Easing Building Regulations to Develop the Aging Jeongneung-dong Area

[Asia Economy Reporter Onyu Lim] The redevelopment of the aging area around Jeongneung-dong in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, will be revitalized through the maintenance of unexecuted facilities and the relaxation of building regulations. On the 15th, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that it held a delegated subcommittee meeting of the Urban and Architectural Joint Committee on the 14th and approved the revision of the 'Jeongneung Living Area Central District Unit Plan.'

The target site is around 465-1 Jeongneung-dong. Despite recent changes in the local environment such as Jeongneung's designation as a World Cultural Heritage site and the opening of the Uisinseol Light Rail Transit, development such as building permits has been sluggish since the 2006 redevelopment, and the function as a living area center, including the aging Jeongneung Arirang Market, has been weakening.

A Seoul city official explained, "This redevelopment aims to promote development by reflecting changes in local conditions, minimizing the maintenance of unexecuted facilities and building regulation issues, and to strengthen the living area central functions through the creation of a specialized street for Jeongneung Arirang Market and the management of building uses."

Looking at the main decisions, Seoul plans to lift two special planning zones that have not been pursued for a long time and minimize the designation of lot and joint development plans to induce development revitalization. In addition, the maintenance of long-term unexecuted urban planning facilities and the expansion of resident convenience facilities such as parking lots will promote development in the Jeongneung living area center.

Meanwhile, Seoul has decided to additionally include the market, which was partially excluded from the Jeongneung Arirang Market area, into the district unit planning zone. Through this, it will promote the establishment of a pedestrian-centered street system, induce building uses focused on food, and create a specialized street with traditional image building exteriors and color plans.