Great Hangang Project Promotion Plan Announcement
Creating Hangang-Centered Growth Hub through Deregulation
Establishment of Waterside Walkway, Introduction of Gondola UAM
Seoulling Zero, Construction of 2nd Sejong Cultural Center
Seoul City designates key growth hubs such as the Yongsan International Business District as urban innovation zones free from regulations and develops them in connection with the Han River. The box-like apartments along the Han River will create a dazzling skyline through reconstruction without floor restrictions. Visitors can walk along the submerged bridge's waterside promenade while watching performances and enjoy views of the Han River from a giant Ferris wheel. The second Sejong Center for the Performing Arts will be established in Yeouido Park.
"Through Han River Renaissance 2.0, Seoul will leap to 5th place in urban competitiveness"
On the 9th, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon announced the 'Great Han River Project Promotion Plan' containing these details. This is version 2.0 of the 'Han River Renaissance Project' led by Mayor Oh in 2007. Mayor Oh said, "The Han River, with a maximum width of 1.2 km, is 5 to 6 times wider than the Seine and Thames Rivers, and stretches 41.5 km, running through the center of Seoul, symbolizing South Korea. While respecting the natural ecology, we will enhance convenience and attractiveness to elevate Seoul into a globally attractive city ranked 5th in competitiveness."
To this end, the city adopted the vision of 'A Greater Han River to Enjoy Together' and announced four core strategies: ▲ Han River coexisting with nature ▲ Han River with convenient mobility ▲ Han River full of attractions ▲ Han River adding vitality.
Creating Han River-centered growth hubs through deregulation... Diverse skyline drawn by Han River reconstruction
First, the city plans to designate key growth hubs such as the Yongsan International Business District as urban innovation zones and develop them in connection with the Han River. In urban innovation zones, Seoul City can deviate from the existing urban planning system and freely set floor area ratios and building coverage ratios without use restrictions on urban architecture.
Additionally, the city plans to utilize large-scale urban planning facilities along the Han River in various ways. For example, Jamsil Sports Complex will be developed into a global MICE hub centered on future strategic industries such as K-content and new industry exhibitions. The city aims to complete negotiations with private operators within this year and start construction by the end of 2024. The Yeouido financial district will receive substantial support, including upgrading its zoning to central commercial area, incentives for floor area ratio, and relaxation of height restrictions to become an international financial center.
Mayor Oh said, "We will minimize regulations such as zoning and height limits to help the private sector create vibrant urban spaces with creative ideas."
Uniform box-like apartments along the Han River will be revitalized through reconstruction to create a diverse skyline. Currently, 76% of the Han River area is residential. According to the city, about 90 complexes can pursue reconstruction. The city plans to connect complexes and the Han River with green pedestrian paths and encourage mixed uses such as commercial and office spaces on lower floors to strengthen the public nature of Han River land.
Mayor Oh explained, "We will boldly abolish rigid regulations such as limits of 35 floors and 15 floors for main buildings along the Han River to diversify the skyline and differentiate the landscape with specialized designs."
Sangam's 'Seoulling Zero' and Yeouido's 'Second Sejong Center for the Performing Arts' to be established
The city plans to enhance the Han River's appeal by creating scenic spots and cultural art spaces throughout the riverside. Various viewing spots accessible to citizens will increase, including the 'Seoulling Zero' giant Ferris wheel at Sangam Sky Park. The second Sejong Center for the Performing Arts will be built in Yeouido Park, and the Seoul Cultural Yard will be established in front of the Yeouido pilot apartment complex. Nodeul Island will strengthen its identity as an art island full of nature, art, and unique experiences. Additionally, Ttukseom Jabeolle will be reborn as a Han River history and culture exhibition hall.
Access the Han River on foot from anywhere, watch movies on the waterside promenade above the Han River
The city plans to connect the city and the Han River so that anyone can access the Han River on foot. Access facilities will be expanded so that the Han River park is reachable within a 10-minute walk from any Han River hinterland area. By 2030, seven new or expanded access points will be established, and 31 locations will be remodeled. Furthermore, the Amsa Green Path will be created to allow pleasant walking from urban parks to the Han River, and when private development projects are promoted near the Han River, installation of three-dimensional pedestrian bridges along the riverside will be a principle for permits and approvals.
Moreover, the city will provide the experience of walking on the Han River by creating a waterside promenade. By 2026, pedestrian convenience at the submerged bridge will be enhanced, and various leisure and cultural activities such as watching movies or small-scale performances on the water will be possible. At Seonyudo, a circular pedestrian pier will be constructed, and the Nodeul Art Bridge and Seoul Forest Culture Bridge are targeted to start construction in 2025.
Transportation connecting the inside and outside of the Han River will diversify into ground, water, and air modes. First, eco-friendly autonomous buses will be expanded in Sangam-dong, where public transportation access is inconvenient, and the service area will be extended to Yeouido and other locations. Marinas will be established as water activity hubs by region, connected with existing water transportation, and linked with urban air mobility (UAM) and gondolas for aerial movement.
Mayor Oh said, "We plan to promote a 'universal design' pilot project so that all citizens can use the Han River's attractive assets," adding, "We will also strengthen walking mobility rights so that vulnerable pedestrians such as the elderly and disabled can use the Han River without inconvenience."
Respecting Han River's natural ecology... Expanding ecological landscape conservation areas and planting 210,000 trees
Despite large-scale development, the city pledged to create a Han River that coexists with nature. Priority initiatives include expanding ecological landscape conservation areas, reorganizing ecological parks, restoring natural-type riverbanks, and protecting wildlife habitats. The city plans to increase opportunities for encounters between nature and people to create a sustainable ecological environment. The existing Yeouiseo Stream ecological experience center will be remodeled, and natural-style campgrounds and water play areas will be created.
By 2025, 210,000 trees will be planted to expand green resting areas, and the 2024 Seoul International Garden Expo will be held. The aging swimming pools along the Han River will be transformed into natural-style water play areas with modern technology and sensibility. The first will open in Jamsil in 2024, and after gathering citizen feedback, the facilities will gradually expand to Gwangnaru, Jamwon, and Mangwon swimming pools.
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