[Interview] Lee Seong, Guro-gu Mayor: "Achieving Regional Balanced Development Through Large-Scale Projects"

Large Residential Complex of Over 2,200 Households to Replace Former Correctional Facility Site in Gocheok-dong, Completion Scheduled for 2022... Development of Hanil Cement Factory Site to Finish This August... Cheonwang Station, Hang-dong, and Oryu-dong Areas Also Transforming

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] "The area around the former Yeongdeungpo Prison site in Gocheok-dong will emerge as the central living zone representing Guro."

Guro-gu has developed mainly around the east side of the district, including Sindorim Station area and Guro Digital Complex. Accordingly, District Mayor Lee Seong is aiming for balanced regional development through focused development in the western area.

A representative area is the former Yeongdeungpo Prison site in Gocheok-dong. Overcoming numerous obstacles, the correctional facility site development project, which began construction in December 2018, is currently underway with a target completion date in 2022. The site, covering a total area of 105,087㎡, will feature six residential-commercial complex buildings up to 45 stories high and five apartment buildings up to 35 stories high. It will be a large complex with about 2,200 households. A complex administrative town housing a community service center, care facilities, and a living culture center, as well as the Guro Tax Office, will also be newly established. Parks and commercial facilities will be created, and an underground parking lot open to residents will be constructed. Mayor Lee said, "We are creating a high-quality residential complex where housing, culture, administration, and convenience facilities are harmoniously integrated," adding, "Once the project is fully completed, the Gocheok-dong and Gaebong-dong areas will be transformed beyond recognition."

In addition, noticeable changes are occurring throughout the western part of the district. The former Hanil Cement factory site in Gaebong-dong, which was full of noise and dust, has been transformed into a pleasant apartment complex after about three years of construction, completed this August. On the 41,520㎡ site, eight apartment buildings ranging from 13 to 35 stories with a total of 1,089 households have been built. Around the complex, a street park and eco-friendly walking paths have been created, forming a residential area that blends housing and green spaces.

The area around Oryu-dong Station has been transformed into a mixed residential and cultural space. On the railway site at Oryu-dong Station, selected as a pilot district for Happy Housing, four apartment buildings with 890 units for newlyweds and young professionals were completed and occupied in 2018. Alongside the Happy Housing, community facilities such as a district-run daycare center, Oryu Art Hall, Guro Cultural Center, Toy Land, and a residents' lounge have been established. An artificial ground was built over the railway to create the 7,510㎡ "Oryu-dong Station Cultural Park." The local living zones of Oryu 1-dong and 2-dong, which had been separated by the railway, have also been restored.

The "Oryu 1-dong Community Center Complex Project," noted as the nation's first complex redevelopment of an aging government building, is also scheduled for completion this month. The Cheonwang Station area, previously prone to frequent flooding, has transformed into a new town with about 4,000 apartment units. In Hang-dong, a large-scale apartment complex with 11 complexes and over 5,200 households has been developed through a land development project. Guro-gu has separated Hang-dong as the 16th administrative district this year and is also focusing on building local living infrastructure. Mayor Lee stated, "We will communicate with residents to ensure that the benefits of urban development are evenly distributed to all residents and achieve balanced regional development."