‘Seoul National University Biomedical Complex’ Emerging in Changdong and Nowon Areas, Project on Track and Progressing Smoothly

The project to establish the ‘Seoul National University Biomedical Cluster’ in the area around Changdong Vehicle Depot in Seoul is progressing smoothly with active support from the Seoul Metropolitan Government.

Seoul announced that it will transform the Changdong Vehicle Depot area, which is scheduled to relocate by 2025, into a next-generation bio-industry platform, nurturing it as a network-type healthy city serving the 4.8 million population in the northeastern metropolitan area. The site will host world-renowned pharmaceutical companies, medical research institutions, including Nowon Seoul National University Hospital, creating a world-class biomedical complex equipped with a bio-medical ecosystem.

First, securing Seoul National University Hospital as the anchor facility, which is crucial for the cluster development, has become visible. The hospital, which had been in ongoing discussions, recently expressed a clear intention to participate in the project. In fact, the Seoul National University Hospital board passed a resolution last December to cooperate in the establishment of the biomedical cluster. In line with this, the Seoul Metropolitan Government is also reviewing all necessary matters to ensure the creation of quality jobs and various spaces that enhance residents’ quality of life.

Oh Seung-rok, Mayor of Nowon District, stated through the media, “To create a world-class large hospital focused on research, differentiated from existing medical complexes, we are in close consultation not only with Seoul National University Hospital but also with bio companies such as Celltrion, Samsung Biologics, and Cha Bio Group,” adding, “The Seoul National University Biomedical Cluster development aims to create 80,000 jobs, including bio complexes, conventions, hotels, and shopping centers.”

This project is also stirring the local real estate market, as the influx of professionals such as doctors, professors, and researchers is expected to sharply increase housing demand. Large-scale development projects planned in the Changdong and Nowon areas are also factors fueling this momentum.

Among them, the ‘Changdong Private Station Development Project,’ which modernizes the aging Changdong Station area, has entered its main phase after 11 years. The resumed construction of the Changdong Private Station will include a complex shopping mall called ‘Arena X Square,’ a transfer center, and station facilities within a building spanning from two basement floors to ten above-ground floors, with a total floor area of approximately 87,293㎡. Additionally, various cultural and convenience facilities will be established, expected to elevate the infrastructure level of the Changdong area.

Furthermore, the ‘Changdong New Economic Center Development Project’ promoted by Dobong District is also an issue that enhances the value of the Changdong area. Dobong District plans to develop Changdong into a hub for jobs and cultural industries in northeastern Seoul through this project. So far, four key buildings?Seed Cube Changdong, Changdong Aurune, Seoul Robot Artificial Intelligence Science Museum, and Seoul Photo Museum?have begun construction, with only the Seoul Arena left to start.

Moreover, transportation improvements are driving the rise in regional value. The Metropolitan Area Express Train (GTX) Line C is scheduled to stop at Changdong Station, which currently serves Lines 1 and 4. Using GTX, travel from Changdong Station to Samsung Station in Gangnam will take about 10 minutes, and accessibility to the metropolitan area will improve, broadening residential options.