Improvement of Residential Environment in Nowon-gu 'Gongneung-dong Dotgabi Village'

A total project cost of 2.27 billion KRW invested this year to improve residential environment in Dotgabi Village (54,783㎡); construction of a 254.37㎡ community facility, park enhancements, CCTV installation... Completion of community facility in December to transform the residential area harmonized with Gyeongchun Line Forest Trail

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] Nowon-gu (District Mayor Oh Seung-rok) is carrying out a managed residential environment improvement project in the so-called ‘Dotgabi Village’ near the Dokkaebi Market in Gongneung-dong.

Dotgabi Village, covering an area of 54,783㎡ around Gongneung-dong 503-1, was selected as a project site in 2014 after obtaining residents' consent and passed the Seoul City Urban Planning Committee review in April last year.

With a total project cost of approximately 2.275 billion KRW, Dotgabi Village is expected to be transformed into a pleasant residential area harmonized with the nearby Gyeongchun Line Forest Trail.

The environmental improvement project will be promoted in three parts: the construction of a ‘community facility’ serving as a residents' lounge, ‘alleyway environment improvement,’ and ‘park improvement project.’

First, the ‘construction of a community facility’ will be built at Gongneung-dong 559-17 with a total floor area of 254.37㎡, consisting of one basement floor and four above-ground floors. The basement will house a shared workshop (61.06㎡), the first floor will have a book caf? (45.69㎡), the second floor a shared kitchen (55.77㎡), the third floor a community space (58.77㎡), and the fourth floor offices (30.08㎡). The construction cost is about 1.1 billion KRW.

Construction began this month and is scheduled to be completed by December this year, serving as a community hub for residents. During the construction period, the Dotgabi Village Residents’ Council will be allowed to use a meeting room in a nearby architect’s office.

The ‘alleyway environment improvement project’ will invest 336 million KRW to improve the floors of four deteriorated dead-end alleys. Various patterns will be applied to the existing asphalt pavement to create a fresh look, and anti-slip features will be added to ensure safe walking paths.

Additionally, to prevent crime, 24 CCTV cameras will be installed within the project area: five rotating cameras mounted on utility poles and 19 fixed cameras on walls. Twenty security lights will also be upgraded.

The final ‘old park improvement project’ targets Haeoragi Park (959.7㎡), which was established about 40 years ago. Due to aging facilities, wooden benches have rotted and the ground is uneven, resulting in low usage despite the park’s large size. The park will be renovated to meet residents’ expectations by replacing the pergola, installing granite block pavement, and removing boundary fences. Considering children’s use, the combined playground equipment will be replaced and a sand play area added to create a pleasant play space.

Dotgabi Village is adjacent to Gongneung-dong Dokkaebi Market. The name Dotgabi is a compound of ‘Dot’ (seed) + ‘Abi’ (male), which is the etymology of Dokkaebi and symbolizes abundance and protection.

District Mayor Oh Seung-rok said, “As this is the first urban regeneration project implemented in Nowon-gu, we will improve the residential environment to meet residents’ expectations. We will also steadily proceed with other upcoming projects such as the Junggye-bondong Baeksamaeul and Wolgye-dong alleyway regeneration projects.”

Urban Regeneration Division (☎2116-3918)