Oh Se-hoon Announces Great Hangang Project
Deregulation to Develop City and River Integrally
The Han River waterfront is undergoing a complete transformation. The matchbox-like apartments along the Han River will create a dazzling skyline through reconstruction without floor restrictions, and people will be able to watch movies on the Han River while walking on the submerged bridge's floating promenade. Visitors can also enjoy views of the Han River from a giant Ferris wheel and travel from Ttukseom to Jamsil in just five minutes by gondola. The second Sejong Center for the Performing Arts will be established in Yeouido Park.
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon is holding a press briefing on urban architectural design innovation at Seoul City Hall on the 9th. Photo by Dongju Yoon doso7@
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?5 to 6 times wider than the Seine and Thames Rivers?and a length of 41.5 km running through the heart of Seoul, is a symbol of South Korea. While respecting the natural ecology, we will enhance convenience and attractiveness to elevate Seoul into a globally appealing city ranked fifth in competitiveness."
Designated as Urban Innovation Zones including Yongsan... Development alongside the river, matchbox apartments to be phased out
The city will first 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 these zones, Seoul will break away from the existing urban planning system, allowing freedom in setting floor area ratios and building coverage ratios without use restrictions on urban architecture.
Additionally, large-scale urban planning facilities along the Han River will be utilized diversely. For example, Jamsil Sports Complex will be developed into a global MICE hub centered on future strategic industries, hosting K-content and new industry exhibitions.
The Yeouido financial district will receive substantial support, including rezoning to central commercial areas, floor area ratio incentives, and relaxation of height regulations, to help it leap forward as an international financial center.
Mayor Oh stated, "We will minimize regulations such as zoning and height limits to help the private sector create vibrant urban spaces with creative ideas."
The uniform, matchbox-like apartments along the Han River will be revitalized through reconstruction to create a diverse skyline. Currently, 76% of the Han River waterfront is residential. According to the city, about 90 complexes are eligible for reconstruction.
Mayor Oh explained, "We will boldly abolish rigid regulations such as the 35-floor limit and 15-floor limit for main riverfront buildings to diversify the skyline and differentiate the landscape with specialized designs."
The second Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, initially planned for Mullae-dong, ultimately decided for Yeouido... "Limitations pointed out after Mayor Oh's inauguration"
The city will create scenic spots and cultural art spaces along the Han River. The second Sejong Center for the Performing Arts will be located in Yeouido Park. A Seoul city official explained, "Initially, the second Sejong Center was planned for Mullae-dong, but after Mayor Oh's inauguration in September last year, limitations were pointed out, such as the site being surrounded by large apartment complexes and the land area being insufficient. Therefore, it was deemed more appropriate to locate it in Yeouido, which is being developed as an international financial center." The Mullae-dong site is being prepared by Yeongdeungpo District Office for use as a cultural and arts center.
Watch movies on the floating promenade... Gondola from Ttukseom to Jamsil
The city plans to connect the urban area and the Han River so that anyone can access the river on foot. Access facilities will be expanded so that the Han River Park can be reached within a 10-minute walk from any hinterland area. By 2030, seven new or expanded access points will be established, and 31 locations will be remodeled. Additionally, the Amsa Green Path will be created to allow pleasant walks from urban parks to the Han River, and when private development projects are pursued near the Han River, the installation of three-dimensional pedestrian bridges along the river will be a prerequisite for permits and approvals.
Moreover, a floating promenade will be created to provide the experience of walking on the Han River. By 2026, the convenience of walking on 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.
Transportation connecting the inside and outside of the Han River will be diversified into ground, water, and air modes. Marinas will be established in each zone as water activity hubs, connected to existing water transportation, and linked with urban air mobility (UAM) and gondolas for aerial movement.
A city official said, "There have been many business proposals for gondolas from Ttukseom toward the Tancheon area. We plan to comprehensively assess the economic feasibility and private investment eligibility of that route."
He added, "Currently, transferring by public transportation from Jamsil Main Stadium to Ttukseom Amusement Park takes 30 minutes, but using the gondola will reduce travel time to 5-6 minutes."
Meanwhile, the city also pledged to create a Han River that coexists with nature amid large-scale development. Priority will be given to expanding ecological landscape conservation areas, reorganizing ecological parks, restoring natural-type riverbanks, and protecting wildlife habitats. The existing Yeoui Saetgang 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.
Mayor Oh said, "As Seoul rapidly industrialized, green spaces and cultural and artistic leisure facilities have been absolutely insufficient. Competitive cities are those rich in facilities where citizens can enjoy culture and arts, which is why we are promoting the Great Han River Project." He added, "While Han River Renaissance 1.0 focused only on the main stream of the Han River, version 2.0 will expand to tributaries, placing spaces for leisure and life enjoyment in all 25 autonomous districts."
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