Kim Tae Hee has scored a major win in real estate investment.
According to an exclusive report by Korea Economic TV on February 24, Kim sold a 233㎡ unit at Hannam The Hill in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, for approximately 12.8 billion KRW (approx. 8.87 million USD) in November last year.
She originally purchased the property in August 2018 for 4.23 billion KRW (approx. 2.93 million USD) in cash. The transaction marks a capital gain of roughly 8.5 billion KRW over seven years.
Completed in 2011 on the former site of Dankook University in Hannam-dong, Hannam The Hill is an ultra-luxury residential complex consisting of 32 buildings and around 600 households. Known for its low-rise design, expansive landscaping, and privacy-focused architecture, it is widely regarded as one of Seoul’s most prestigious residential communities.
The complex is also home to several high-profile figures, including BTS members RM and Jimin, actor So Ji Sub, and Koo Kwang Mo, chairman of LG Group.
Hannam The Hill is frequently cited as one of the most expensive apartment complexes in South Korea. Some 240㎡ units have been sold for well over tens of billions of KRW, with larger units reportedly listed at more than 10 billion KRW (approx. 6.93 million USD). Since 2024, several record-breaking transactions have further solidified its status in the ultra-high-end housing market.
Praised for its extensive amenities and large-scale layout, the complex has also been featured in international real estate reviews as one of the priciest residential communities in the country. Its prime location near central Seoul, with convenient access to the Han River and major business districts, adds to its appeal. Hannam-dong itself is strategically positioned between Gangnam and downtown Seoul, supported by well-developed subway and road networks.
Recently, Hannam The Hill was included in a designated land transaction permit zone, placing it under tighter real estate regulations. Some buildings previously classified as multi-family housing have also fallen under regulatory scrutiny, drawing attention to both transactions and property management within the complex.
The reported buyer of Kim’s home is Koo Ja Kwan, CEO of Sambu I&C. Known as the “Cleaning King,” Koo leads the company founded in 1968, which initially began as a cleaning supplies business before expanding into comprehensive services, including facility management and workforce outsourcing.
Sambu I&C has grown into a major corporation with more than 40,000 employees. The company operates globally, with overseas branches in the United States, China, and Poland, and recorded annual sales of 2 trillion KRW last year.
Beyond corporate leadership, Koo has also been active in industry organizations, previously serving with the Korea Building Maintenance Association. He has reportedly advocated for institutional improvements across the sector and the protection of workers’ rights.
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