Daechi Mido, Up to 50-Story Reconstruction... New Planning Proposal Confirmed

Gangnam Reconstruction Accelerates Following Eunma
From 2,436 to 3,800 Households
New Complex Entrance at Hakyeoul, Pedestrian Bridge over Yangjaecheon Added Considering Surroundings

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyemin] The Daechi Mido Apartment, a representative aging apartment complex in Gangnam, Seoul, completed in 1983, will be transformed into a high-rise apartment building with up to 50 floors.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on the 21st that it has finalized the Daechi Mido Rapid Integrated Planning proposal. Daechi Mido is adjacent to Eunma Apartment, separated by Daechi Station on Subway Line 3. Together with Eunma, which passed the reconstruction review last month, the development blueprint for the Gangnam area has been completed.

Daechi Mido has been pursuing reconstruction since 2017, but the project stalled due to instability in the real estate market. However, it began to gain momentum after being selected as a Rapid Integrated Planning project site in November last year. Rapid Integrated Planning is a system where the Seoul city government and residents collaborate from the early stages of redevelopment and reconstruction led by the private sector to create a maintenance plan that combines business feasibility and public interest, supporting swift project progress. This plan serves as the basis for establishing the maintenance plan, after which residents apply for the maintenance plan proposal, undergo review, and finalize the plan.

According to this Rapid Integrated Planning proposal, Daechi Mido, currently composed of mid-rise buildings up to 14 floors, will be reborn as a large apartment complex with buildings up to 50 floors. The city expects this to be the first complex to apply the abolition of the "35-floor regulation," which was reflected in the '2040 Seoul Urban Basic Plan.' Since the announcement in March this year, the city is proceeding with procedures aiming for confirmation within the year and has proactively incorporated this into the Rapid Integrated Planning proposal. Considering the timing of the abolition of the "35-floor regulation" and the designation of Daechi Mido's maintenance district, the city explains that it is highly likely to be the first complex to benefit from the relaxed regulation.

The center of the complex will feature a tower-type 50-floor main building to maximize ventilation corridors, and various other building types will be introduced to create a harmonious skyline. In particular, the area around Daegok Elementary School to the north is planned as low- to mid-rise, and a waterfront-specialized design will be introduced along the Yangjae Stream, with planning guidelines provided. The total number of households will increase from 2,436 to 3,800.

Daechimido Skyline Plan. Landscape formation centered around tent-type structures along Yangjaecheon Stream (Provided by Seoul City)

To improve the pedestrian environment, a new entrance will be added at Hakyeoul Station on Line 3, facing the complex. A street-type shopping area connecting the station to Nambusunhwan-ro will be established to revitalize the station area. Additionally, the buildings near Hakyeoul Station will be designed with station-area specialized designs to become a regional landmark. Furthermore, a central park road, a living street connecting the Daechi Academy District, Eunma, and Mido, will be created, with community facilities concentrated along the street.

The Rapid Integrated Planning proposal also plans to connect the separated Daechi living area and Gaepo living area by installing a pedestrian bridge over Yangjae Stream using public contributions. The Yangjae Stream pedestrian bridge will link the Daechi Academy District, Eunma, Mido, and Gaepo Market, serving not only as a walking path for residents but also as a school route.

The lush trees within the complex, such as pine and maple trees, will be preserved, and external landscaping spaces will be expanded through the relaxation of building height restrictions.

Jo Namjun, Director of the Seoul City Urban Planning Bureau, said, "As Rapid Integrated Planning proposals for major reconstruction complexes are being announced one after another, surrounding complexes are gaining momentum in their projects. Daechi Mido is expected to become a leading model of reconstruction projects that combine private business feasibility and urban public interest based on flexible urban planning regulations."