Author (s): Angie Marcela Páez Monroy (LinkedIn)
Abstract
Banjiha, semi-underground residences primarily located in Seoul, are emblematic of the intersection between rapid urbanization, economic development, and social inequality in South Korea. Originating as wartime shelters and utility spaces, these units evolved into affordable housing for low-income households, students, and young workers. This paper examines the historical origins, contemporary social functions, and cultural representations of banjiha, emphasizing their significance as both practical dwellings and symbols of urban marginalization. Drawing on government data, academic studies, and cultural analysis, the study highlights the dual nature of banjiha as spaces of necessity and vulnerability.
Keywords:Banjiha, South Korea, semi-underground housing, social inequality, urbanization, Parasite
1. Introduction
The urban landscape of Seoul features a unique residential typology known as banjiha (반지하), semi-underground units that have emerged from Korea’s historical, social, and economic context. Originally designed for practical purposes, these spaces now provide affordable housing to a diverse urban population. As such, they illustrate the consequences of rapid economic development on urban society. “Basement spaces which had originally been used as emergency shelters, boiler rooms, or storage began to be illegally converted into residences” (National Folk Museum of Korea, 2025, p. 42). This paper explores the historical origins, social functions, and cultural representation of banjiha, with particular attention to their ongoing relevance in contemporary Seoul.
2. Historical Background
Banjiha have their roots in Korea’s mid-20th-century history. Many units were “first built as military bunkers after the Korean War, later turned into last-resort housing” (Park, 2025). During the post-war reconstruction period, rapid urban growth necessitated shelter solutions, even if these were substandard. Over time, utilitarian spaces such as boiler rooms and storage areas were repurposed to meet the city’s housing demand, creating semi-formalized living units. This historical context explains why banjiha became widespread and highlights the long-standing tension between urgent housing needs and regulatory oversight.
3. Social Function and Distribution
Contemporary Seoul still houses a significant population in banjiha. According to a study by KBS and KOCER, based on 2020 census data from KOSTAT, “the number of Koreans living in banjiha residences nationwide was found to be at least 599,000. This included 355,000 people in Seoul, where the greatest portion of such households are located, meaning that one out of every 25 people in Seoul was living in a banjiha unit at the time of the analysis” (National Folk Museum of Korea, 2025, p. 43). These units are concentrated mainly in the southeastern, northern, and western districts of Seoul (Yookyung Lee & Han, 2016).
Banjiha offer a practical solution to the city’s housing challenges, particularly for students, young workers, and migrants from smaller cities. Their affordability and proximity to central urban areas make them desirable despite inherent risks. “There are a number of problems inherent in these types of dwellings, as they lack privacy, leave residents more vulnerable to disasters such as flooding and fire, and offer less protection from potential criminals. Despite the substandard living conditions, these units continue to exist due to a combination of landlords seeking to maximize rental income from their properties, and the otherwise-unmet demand for affordable housing from low-income households” (National Folk Museum of Korea, 2025, p. 43).
4. Cultural Representation
Banjiha have also become cultural symbols of social inequality. In Parasite, Kim Ki-taek’s family resides in a banjiha, a setting that “reflects the life of South Korea’s proletarian class society, which is hidden behind splendor and stability. We can see from the visual film of the house, which shows the poverty and financial problems they experience, that social inequalities are very contradictory” (Muhammad et al., 2025, p. 11). The film portrays these semi-underground units as spaces of marginalization, yet also of resilience. Despite cramped living conditions, “even though they are a family of four who has to squeeze together to live in a narrow house called Banjiha, they are still happy” (Kamila Meutia Sani et al., 2023, p. 86). Such representations reinforce the dual nature of banjiha as both a necessity for low-income residents and a metaphor for social invisibility in urban life.
5. Discussion
The persistence of banjiha underscores ongoing challenges in balancing urban development with social welfare. While these units address a critical need for affordable housing, they also expose residents to structural vulnerabilities, including flooding, fire hazards, and limited privacy. Their continued existence highlights the gap between economic growth and equitable housing policies. The contrast between necessity and risk exemplifies the broader tension between rapid modernization and social equity in Seoul.
6. Conclusion
Banjiha in South Korea represent a unique intersection of historical necessity, social adaptation, and urban inequality. Originally constructed as wartime shelters and utility spaces, these semi-underground dwellings now provide affordable housing for students, young workers, and low-income families. They illustrate the consequences of rapid urbanization, the persistence of social stratification, and the resilience of residents in marginal spaces. Cultural representations, particularly in films like Parasite, amplify their symbolic significance, portraying banjiha as spaces of invisibility, contradiction, and resilience. As Seoul continues to grow, these units remain a poignant reminder of the ongoing challenges in creating inclusive, safe, and equitable urban environments (National Folk Museum of Korea, 2025; Y. Lee & Han, 2023; Muhammad et al., 2025).
REFERENCES
Kamila Meutia Sani, S., Lirishati Soethama, P., Detriasmita Saientisna, M., & Luh Nyoman Seri Malini, N. (2023). The Proletariat Class Struggle Portrayal In AKMU’S Dinosaur: Marxism Approach. Loquēla Journal of Linguistics, Literature, and Education, 1(2), 82–91. https://smarteducenter.org/index.php/Loquela/index
Lee, Y., & Han, S. (2023). Exploring Vulnerability in Urban Areas: Housing and Living Poverty in Seoul, South Korea. Research Square. https://doi.org/10.21203/RS.3.RS-3080005/V1
Lee, Yookyung, & Han, S. (2016). Exploring cooperation between the Republic of Korea and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) in the areas of innovation and SME internationalization strategies. https://repositorio.cepal.org/bitstream/handle/11362/40720/1/S1600894_en.pdf
Muhammad, I., Gonda, Y., & Prakoso, H. A. (2025). Representation of Poverty in South Korea: A Case Study of Bong Joon-Ho’s Parasite. Jurnal Ilmu Ekonomi Dan Pembangunan. https://jurnal.uns.ac.id/jiep/article/view/94317/49512
National Folk Museum of Korea. (2025). Encyclopedia of Hallyu. Jang Sang-hoon (Director General, National Folk Museum of Korea). https://folkency.nfm.go.kr/
Park, H. (2025). Banjiha Stories [Massachusetts Institute of Technology]. https://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/163702
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