Dispelling the notion in South Korea that modular construction is seen as cheap or unsafe, the Dong-A Ilbo informs MHProNews a dormitory for foreign workers of Posco Steel, comprised of 18 modules, called MUTO, has steel-framed reinforced concrete construction. After the infrastructure was readied, the modules were assembled in three days. The entire project required 45 days, start to finish, much less than the three to six months needed for a comparable site-built facility, and costing 10-20 percent less. Sited in the Cheongdam-dong neighborhood of Seoul’s posh district of Gangnam, the building remained warm even with the heater off and the temperature outside at or below freezing. Samsung Heavy Industries is considering the marketing possibilities for Korea. Kim Hee-jeong, head of Fides Development, says, “Demand for modular homes will definitely grow because the construction period is short and the house can be built on a small lot in a big city without a noise problem. But for a while, demand will be higher for residential complexes such as dorms or residential buildings for rent purposes than for individual homes.”
