Banpo Jugong 1-danji Passes Architectural Review... Rebuilt with 5,002 Households

Mixed-use Complex Near Seoripul Tunnel and Apartments in Gwangheungchang Station Area Also Pass Review

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyemin] The reconstruction of Banpo Jugong Complex 1, Districts 1, 2, and 4 in Seocho-gu, Seoul, has passed the Seoul City architectural review.

Seoul City announced on the 11th that it held the 21st Architectural Committee meeting on the 8th and approved the architectural plan for the 'Banpo Jugong Complex 1, Districts 1, 2, and 4 Reconstruction Project.'

The approved plan includes 55 apartment buildings with 5,002 households, auxiliary welfare facilities, neighborhood living facilities, and public development community facilities. The number of public housing units has been confirmed at 211. Adding the 2,091 households from District 3 of Banpo Jugong Complex 1, which previously passed the architectural review, the total comes to 7,093 households.

The current building height of 5 to 6 floors has been approved to increase up to 35 floors. Additionally, the plan includes creating cultural parks, small parks, underground roads, public offices, and elementary and middle schools within part of the project site to contribute publicly to the local community. Ten different housing types will be introduced, and a social mix that does not differentiate between public and sale housing will be implemented. A Seoul City official stated, "Designated as a special architectural zone, it is planned to create a skyline that harmonizes with the surrounding landscape."

On the same day, the Architectural Committee also approved the 'Seoripul District Unit Zone Special Plan A New Construction Project,' which involves building a large-scale complex near Seocho Station on Subway Line 2, just 300 meters away.

This area, located between Naebang Station on Subway Line 7 and Seocho Station on Line 2, adjacent to the Seoripul Tunnel, will feature a large-scale office complex with 7 underground floors and 13 above-ground floors. Specifically, office, retail, cultural and assembly facilities, and educational research facilities will be established. Construction permits are expected in the first half of next year, with completion planned for 2026. The city plans to utilize the Seoripul Tunnel's upper pedestrian-vehicle mixed passage to naturally connect the north and south divided sites along Seocho-daero, allowing them to function as a single complex. Furthermore, through donations and contributions, cultural and assembly facilities will be built on the southern site, and public facilities on the northern site.

Location map of Seoripul District Unit Zone Special Plan A. (Provided by Seoul City)

Additionally, an architectural plan to build transit-oriented housing and public housing in the Changjeon-dong 319 area of Mapo-gu has also been approved.

This area, connected to Gwangheungchang Station on Subway Line 6, will have a 35-story apartment building with 302 households. The units will have exclusive areas of 37, 51, and 59 square meters, including 89 public housing units. Neighborhood living facilities, a youth community complex center, local sports facilities, and a daycare center will also be constructed. The project is scheduled to receive plan approval in the first half of next year and be completed in 2025.

Yoo Chang-su, Director of Seoul City's Housing Policy Office, said, "We will continue to expedite administrative procedures such as architectural plan reviews and examinations, while operating reviews that encourage architectural plans considerate of not only residents but also local communities, promoting coexistence."