing sector even as real estate transaction volumes remain subdued.

Local view

Local media outlets are focusing heavily on consumer protection warnings as the autumn moving season peaks. SBS highlighted a case where a contractor changed the front door password and cut off contact after receiving a partial payment for a 92 million won project, illustrating the severity of recent disputes. Yonhap News reported that the Korea Consumer Agency is holding meetings with major interior firms to demand stricter management of unregistered subcontractors and clearer disclosure of construction licenses. JoongAng Ilbo emphasized the psychological toll on victims, noting that many disputes arise from verbal agreements regarding materials that are not honored during construction.

Context & numbers

• Complaint Volume: 430 interior-related victim relief requests were filed in H1 2026, up 22.2% from the same period last year.
• Defect Share: Defect repairs constitute 56.9% of all interior disputes since 2023.
• Hanssem Profit: Q2 2026 operating profit rose 400.2% to KRW 11.3 billion.
• Storage Capacity: New Hanssem entryway cabinets offer up to 22% more storage capacity than previous models.
• Sofa Sales: Hanssem’s Swive sofa line saw a 49% year-on-year sales increase in Q3.

On the radar

• Consumer Agency Follow-up: The Korea Consumer Agency plans to monitor whether major interior platforms like Ohouse (Bucketplace) and Hanssem improve their subcontractor vetting processes following the recent alerts.
• Autumn Season Peak: With the autumn moving season currently underway, industry insiders expect dispute rates to remain elevated until November, urging consumers to verify contractor registration before signing contracts.