Jung-gu, Relaxation of Excessive Height Regulations in Jangchung-dong

On the 7th, Resident Briefing on Jangchung-dong District Unit Plan Revision Proposal... Addressing Long-standing Resident Requests Including Height Regulation Relaxation for Development Promotion and Residential Environment Improvement

Jung-gu (District Mayor Kim Gil-seong) is set to actively ease the height restrictions in the aging Jangchung-dong area, which has suffered from excessive regulations.

Jung-gu has prepared the "Jangchung-dong Area District Unit Plan Revision (Draft)" and will hold a "Visiting Residents Briefing Session" at 7 PM on the 7th at the Chungmu Art Center Convention Hall to explain the main contents.

The "Jangchung-dong Area District Unit Plan Zone" borders Sindang-dong to the east, Pildong to the west, and Gwanghui-dong and Mukjeong-dong to the north, covering an area of approximately 402,328㎡. Within the zone are Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station (Lines 2, 4, and 5) and Dongdaemun Station (Line 3), providing excellent transportation infrastructure with four subway lines passing through.

Moreover, the area is adjacent to fashion, culture, arts, and sports facilities such as Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) and Jangchung Gymnasium. The presence of a Central Asian street nearby adds to the coexistence of diverse cultures.

Although Jangchung-dong is located in the heart of Seoul, its proximity to Namsan has subjected it to various height restrictions such as height control zones and cultural heritage protection areas, resulting in long-term neglect and aging. Within the zone, 97.4% of buildings are over 20 years old, 75.3% are three stories or less, and 65.9% are residential buildings, making up the majority.

Currently, the height limit in the area is restricted to a maximum of 20 meters. Meanwhile, nearby height control zones have been relaxed up to 28 meters following the Seoul City height control zone revision (draft) in July this year, placing Jangchung-dong under stricter limitations than adjacent zones.

Additionally, although local residents strongly desire development, progress has been difficult. The area is adjacent to various development and redevelopment zones such as Sindang 10 Rapid Integration Planning Zone and Sewoon Redevelopment Promotion Zone but has been excluded from urban management policies like deregulation.

Therefore, it is necessary to readjust height limits in line with surrounding areas to establish a foundation for improving the aging residential environment and revitalizing urban functions.

The district is reviewing the "Jangchung-dong Area District Unit Plan Revision" mainly in two directions: easing height restrictions and adjusting special planning (possible) zones.

In accordance with the shift in urban management policy paradigms from preservation and regulation to maintenance and relaxation, such as the removal of the 35-floor height limit for apartment buildings in the 2040 Seoul Urban Basic Plan, a height relaxation plan is being prepared to resolve height imbalances between the north and south sides of Toegye-ro (general commercial area). Additionally, special planning (possible) zones will be newly designated to improve the residential environment and encourage private-led development, creating a development project foundation that considers residents' development intentions.

Furthermore, a plan is being established to incorporate and manage the remaining land excluded from the nearby redevelopment zone (Sindang 10 Zone) into the district unit plan for unified management.

The "Jangchung-dong Area District Unit Plan" is undergoing revision three years after its initial designation and announcement in 2019. Following the residents briefing session on the 7th, continuous consultations with Seoul City will take place, with plans for public inspection within the year and final designation and announcement by Seoul City expected in the first half of next year.