[Future of Seochon]⑩ Rep. Choi Jae-hyung "Seochon Hanok is a New Cultural Tourism Asset"

Jongno National Assembly Member Representing Seochon
"Need to Develop a Tourism Belt from Cheongwadae to Jongmyo and Daehangno Including Seochon"
Calls for Amendment of the Architectural Heritage Act to Introduce 'Hanok Direct Subsidy System'
Reminiscing About 'Seochon' from the Days Attending Old Gyeonggi High School
"Measures Needed to Eliminate Residents' Inconvenience"

Choi Jae-hyung, People Power Party presidential primary candidate. / Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kum Boryeong] Choi Jae-hyung, a member of the People Power Party representing Jongno-gu in Seoul, reminisces about old memories when he thinks of 'Seochon.' These memories from the time he attended Gyeonggi High School, located where the Jeongdok Library now stands, still live on. Observing the harmony between the lines of hanok roofs and the mountain ridges of Inwangsan and Bugaksan, he says he felt a 'clear elegance.' He finds it fascinating and grateful that the old appearance remains intact, and his plan is to make the Seochon area a place where 'history and the present' breathe together. However, facing the reality of residents who have long felt inconvenienced, he is also focusing on 'improving the residential environment.' On the 24th, we met with Representative Choi, who works for the residents of Jongno-gu, to hear about his vision for Seochon's future.

--There is growing interest in how Seochon will change after the presidential office relocation. Do you think change is necessary?

▶Historic palaces including Gyeongbokgung, hanoks in Bukchon and Seochon, along with the Blue House, can become new cultural tourism resources. From a macro perspective, the area encompassing Seochon, the Blue House, Jongmyo Shrine, Daehangno, and Heunginjimun should be developed to function as a 'cultural tourism belt.' We plan to connect these areas into one belt through collaboration between Seoul City and Jongno-gu Office. Additionally, a major direction of 'coexistence of time and space' is needed. What the cultural tourism belt should embody is a space where history and the present, elegant palaces and hanoks coexist with massive urban buildings.

--What are your thoughts on the voices calling for redevelopment in Seochon?

▶The problem lies in the severely aged hanoks, with residents expressing discomfort such as 'difficulty living due to leaks and wood decay.' Since Seochon is designated and managed as a 'Hanok Preservation District,' even homeowners cannot freely demolish their houses or build multi-story villas. Moreover, Seochon is subject to overlapping regulations as it is part of the Inwangsan 'Natural Scenic District' and the Gyeongbokgung surrounding 'Height Restriction District.'

Since Mayor Oh Se-hoon's inauguration, the 'Rapid Integrated Planning' policy has been promoted to simplify redevelopment and reconstruction procedures and periods, and I am aware that there are voices in Seochon demanding the lifting of the 'Hanok Preservation District' designation. However, redevelopment that demolishes all Seochon hanoks and erects buildings is not a panacea. It is right to preserve what should be preserved and develop where development is needed.

Residents do not want high-rise apartments. They know Seochon is not a place for that kind of development, but currently, regulations are so excessive that they cannot even properly repair hanoks. They mainly ask for flexibility in this regard and for some relaxation of height restrictions.

--What measures should be taken?

▶Fundamental measures to eliminate residents' inconveniences are necessary. Especially, bold investments for hanok preservation at the Seoul city level are required. Seochon was an urban regeneration project area. Despite efforts like mural painting, alleyway beautification, and neighbor acquaintance projects, there has been little improvement. Alleys are too narrow for fire trucks or ambulances to enter. Parking is even more inconvenient. Although the 'Hanok Cost Support System' provides subsidies and loans up to 180 million KRW, this is still a large debt, making it difficult for ordinary people to take the initiative.

--What institutional support should Seoul City provide in this regard?

▶If we first consider the big picture of 'inheriting the value of hanoks' and 'developing hanok culture,' not only Seoul City but also the government should devise active support policies. It is neither fair nor reasonable that individuals cannot exercise property rights simply because they live in a hanok-dense area. If hanok owners cannot arbitrarily demolish their buildings, corresponding incentives should be provided. In this regard, the introduction of a 'Hanok Direct Payment System' needs to be considered. To this end, we are also considering amending the 'Act on the Promotion of Architectural Assets such as Hanoks.' Furthermore, I believe there should be promotion policies that support the training of hanok specialists and foster and encourage hanok-related industries.

--Do you think a 'larger-scale Seochon master plan' beyond district unit plans is necessary?

▶If there were no district unit plans established by local governments, some areas would be densely packed with apartments without any parks or green spaces left. Without plans to regulate height, floor area ratio, and other factors, there would only be disorder. Regarding hanoks, the effects achievable through district unit plans are limited to height and floor area ratio. For example, even if a building is a hanok, if its color or form is too discordant, it might not fit well with the entire village. I agree with the need for a master plan in this sense. However, since it could become too strict in regulations, caution is necessary. I believe that Jongno-gu Office will complement these issues well while preserving the fundamental purpose of 'hanok preservation.' It is not about whether it is a district unit plan or a master plan, but more important is how to coexist with residents and hanok preservation.