Seoul’s Jagok RAEMIAN Fore Apartments Elevates Security and Slashes Costs with Integrated Axis Solutions

Residential apartment complexes worldwide constantly seek to balance stringent security needs with operational efficiency and a responsible total cost of ownership (TCO). In the bustling heart of Seoul, Korea, the Jagok RAEMIAN Fore Apartments has not only met but exceeded these objectives through the strategic deployment of an integrated security solution from Axis Communications. asmag.com recently delved into this success story, speaking with Daniel Mun, Country Manager for Korea at Axis Communications, and Justin Kumulia, the company’s Business Development Manager for Intercoms and Access Control, to uncover how this cutting-edge system has profoundly benefited both operators and residents.

Completed in 2014 by Samsung C&T Corporation, a leading South Korean construction firm, Jagok RAEMIAN Fore Apartments stands majestically in Seoul’s prestigious Gangnam District. The sprawling complex encompasses 15 buildings, home to a total of 1,070 households, making its security and management needs exceptionally complex.

Outdated Video System Posed Significant Challenges

Prior to its upgrade, Jagok RAEMIAN Fore relied on an aging video security system comprising approximately 300 network cameras, each boasting a mere 410,000 pixels. Manufactured by a prominent domestic company, the system was severely outdated, struggled with low-light performance, and proved woefully inadequate for the multifaceted security demands of a modern apartment complex.

“Apartment complexes like Jagok RAEMIAN Fore face a range of security and operational challenges – from preventing unauthorized access and package theft to ensuring resident safety, managing visitors efficiently, and responding quickly to emergencies,” explained Justin Kumulia. “These challenges are often compounded by fragmented systems that operate in silos, creating inefficiencies and security gaps.”

Further exacerbating the issues, the old system utilized 20 bulky 16-channel NVRs, consuming valuable space and generating excessive heat. A critical blow came when the original camera manufacturer exited the security business, leaving the complex without vital after-sales service or technical support – a precarious position for any large residential property.

Axis’s Integrated Solution: A New Era of Security

Faced with these insurmountable challenges, the apartment complex initiated a search for a replacement security system. Key selection criteria included high camera resolution and performance, a favorable total cost of ownership for sustainable long-term operation, and guaranteed, reliable technical support.

Following a comprehensive consultation with a local Axis partner, Jagok RAEMIAN Fore confidently chose Axis’s integrated solution. The new deployment features 322 Axis cameras, including robust AXIS M20 bullet cameras, discreet AXIS M30 dome cameras, and versatile AXIS M31 dome cameras. Each unit is enhanced with smart, AI-based analytics to proactively bolster security.

“Axis cameras come with AXIS Object Analytics, an edge-based AI application pre-installed at no extra cost,” stated Daniel Mun. “By analyzing video directly on the camera, there’s no need for additional servers – reducing system complexity and infrastructure costs. Combined with Zipstream technology, bandwidth and storage needs are significantly lowered, resulting in fewer servers, reduced energy consumption, and overall cost savings.”

Revolutionizing Operational Efficiency

Beyond surveillance, the Axis solution integrated 13 network speakers strategically placed in vulnerable areas and recycling collection points. This synergy between cameras and speakers maximizes both safety and management efficiency. For instance, if cameras detect individuals smoking in prohibited zones or improperly disposing of waste, a pre-recorded guidance message can be automatically broadcast through the speakers.

“Axis network speakers offer a simple, cost-effective IP-based solution, combining power, connectivity, and audio in a single cable,” Mun elaborated. “With remote health monitoring, issues can be detected and resolved quickly. Compared to traditional analogue systems that require extensive cabling, this approach is more efficient, scalable, and easier to maintain. When integrated, cameras can automatically trigger audio alerts, enabling faster response and reducing the workload for security teams.”

Achieving a Dramatically Lowered Total Cost of Ownership

The adoption of the integrated Axis solution brought about a significant reduction in Jagok RAEMIAN Fore’s total cost of ownership. According to Axis, the complex reported a remarkable 64 percent reduction in incidents and losses compared to the preceding period. Furthermore, the solution led to a 50 percent reduction in manpower and associated costs, alongside a 30 percent decrease in management work time. These compelling figures powerfully demonstrate the long-term financial benefits of deploying the right security solution.

“Many customers initially evaluate security systems based primarily on the upfront price or technical specifications of devices such as cameras or speakers,” Mun observed. “However, these systems are typically deployed for long operational lifecycles, often ranging from five to ten years or even longer. In fact, the cost of deployment is only about 30% of the cost incurred during this period of use. Much greater costs are incurred during operation. Labor costs, electricity costs, maintenance, etc. described earlier are all included in this operating cost. For this reason, it is important to evaluate the TCO throughout the system’s lifecycle – from deployment and operation to long-term maintenance and eventual replacement.”

Mun further highlighted that “besides these ‘cost’ aspects, advanced integrated security solutions are, beyond simple security surveillance, also possible to deter or prevent crime and maintain order, enabling improvements in security, safety, and efficiency.”

Versatility Beyond Residential: Ideal for Commercial and Mixed-Use Properties

While Jagok RAEMIAN Fore is a residential complex, the comprehensive benefits of Axis’s integrated solution extend readily to commercial and mixed-use properties.

“An integrated Axis solution is ideally suited for the dynamic demands of commercial and mixed-use properties, where diverse user groups—tenants, employees, shoppers, and visitors—each have distinct access needs and schedules,” said Justin Kumulia. “By bringing together video surveillance, access control, and network audio on a single platform, property managers can efficiently manage access by location and time, monitor shared spaces such as lobbies and parking areas, and deliver ambient music, targeted messaging, or emergency announcements through network speakers.” This comprehensive approach, Kumulia concluded, ultimately optimizes foot traffic and delivery flows, strengthens security, improves operational efficiency, and elevates the overall experience across the entire property.