Toward Integrated UBRC Development: Bridging Legal Frameworks for Senior Living

Purpose: This study investigates the institutional challenges and policy implications related to the development of Urban-Based Retirement Communities (UBRCs), a proposed integrated welfare infrastructure model for addressing Korea’s transition into a super-aged society. Research design, data and methodology: The research employs a comparative legal analysis of key frameworks, including the Urban Development Act, Building Act, Elderly Welfare Act, and Public-Private Partnership Act. It further incorporates case studies from Japan’s Community-Based Integrated Care System and the Stanford University-linked senior community project to extract international insights relevant to Korea. Results: The study finds that current legal frameworks are fragmented by sector, lack definitions for multifunctional facilities, and impose limitations on private sector participation. These structural weaknesses hinder the institutionalization of UBRCs despite increasing policy interest and localized pilot efforts. Conclusions: For UBRCs to be successfully institutionalized, a coordinated multi-agency legal framework, new facility classification, and unified planning and permitting system are required. In addition, long-term policy roadmaps and structured incentives for private investment are essential to ensure nationwide scalability and sustainability.