S.Korea's Emart24 to sell prefabricated house

South Korea’s convenience store chain Emart24 partnered with YMK Construction to launch an innovative range of prefabricated houses, a first in the retail industry, according to the company announcement on Wednesday.

This new venture offers customers the choice of single-story and two-story houses, with three different sizes ranging from 49.5 to 82.5 square meters, equipped with modern amenities including bedrooms, a bathroom, living space, and a kitchen.

Customers can start the purchase process at any Emart24 store across the country until the end of this month.

The company facilitates a unique buying experience by providing a URL to a 3D model house for virtual tours, followed by professional consultations and payment completion.

The prefabricated houses, which can be customized to buyer preferences, are expected to be installed within two months post-payment, not counting the time for design and permit approval.

The houses are constructed using the penalizing method, which has been recognized for reducing build time, costs, and waste while providing superior earthquake resistance, insulation, and fireproofing compared to traditional housing.

This construction innovation comes as Emart24 observes the growing lifestyle trends of workations (a compound of work and vacations) and a balance between urban workweeks and rural weekends.

Emart24 has a history of successfully introducing diverse products, including imported cars and specialized entertainment boxes, positioning itself as a forerunner in diverse consumer offerings. 

Write to Hun-Hyoung Ha at hhh@hankyung.com