[Interview] Seogangseok, Songpa District Mayor, "We Will Enhance Songpa's Brand Value by Creating a Premium Street on Songpa-daero"

Creative, Innovative, and Fair Service Administration Unchanged
Visible Achievements in Songpadaero Premium Project
‘Supportive Administration’ Rapidly Promoting Redevelopment and Reconstruction

"This year, we will accelerate the key projects promised to the residents, bring them onto the right track, and achieve visible results."

Seogangseok, Mayor of Songpa-gu, Seoul, expressed this determination in an interview on the 29th to explain the direction of the new year’s district administration in the Year of the Rabbit. Mayor Seo stated, "In the third year of the 8th elected term, based on the core values of 'creativity, innovation, and fairness,' we will practice 'servant administration that treats residents as the owners,' enhance the value of the city, and lead the transformation of Songpa."

He also said, "Over the past year and a half, we have been tirelessly working toward the goal of 'Songpa, a premium city that serves its residents as owners,' highlighting notable achievements such as ▲the nation’s first native English-speaking classrooms in daycare centers and kindergartens ▲the nation’s first ordinance banning political party banners containing hateful, defamatory, or insulting phrases and the operation of a resident evaluation group for political party banners ▲rapid promotion of redevelopment and reconstruction ▲opening and reorganizing three village bus routes ▲finalizing the relocation of Sampyo Remicon in Pungnap-dong, which had been stalled for 20 years ▲and developing Songpa’s new CI and character ‘Haha Hoho.’

In particular, the reconstruction projects gaining momentum with the district’s support are exemplary. Songpa-gu has prepared its own basic plan for maintenance projects and actively proposed regulatory relaxations to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. Thanks to these efforts, the three major Olympic complexes known as the ‘Olympic Trio’?the Olympic Athletes’ Village, Olympic Family Town, and Asian Athletes’ Village?all passed safety inspections. Additionally, administrative procedures for existing reconstruction and redevelopment areas are being expedited without exception.

He emphasized, "We have not ignored the residents’ desire to live in good residential environments and have protected individual property rights that could not proceed with reconstruction due to failing safety inspections. This is a good example of servant administration that treats residents as owners, implemented with the values of creativity, innovation, and fairness." He further expressed strong determination, saying, "Redevelopment and reconstruction projects will proceed more swiftly with a shift in perception from regulatory administration to facilitative and supportive administration, maintaining the attitudes of creativity, innovation, and fairness."

As a key project to enhance Songpa-gu’s urban competitiveness and regional revitalization, he first pointed to the ‘Creation of a Premium Street on Songpa-daero.’ The total 6.2 km of Songpa-daero is divided into four sections?Jamsil, Seokchon Lake, Seokchon, Songpa Garak Market, Jangji Station, and Bokjeong Market boundary?where 25 detailed projects are underway. This year, the plan is to improve the pedestrian environment on the street connecting Seokchon Lake to Garak Market intersection, secure green spaces, and plant cherry blossom trees as street trees to create a ‘walkable street.’ Mayor Seo said, "We will create a Media Forest at Seokchon Lake, transform the area around the water purification tower at Garak Market intersection into a symbolic park, collaborate with world-renowned artists, and showcase magnificent artworks. We will transform Songpa-daero into a vibrant premium street and revitalize the nearby commercial areas to deliver visible results."

He also actively promotes infrastructure projects to raise Songpa’s cultural and artistic standards. Plans include remodeling the aging Songpa Community Center, constructing an art gallery at the east lake of Seokchon Lake, and proceeding smoothly with the remodeling of Seoul Playground as scheduled.

Additionally, to enable residents to conveniently enjoy sports activities, the district plans to add more red clay trails, improve sports facilities at Jamsil Retention Basin, and continue seasonal events such as the water playground and sledding hill at Olympic Park, thereby increasing opportunities for residents’ cultural and sports activities.

Mayor Seo, who practices ‘servant administration,’ places utmost priority on consideration for socially vulnerable groups. He emphasized, "We will never neglect meticulous support for marginalized neighbors such as low-income families and persons with disabilities, as well as respect and honor for those who have dedicated and served in building the community called the Republic of Korea." He also announced plans to pay close attention to residents working in high-intensity labor environments by expanding welfare benefits for childcare teachers and care workers.

Moreover, the nation’s first native English-speaking classrooms in daycare centers and kindergartens will be expanded to include children up to age 4, creating an equitable educational environment for all. The district will continue providing one-stop civil service for permits and approvals to lower the threshold of the district office and offer friendly administrative services. Furthermore, major roads in Songpa will be developed into streets blooming with flowers all year round to bring daily happiness to residents. Mayor Seogangseok pledged, "In the new year, we will listen more closely to residents’ opinions, continue unwavering servant administration, and achieve new changes and greater development in Songpa. We will tirelessly strive to realize the vision and future of Songpa promised to our residents."