Seongdong-gu, Shingeumho Station Area District Unit Plan Decision

To Strengthen Transit-Oriented Functions, Development Areas Upgraded to Semi-Residential Zones with Floor Area Ratio Relaxed up to 400%...Introducing Large-Scale Retail Facilities, Hospitals, Exhibition Halls, and Other Resident Needs Alongside Pedestrian-Centered Living Environment

Seongdong-gu, Seoul (Mayor Jung Won-oh) announced that the new establishment of the ‘Singumho Station Area District Unit Plan’ for the area around 114 Geumho-dong 1-ga (an area of 42,628㎡) has been completed and will be officially announced on the 21st.

The area around Singumho Station on Subway Line 5 is a residential area preferred by many residents due to large-scale apartment complexes built through housing redevelopment projects and excellent accessibility to the city center. However, despite being a prime station area, low-rise old buildings are densely clustered, creating disharmony with the nearby newly built apartment complexes. Consequently, the need for improvements in the complex vehicle traffic system and narrow pedestrian spaces, as well as strengthening the central commercial district, has emerged.

Seongdong-gu initiated a district unit plan project in March 2019 to improve the traffic environment and strengthen commercial functions around Singumho Station. After four years of effort, the plan was approved with modifications by the Seoul City Urban Architecture Joint Committee in July. Following a public re-examination process by residents, the final plan will be officially decided and announced on the 21st.

This district unit plan mainly focuses on enhancing station area functions and improving the pedestrian environment through traffic system improvements at intersections. It also includes management measures for remaining parcels incorporated during the expansion construction of Geumho-ro.

In particular, to strengthen the station area functions amid increasing floating population, seven special planning possible zones were designated around intersections for large-scale development, allowing the zoning to be upgraded up to quasi-residential areas. This permits a floor area ratio increase from the existing 200% to a maximum of 400%, and the plan reflects the potential introduction of large-scale retail facilities, hospitals, academies, and exhibition halls in future developments.

To improve pedestrian convenience for residents who felt discomfort due to narrow sidewalks near Geumho Elementary School, building limit lines have been designated at intersections and narrow street edges to secure sidewalks. Additionally, if subway entrances are relocated within the site, the floor area ratio will be relaxed to facilitate the creation of pedestrian-friendly environments through the district unit plan.

The district expects that once all special planning possible zones are developed, pedestrian-centered living street environments will be created through sidewalk expansion, and a vehicle detour circulation road will be formed in the back streets, significantly improving the traffic environment.

Jung Won-oh, Mayor of Seongdong-gu, said, “With the decision on the Singumho Station Area District Unit Plan, we expect the area around Singumho Station to be reborn as a premium residential hub with a solid foundation in education, medical, and commercial functions, along with the formation of a central commercial district and revitalization of the station area.”