Seoul Cheongnyangni Expected as New Daehakro Attracting University Students... Cheongnyangni Station Hanyang Susajin Art Forest Draws Attention

The area around Cheongnyangni in Seoul, where many universities are located nearby, is generating excitement as it is expected to become the new university district of the northeastern region. With redevelopment projects revealing a high-rise skyline and transforming the area into a “street you want to stroll,” a large-scale commercial district is also being established. In particular, Dongdaemun-gu is showing a strong commitment to developing Cheongnyangni as a “street of youth.”

Currently, the Cheongnyangni commercial district has abundant demand from young generations within a 2km radius, including Seoul National University of Science and Technology, Korea University, Kyung Hee University, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, KAIST Seoul Campus, and Samyook Health University. According to the real estate industry, the number of enrolled students is analyzed to be over 80,000.

However, it has been evaluated that the area has not attracted much attention from young people due to the lack of “hip spaces” where university students could gather. Although many students pass through Cheongnyangni Station, served by Line 1, Gyeongchun Line, Gyeongui-Jungang Line, and Bundang Line, the Lotte Department Store, movie theaters, and supermarkets located in the Cheongnyangni private station building have been insufficient to draw young crowds. Especially, since the commercial district was limited to the physical space within the department store, it was difficult to expand into an open commercial area like Hongdae.

Meanwhile, local governments are showing their determination to make Cheongnyangni a street of youth. Lee Pil-hyung, mayor of Dongdaemun-gu, recently stated in a media interview that they plan to develop Cheongnyangni into a transportation, commercial, and cultural hub, transforming it into a space with food, attractions, and stories, creating a “Cheongnyangni Street” where young generations can gather, similar to Hongdae Street.

This is connected to the large-scale redevelopment projects underway near Cheongnyangni Station. Currently, a high-rise residential and commercial skyline is forming with projects such as “Cheongnyangni Station Hanyang Susajin Graciel” (up to 59 floors), “Cheongnyangni Station Lotte Castle SKY-L65” (up to 65 floors), “Cheongnyangni Station Harrington Place” (up to 40 floors), and “Hillstate Cheongnyangni The First” (up to 43 floors), significantly improving the previously deteriorated surrounding environment. Additionally, large-scale commercial facilities are being developed on the lower floors of these mixed-use buildings along Dapsimni-ro, which crosses the skyline, transforming the entire area into a space attractive to young generations.

This is similar to the case of Hapjeong Station’s commercial district. In the past, despite being a commercial area surrounded by many universities such as Hongik University, Yonsei University, Sogang University, and Ewha Womans University, the area around Hapjeong Station was mainly composed of aging low-rise buildings, preventing proper commercial district formation. However, with the construction of high-rise buildings like “Mecenatpolis” (up to 39 floors) in 2012 and “Mapo Hangang Prugio” (up to 37 floors) in 2016, and the establishment of large-scale commercial facilities on the lower floors, the surrounding environment improved, revitalizing the entire commercial district, which now attracts many young people.

Cheongnyangni appears to be following a similar path. Among these developments, the most notable is the large-scale commercial facility “Cheongnyangni Station Hanyang Susajin Art Forest,” which embraces art and parks. It consists of 219 units and is located from the basement level 2 to the 3rd floor of the mixed-use complex “Cheongnyangni Station Hanyang Susajin Graciel.”

Cheongnyangni Station Hanyang Susajin Art Forest collaborates with the world-renowned graphic artist Camille Walala to present a space infused with artistic elements favored by young generations. Inside, five art lounges featuring Camille Walala’s works will be created to inject vitality, aiming to establish a “hot place” that becomes a trending topic on social media.

Another notable feature is the availability of “retail therapy,” a must-have for successful commercial facilities recently. Right in front of Cheongnyangni Station Hanyang Susajin Art Forest, a park of approximately 3,400㎡, the largest in the Cheongnyangni area, is planned, allowing visitors to enjoy shopping while strolling through green spaces. This park, located in the middle of the Cheongnyangni skyline, is expected to become a representative healing spot for the area. Furthermore, Dapsimni-ro is scheduled to be expanded from a two-lane road to up to eight lanes, transforming the space into a more spacious and pleasant environment.

Accessibility will also improve. In addition to the currently operating Line 1, Gyeongchun Line, Gyeongui-Jungang Line, KTX, and Bundang Line at Cheongnyangni Station, GTX-B and C lines, Myeonmok Line, and Gangbuk Transversal Line are planned, making it the top transportation hub in northeastern Seoul and expected to attract even more young people who frequently use public transportation.

Due to these expectations, commercial facilities within previously sold mixed-use complexes in the area have been 100% leased, and the currently selling Cheongnyangni Station Hanyang Susajin Art Forest is expected to be the final piece completing the Cheongnyangni commercial district. The Cheongnyangni Station Hanyang Susajin Art Forest sales gallery is currently open.