'Daldongnae' Geumho21, Redevelopment Plan Confirmed with Sintong Planning

Revitalizing Hillside with Over 1,200 Eco-Friendly Housing Units
Relaxation of 'Type 2, 7-Story' Redevelopment Restrictions, Increased Floor Area Ratio

[Asia Economy Reporter Onyu Lim] The redevelopment plan for Geumho 21 District in Geumho-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, known as a "daldongnae" (hill neighborhood), has been finalized. Through the Rapid Integrated Planning, the low floor area ratio, which was a major obstacle to redevelopment, has been increased, transforming the area into an eco-friendly residential complex that preserves the original hilly terrain.

On the 21st, Seoul City announced that on the 20th, it held a special subcommittee meeting of the Urban Planning Committee for Rapid Integrated Planning and approved the revised redevelopment plan for the Geumho 21 District housing maintenance-type redevelopment zone.

Geumho 21 District has a height difference of 54 meters across the site, and most roads consist of slopes and stairs, making the residential environment very poor. Matchbox- and folding screen-style apartments built in the 2010s cover the hillside, and as apartments have been built rapidly, dozens of meters high retaining walls create an oppressive landscape.

With the redevelopment plan now finalized, the Geumho-dong daldongnae will be reborn as a "hill-friendly residential complex harmonizing the Han River and the foothills of Eungbongsan" (up to 20 floors, floor area ratio of 250%, with 1,220 households).

Geumho 21 District was a region promoted through Rapid Integrated Planning in 2020. It benefited from the redevelopment regulation relaxation measures announced in May 2021 (such as easing the Type 2 7-floor regulation), significantly improving project feasibility and securing momentum for project advancement.

Currently designated as a Type 2 7-floor area, Geumho 21 District is planned with a floor area ratio of 250%, applying the upgraded standard floor area ratio from 170% to 190% for Type 2 General Residential Areas, along with additional incentives for securing small-sized housing and public contributions.

Furthermore, with the abolition of mandatory public contributions that were a prerequisite for upgrading from Type 2 7-floor to Type 2 General Residential Area, the plan focuses on securing necessary public facilities (such as social welfare facilities and parks) for the community instead of excessive donations.

Geumho 21 District, a complex embracing a park that preserves the original hilly terrain, incorporates four planning principles.

First, it preserves the old east-west path (Musumak 3-gil) formed along the original contour lines and creates a cross-shaped pedestrian and green axis connecting the northern apartment complex and Geumnam Market, a local community hub.

Second, the low-rise sections within the complex will be reorganized into small villages sharing courtyards following the land's elevation differences, introducing various programs for the resident community in the village courtyards. Under the decks where elevation differences occur, facilities such as daycare centers, senior centers, and neighborhood living facilities will be located to support community activities.

Third, as a residential complex built on a slope, it will form layered landscapes through the arrangement of buildings of various heights. By planning a skyline that resembles the terrain, a diverse landscape will be realized when viewed from the Han River side. To prevent an oppressive landscape on the slope, a tent-shaped skyline within a maximum of 20 floors will be created, considering the urban context.

A Seoul City official emphasized, "A notable point in this plan is that the redevelopment of Geumho 21 District actively contributes to the surrounding community," adding, "Including parks and slopes that were previously enclosed by retaining walls and underutilized in the project area will be reorganized, bringing tangible changes that local residents can feel."

Additionally, Geumho 21 District is adjacent to the 'Geumho District Center District Unit Planning Area' and Geumnam Market, and by linking commercial streets, it is expected to create a synergy effect in forming a residential and commercial complex specialized street around Geumnam Market.

The city plans to grant excellent design incentives to ensure that the redevelopment of Geumho 21 District contributes to the community and becomes a successful model of hillside residential development, encouraging continuous adherence to these planning principles through project implementation.

Jo Namjun, Director of the Seoul City Urban Planning Bureau, said, "Although redevelopment has been pursued since 2010, the Geumho 21 District, which had been stalled due to conflicts among resident groups, is finally taking its first step forward," adding, "Rapid Integrated Planning will fully support plans that conform to the terrain, consider areas outside the district, and contribute to the urban context and community."