[Chip Boom Drives Up Housing Prices, South Korea Tightens Real Estate Regulations Around Semiconductor Hubs] BlockBeats News, June 30, according to Bloomberg, the South Korean government has implemented stricter real estate restrictions in areas outside Seoul near semiconductor hubs. Previously, the semiconductor industry boom significantly drove up local housing prices, sparking concerns over speculative home purchases. The South Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport stated that the government has designated Hwaseong City's Dongtan District, Yongin City's Giheung District, and Guri City as speculative zones, with stricter loan restrictions to take effect starting July 1. Additionally, these three areas will be subject to land transaction permit requirements beginning July 5. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport noted that these measures aim to curb speculative buying and protect genuine homebuyers, while also strengthening housing market monitoring and accelerating housing supply plans. The latest measures come as apartment prices in Seoul have risen for 73 consecutive weeks, indicating that previous government efforts to cool the housing market had limited impact. After the new regulations take effect, 25 districts in Seoul and 15 regions in Gyeonggi Province will be designated as restricted zones. [Original Link]