A Construction-Halted Building Left Abandoned for 28 Years Transforms into 'Saenghwal SOC'

Abandoned building in Jeungpyeong-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do (left) and aerial view of the building after maintenance project (Photo by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport)

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Jiwon] The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced on the 22nd that it signed a basic agreement (MOU) with Chungcheongbuk-do, Jeungpyeong-gun, and Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH) to ensure the smooth promotion of the Jeungpyeong-gun suspended construction building maintenance pilot project.

Since 2015, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has been selecting pilot project sites for suspended construction buildings annually through public contests targeting local governments.

The Jeungpyeong-gun apartment complex was originally planned as an 8-story apartment building, but construction was halted for 28 years, raising ongoing issues such as deterioration of urban aesthetics and concerns about crime and safety accidents.

With this business agreement, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and others plan to transform the abandoned building into a living SOC facility equipped with cultural and convenience facilities such as senior classrooms, small libraries, multipurpose rooms, and care centers.

Floors 3 to 6 will be developed into public rental housing for youth with unstable living conditions, newlyweds, the elderly, and vulnerable groups.

This project is the first to link abandoned building maintenance projects with urban regeneration projects and is expected to contribute to revitalizing the local economy, including job creation.

The total project cost is 9.6 billion KRW, with about 4 billion KRW supported by the urban regeneration project.

Demolition of the existing building will begin this December, with construction starting next year. Completion is targeted for 2023.

Kim Sang-moon, Director of Building Policy at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, emphasized, "This year, we will do our best to strengthen the role of local governments and expand project implementers to improve the maintenance performance of long-term suspended construction buildings, promote institutional improvements, and provide practical support for local governments to carry out maintenance projects."