[Interview] Kim Kyung-ho, Mayor of Gwangjin-gu: "We Will Definitely Create a Happy City That Develops Through Communication"

Preparing the '2040 Gwangjin Plan,' a master urban plan outlining the future blueprint for Gwangjin-gu's urban development... Actively promoting reconstruction and redevelopment of low-rise residential areas in Junggok-dong and improving residential environments through Seoul's small-scale housing maintenance projects... Elevating the species around Children's Grand Park to become a Seoul landmark blending attractions, culture, and commercial areas

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] “Over the past four months, I have made my best efforts to approach and communicate closely with the residents as a ‘diligent servant’ and with the staff as a ‘good friend.’ In response to these efforts, residents have sent messages of encouragement and advice not to lose the initial spirit, saying ‘It’s good that the response has become faster,’ and the staff have said, ‘The workplace atmosphere has become much softer, which is good.’”

Through an interview, Kim Kyungho, Mayor of Gwangjin District, said, “The past four months have been a time of relentless preparation, and from now on, I believe it is an important period to show a developing Gwangjin. We plan to push forward key projects at a rapid pace so that residents can feel the changes and development.”

Mayor Kim stated that the 8th elected term of Gwangjin District will make it a ‘happy city that develops through communication,’ as envisioned.

Mayor Kim said, “What Gwangjin District needs most right now is change and development. To meet the expectations of residents who desire this, we are preparing the urban master plan ‘2040 Gwangjin Plan,’ which contains the future blueprint for the urban development of Gwangjin District.”

The 2040 Gwangjin Plan aims to establish a high-density, high-rise development plan around station areas for balanced regional development, expand commercial areas, create a diverse skyline, and improve residents’ convenience by analyzing problems throughout Gwangjin District and proposing concrete solutions.

In particular, for Junggok-dong, which is considered the most underdeveloped area, the plan actively promotes reconstruction and redevelopment of low-rise residential areas and residential environment improvement through Seoul City’s small-scale housing maintenance projects. It also plans to attract knowledge industry centers by establishing a development plan along Dongil-ro linked with the undergrounding of the Dongbu Expressway, and to foster a medical-specialized hub through zoning upgrades along Neungdong-ro and Myeonmok-ro and revitalization of the medical industry.

Along with this, with the height restriction on buildings around Children’s Grand Park lifted for the first time in 26 years, the plan envisions transforming the area into a place where parks are neatly organized like London’s Hyde Park, with wide sidewalks and adjacent residential roads.

To this end, the plan will promote zoning upgrades and apply urban planning creativity to make it a landmark of Seoul where entertainment, culture, and commercial districts harmonize.

Mayor Kim said, “The Dongil-ro area will be a representative example of Gwangjin’s transformation through zoning upgrades, expansion of commercial areas, advanced business complex development on the KT site, modernization of the East Seoul Terminal, and complex development of the Jayang 5 promotion district.”

He added, “Once these plans materialize, I am confident that Gwangjin District will become a city leading change and development, where residents are happy and any Seoul citizen would want to live. We are preparing a happy and livable Gwangjin District with a long-term view of 10 to 20 years ahead, not merely focusing on the achievements of the 8th elected term.”

He expressed joy that visible results are appearing in urban development, which has been vigorously pursued during the 8th elected term over the past four months.

First, with the approval of the Seoul City district unit plan amendment on October 26, the expansion of commercial areas around Gunja Station was decided, marking the first achievement of urban restructuring through commercial area expansion, a core project of the 8th elected term. This valuable result was achieved through the support of residents eager for urban development and relentless efforts to make up for delayed regional development.

Starting with the development of the Gunja station area, the plan actively promotes urban restructuring such as zoning upgrades around Dongil-ro and Junggok Station areas, striving to become a city leading change and development in 10 to 20 years, where residents are happy and anyone wants to stay.

Mayor Kim Kyungho said, “In particular, we plan to expand residents’ opportunities to participate in district administration and make every effort to improve integrity through transparent district management.”