The Rise of Real Estate Education: How a Boom in Learning is Shaping the 2030 Generation
The path to homeownership is becoming increasingly steep for the 2030 generation, fueling explosive growth in the real estate education market. Although the promise of “learning to get rich” persists, the reality for many young people remains unchanged. The market has transformed into a large industry, capitalizing on fears of wealth disparity.
The Growth of Online Communities and Revenue
The success of communities like ‘Wolgaejang Bujahdeul’ (월급쟁이 부자들 – “Salaryman Rich People”) exemplifies the trend. According to the Financial Supervisory Service’s electronic disclosure system, Wolgaejang Bujahdeul’s revenue jumped from 1.9 billion won in 2019 to 50.8 billion won in 2024 – a nearly 27-fold increase in five years. Staff numbers have also grown rapidly, from 10 to 87 over the same period.
Their popularity stems from content that taps into anxieties about financial insecurity, coupled with the promise of actionable strategies. Their YouTube channel, ‘WolgaejangbujadeulTV,’ boasts over 2.1 million subscribers.
The Appeal of a Structured Learning Path
Recent video titles reveal the core message: questioning traditional success metrics and creating a sense of urgency. Examples include “Why I Quit My Dream Job at a Major Corporation” and “What to Do Immediately If You Think It’s Too Late.” This approach funnels viewers towards paid courses.
These courses aren’t cheap. Regular courses start around 400,000 won, with tiered structures encouraging further investment in advanced levels. One-on-one investment coaching costs 500,000 won for 40 minutes, and property-specific consultations also carry a 500,000 won fee.
Building a Culture of Learning and Community
A key factor in Wolgaejang Bujahdeul’s success is its ability to transform learning into a ‘culture’ through community building. Students are immediately integrated into online communities, which then extend into offline networking and study groups. These groups often organize weekend field trips and evening study sessions, fostering a strong sense of belonging and shared purpose.
A hierarchical structure within these communities – with roles like leaders and tutors – promotes collaboration and competition, increasing student engagement and retention.
Profitability and the Rise of Knowledge Retail
The business model is remarkably profitable. Wolgaejang Bujahdeul’s operating profit margin exceeded 55% in 2024, significantly higher than the average for Korean manufacturers and even the IT software industry. This is achieved by selling intangible knowledge content at high prices and leveraging student participation to maintain the system.
This trend isn’t limited to Wolgaejang Bujahdeul. Platforms like ‘Haengkyu Edu’ and ‘Buiknam’ are also offering courses priced in the tens of thousands of won, promising ‘financial freedom’ or ‘FIRE’ (Financial Independence, Retire Early). The real estate learning market has evolved into a large-scale knowledge retail industry.
The Risks and Asymmetries
The real estate industry notes that these courses have contributed to a surge in small-scale property investment among young people, fueled by unrealistic expectations. The marketing often relies on past investment successes, creating a potential disconnect between promise and reality.
A significant concern is the ‘asymmetry of risk.’ Instructors profit from marketing their past experiences, while students may face financial losses and debt. Several cases were identified during reporting where individuals who invested in small-scale properties in provincial areas based on community recommendations experienced losses.
FAQ
Q: How much do these real estate courses cost?
A: Courses range from 400,000 won for regular programs to 500,000 won for 40-minute one-on-one coaching sessions.
Q: What is the ‘Wolgaejang Bujahdeul’ community?
A: It’s a popular online and offline community focused on real estate investment, offering courses, networking opportunities, and study groups.
Q: Are these courses worth the investment?
A: The value depends on individual circumstances and the ability to critically evaluate the information provided. We find risks involved, and success is not guaranteed.
Q: What is the operating profit margin of Wolgaejang Bujahdeul?
A: It exceeded 55% in 2024.
Did you know? The revenue of Wolgaejang Bujahdeul increased nearly 27-fold between 2019 and 2024.
Pro Tip: Before investing in any real estate course, research the instructor’s background and track record, and carefully consider your own financial situation and risk tolerance.
What are your thoughts on the rise of real estate education? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below!
