Institutional Regulation Difference in Modular Architecture: A Comparative Study of South Korea,  the United Kingdom,  and Singapore

Eun Joo Park; Yoon-Jeong Shin

doi:10.21086/ksles.2025.4.32.2.228

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Research Article

Institutional Regulation Difference in Modular Architecture: A Comparative Study of South Korea, the United Kingdom, and Singapore 국가별 모듈러 건축의 제도적 차이: 한국, 영국, 싱가포르 사례

30 April 2025. pp. 228-240

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Abstract

Modular construction, which involves prefabricated components assembled on-site, has gained significant attention for its efficiency in reducing construction time, minimizing costs, and improving quality management. While modular construction has been widely adopted in various sectors such as residential complexes, commercial buildings, and urban infrastructure in countries like the United Kingdom and Singapore, South Korea’s adoption remains largely confined to public projects and small-scale applications. This study aims to analyze the legal definitions and institutional frameworks governing industrialized housing in South Korea. By comparing relevant regulations and case studies, the research identifies key challenges and opportunities for modular construction in the Korean context. It examines the limitations of existing legal structures, including the absence of standardized design codes, inadequate quality assurance mechanisms, and insufficient incentives for private-sector adoption. The findings suggest that Korea’s modular construction industry would benefit from regulatory reforms that establish standardized design guidelines, improve certification processes, and promote public-private collaborations. Additionally, lessons from the UK and Singapore highlight the importance of government-driven incentives, environmental sustainability regulations, and international certification frameworks to ensure modular construction’s scalability and effectiveness.

Keywords

Modular construction

Industrialized housing

Regulatory framework

Prefabrication

Sustainable architecture

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Information

Publisher :The Korean Society of Living Environmental System
Publisher(Ko) :한국생활환경학회
Journal Title :Journal of The Korean Society of Living Environmental System
Journal Title(Ko) :한국생활환경학회
Volume : 32
No :2
Pages :228-240
Received Date : 2025-02-26
Revised Date : 2025-03-31
Accepted Date : 2025-04-24
DOI :https://doi.org/10.21086/ksles.2025.4.32.2.228

Journal of The Korean Society of Living Environmental System ISSN:1226-1289(Print) 한국생활환경학회

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