[Interview] Oh Seung-rok, Mayor of Nowon-gu, "Transforming into a Self-Sufficient City with Proximity to Work... Leading the Leap to a New Central City"

Rapid Promotion of Reconstruction and Redevelopment, Establishment of Biomedical Cluster
Preparing Nowon's 100-Year Future... Completion of Healing Town
Cultural Arts and Entertainment Full of Fun Nearby

"The various large and small projects that we have been diligently promoting will all enter full-scale operation starting in 2024."

Oh Seung-rok, Mayor of Nowon-gu, Seoul, introduced detailed plans one by one, focusing on Nowon-gu's key projects for 2024 during a New Year's interview held on the 5th.

First, there is the rapid promotion of reconstruction and redevelopment. Nowon-gu has the highest number of apartments over 30 years old among Seoul's autonomous districts. Mayor Oh stated, "Due to poor living conditions such as parking issues, rusty water, and noise between floors, the population is flowing out to surrounding new towns," adding, "We will accelerate efforts to ensure the success of these mid- to long-term projects crucial for the city's survival."

Oh Seung-rok, Mayor of Nowon District, Seoul.

In fact, to speed up the projects, the district was the first among Seoul's autonomous districts to lend safety inspection costs at 100% interest-free and pre-support guarantee insurance fees. As a result, last year, 14 complexes in Nowon-gu passed reconstruction safety inspections.

Major development projects utilizing Seoul's last large-scale development sites are also getting on track. The Nowon Bio Cluster, which has been promoted since the 7th local government term, is a representative example.

Regarding the relocation of the licensing examination center, which faced difficulties last year, Uijeongbu City expressed consent to relocate it near Jangam Station to the Jangam-dong military base, signaling a "green light."

This year, the district will conduct additional feasibility studies to solidify the necessity of establishing the bio complex, benefits for attracting companies, and strategies for attracting anchor facilities such as hospitals. A dedicated team will be formed to actively engage in meetings with research institutes and companies to attract bio enterprises. Mayor Oh said, "For Nowon's 100-year future, it must transform from a mere bedroom community into a self-sufficient city with jobs close to residences," and added, "We will devote all efforts to the successful establishment of the Seoul Nowon Biomedical Cluster."

Additionally, the Gwangwoon University Station area development project, which involves the complex development of 156,581㎡ including logistics sites within Gwangwoon University Station into a new economic hub blending office, commercial, and residential facilities, is progressing smoothly.

Mayor Oh emphasized, "Once the GTX-C line, which will stop at Gwangwoon University Station, opens, the Gwangwoon University Station area will stand tall as a landmark in the northeast region of Seoul."

Lastly, Mayor Oh stated that this year, under the belief that culture universally enhances the quality of life for all residents as 'universal welfare,' Nowon-gu will leverage its unique natural environment and aggressively promote five major festivals?including the existing four (Bulamsan Azalea Festival, Craft Beer Festival, Dancing Nowon, Light Sculpture Festival Moonlight Walk) plus the Gureung-dong Coffee Festival?and three major concerts (Bbyeotkkot Concert, Suraksan Sunset Concert, Gyeongchun Line Forest Road Autumn Concert).

Nowon, as a cultural city, will also be enriched with active leisure facilities not found elsewhere.

To this end, a complex leisure sports cultural space called 'Jump' is being created where children and adolescents can play. Jump will include indoor karting, climbing experiences, zip-lining, and a 14-meter-high aerial rope course, with construction scheduled to begin in August.

Korea's first urban natural recreation forest is also under development. Maximizing the natural environment of Suraksan Mountain, the plan includes a treehouse offering forest views from about 6 meters high, a visitor center, forest houses, and walking trails. Completion is expected in June this year.

Finally, aiming for construction to start in October next year, a miniature exhibition hall called 'Nowon Train Village Italy Pavilion' is being established at Hwarangdae Railroad Park. Oh Seung-rok, Mayor of Nowon-gu, said, "Nowon-gu is heading toward an attractive future city based on a pleasant residential environment created through rapid redevelopment and reconstruction, the Nowon Bio Medical Cluster with jobs close to residences, and well-maintained healing spots," and added, "Please look forward to Nowon in 2024, which will soar like a blue dragon."