A 195㎡ apartment in Seoul’s luxurious Galleria Foret, home to actor Kim Soo-hyun, sold for 9 billion KRW, marking a 5.3 billion KRW increase in just five years. This record-breaking sale highlights the soaring value of celebrity-owned properties in South Korea’s elite real estate market.
Why Galleria Foret Is a Celebrity Hotspot
Galleria Foret, located in Seongsu-dong, Seoul, is a top-tier residential complex completed in 2011. It features two 45-story towers with only 230 units, offering unmatched privacy and security. The complex boasts stunning views of the Han River and Seoul Forest, designed by renowned French architect Jean Nouvel.
The complex is part of the “Seoul Forest Big Three,” alongside Acro Seoul Forest and Trimage. Its prime location provides easy access to Gangnam, Gwanghwamun, and Yeouido via Seongsu and Yeongdong Bridges, as well as Seoul Metro Line 2 and the Suin–Bundang Line. Celebrities like Kim Soo-hyun, Han Ye-seul, Ko Jun-hee, G-Dragon, and Insooni call it home, boosting its elite status.
Details of the Record-Breaking Sale
On April 3, 2025, a 195㎡ unit in Galleria Foret sold for 9 billion KRW (approximately $6.5 million USD), according to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport. This is a 143% increase from its 2020 price of 3.7 billion KRW, adding 5.3 billion KRW in value over five years.
This sale surpassed the previous record set in November 2021, when a similar-sized unit sold for 5.5 billion KRW. In June 2023, a larger 241㎡ unit fetched 10.8 billion KRW, making Galleria Foret part of Seoul’s exclusive “10 Billion Club” for ultra-luxury properties.
“The apartment has great views that overlook Seoul Forest and the Hangang River, and comes with great facilities and you-know-who neighbors,” said a realtor promoting the complex.
The surge in value reflects Seoul’s booming high-end real estate market, driven by demand for properties tied to celebrity names like Kim Soo-hyun.
Kim Soo-hyun’s Real Estate Portfolio
Kim Soo-hyun, one of South Korea’s highest-paid actors, owns three units in Galleria Foret. He purchased his first unit, a 217㎡ penthouse, in October 2013 for 4.02 billion KRW. This four-bedroom, three-bathroom home offers a Han River view and is now valued at around 13.5 billion KRW.
In May 2014, he acquired a 170㎡ unit for 3.02 billion KRW, where his cousin, Irobe, reportedly resides. His most recent purchase was a 297㎡ penthouse in January 2024 for 8.8 billion KRW, funded with 4.4 billion KRW in cash and a 4.84 billion KRW bank loan. This unit spans 218㎡ of exclusive space with three bedrooms and three bathrooms.
The combined market value of Kim Soo-hyun’s three units is estimated at 28 to 30 billion KRW, showcasing his savvy real estate investments. His properties have drawn attention, with Chinese fans reportedly attempting to buy neighboring units in ascended as Kim Soo-hyun’s net worth is estimated at $117 million (approximately 978 crore INR).
The Appeal of Galleria Foret
Galleria Foret’s appeal lies in its unique design and prime location. The yacht-inspired exterior, with glass that shifts colors in sunlight, blends with the Seoul Forest’s greenery. The complex includes seven underground floors with commercial, art, and fitness facilities, plus gardens designed by Italian landscape architect Massimo Venturi Ferriolo.
Its proximity to Seoul Forest and the Han River offers a rare blend of urban luxury and natural beauty. The complex’s exclusivity, with only 230 units, ensures privacy, making it a favorite among celebrities and high-profile individuals.
“Galleria Foret is often listed as the most expensive apartment and the best high-end residence living in Korea,” said a real estate official.
The complex’s reputation was further solidified when a 241㎡ unit sold for 4.4 billion KRW in 2013, setting a national record at the time.
Seoul’s Luxury Real Estate Boom
The record sale is part of a broader trend in Seoul’s high-end real estate market. Galleria Foret ranks among the nation’s priciest complexes, with a 271㎡ unit valued at 7.769 billion KRW in 2024 by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport. Other top complexes include PH129 in Cheongdam-dong (16.4 billion KRW) and Eterno Cheongdam (12.86 billion KRW).
Seongsu-dong’s transformation into an upscale neighborhood is driven by complexes like Galleria Foret and Acro Seoul Forest. The area’s accessibility to broadcasting hubs like Sangam and Mok-dong, plus its scarcity of high-rise residences, fuels demand.
Public Reactions
The sale sparked buzz among netizens and real estate enthusiasts on social platforms.
“Kim Soo-hyun’s apartment value soaring like his dramas! 9 billion KRW is wild!” “Galleria Foret is basically a celebrity museum at this point. Who’s next?” “Seongsu-dong is the new Gangnam, and Kim Soo-hyun’s properties prove it!”
Real estate experts note that celebrity ownership, like Kim Soo-hyun’s, adds symbolic value, making units “trophy investments.” The sale underscores how star power and location can elevate property prices to unprecedented levels.
Recent Developments
As of May 3, 2025, Galleria Foret continues to set benchmarks in Seoul’s luxury market. The 9 billion KRW sale is the latest milestone, following the 10.8 billion KRW transaction in 2023. Kim Soo-hyun remains a prominent resident, with his three units valued at nearly 30 billion KRW.
The complex’s allure persists, with ongoing interest from wealthy buyers and fans hoping to live near stars like Kim Soo-hyun. Seongsu-dong’s real estate market shows no signs of slowing, cementing Galleria Foret’s status as a pinnacle of luxury living.
