855 New Apartment Units to Be Built in Bongcheon-dong

[Asia Economy Reporter Onyu Lim] The Bongcheon 4-1-3 district in Gwanak-gu, Seoul, an area densely packed with aging buildings, will be transformed into a new apartment complex with up to 28 floors and 855 households.

Seoul City announced on the 16th that the housing redevelopment maintenance project for Bongcheon 4-1-3 district passed the architectural review on the 14th.

This district had passed the architectural review in 2016 but failed to pass the Education Environment Protection Committee review due to issues such as securing sunlight rights for the northern Guam Elementary School, leading to changes in the maintenance plan and project delays. Accordingly, the location of the small park was adjusted, and the main building layout and floor plans were revised to secure sunlight rights for Guam Elementary School, Soseul Kindergarten, and Saesoseul Kindergarten.

With the approval of this review, a total of 9 apartment buildings with 855 households (161 public housing units and 694 sale units) will be constructed on the project site, ranging from 3 basement floors to 28 floors above ground.

A Seoul City official explained, "This district is near Bongcheon Station and Seoul National University Entrance Station on Subway Line 2," adding, "The Western Light Rail Guam Elementary School Station, adjacent to the complex, is scheduled to open in 2028, providing excellent transportation advantages."

The residential types will include seven different sizes (exclusive area 23 to 145㎡), including 161 public housing units.

The city plans to secure 39㎡ (46 units) integrated public rental housing, as well as 48㎡ (81 units), 59㎡ (22 units), and 84㎡ (12 units) units to be supplied as long-term lease housing, and aims to actively implement social mix through simultaneous lottery for rental and sale units during household allocation.

Facilities donated to Seoul City include a social welfare facility on the northern site (985㎡) and a public office building (from basement level 1 to 2 above ground) within the apartment site. A public parking lot with a capacity of about 100 vehicles (basement levels 1 to 2) will be transferred to Gwanak-gu.

The sloped land with a height difference of about 20 meters in the north-south direction was leveled, and various architectural spaces such as neighborhood living facilities, terrace houses, and community facilities were planned by utilizing the existing level differences.

A Seoul City official said, "We plan to encourage an open residential community that communicates with local residents through regional shared community facilities such as senior centers, daycare centers, and Dahamkke Care Centers connected to the public pedestrian pathways within the complex."