Mapo-gu Expands Hongdae~Hangang Tourism Belt... Tourism and Economy Rise Together

Opening of Resident Convenience Facilities and Danginri Cultural Creation Development Center... A New Local Attraction with Han River View
Tourism Infrastructure in Dangin-dong Linked with Nearby Historical and Cultural Sites... Ideal for Expanding Hongdae Tourism Demand
District Mayor Park Gang-su: “Activate Tourism from Hongdae Red Road to Surrounding Areas... Find New Charm and Identity”

The decommissioned facilities of Danginri Thermal Power Plant, the first power generation facility in Korea, will be transformed into the 'Danginri Cultural Creation Power Plant,' a complex cultural space with exhibition halls and performance venues, set to open in 2026.

Additionally, by linking this with Hongdae, the Mapo-Hongdae area will be developed into a complex arts belt, becoming the center of youth art.

This was announced by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on the 19th during President Yoon Seok-yeol's public discussion on livelihood, under the 'Three Major Innovation Plans for Urban Space, Housing, and Quality.' Mapo-gu (Mayor Park Gang-su) expressed enthusiasm, noting that this announcement aligns with the district's tourism development direction, which aims to establish a tourism belt extending to the Han River.

The 'Cultural Creation Power Plant' is a complex cultural space covering 81,650㎡, with two underground and six above-ground floors. The decommissioned Unit 4 of the power plant will be transformed into a cultural facility housing exhibition halls, performance venues, and project rooms for creative activities, while Unit 5 will be preserved in its original form to serve as an exhibition space where visitors can vividly experience the history of Korea's first thermal power plant.

The rooftop of Unit 4.5, standing 18 meters high (5th floor), will be connected into a single rooftop plaza overlooking the Han River. On the exterior wall of the building's 4th floor, a walkway will be created to connect the Danginri Cultural Creation Power Plant with the surrounding interior and exterior spaces in three dimensions, allowing visitors to enjoy views of the Han River while walking. A large-scale parking lot with 248 spaces will also be secured to enhance convenience for citizens visiting Dangin-dong.

Mapo-gu is also planning to build a resident convenience facility in Dangin-dong, aiming for completion by the end of 2024. This facility will be a complex building with approximately 7,000㎡ of total floor area, spanning from one basement floor to five above-ground floors, equipped with a fitness sauna, multipurpose gym, Han River-view terrace and caf?, and an observatory. Parking spaces for visitors have been increased to 71 through design modifications.

The district expects that with the opening of the resident convenience facility and the Cultural Creation Power Plant in 2026 in Dangin-dong, which borders the Han River extensively, the area will transform into a region where residents and visitors can enjoy the natural scenery of the Han River, leisure activities, diverse cultural experiences, and convenience, thereby increasing tourism demand extending to the Seogang and Hapjeong-dong areas.

Mapo-gu views the development of Dangin-dong as an optimal opportunity to expand tourism demand, which had been concentrated around the existing Hongdae tourism special zone, all the way to the Han River. The district plans to focus on joint development of areas including Seogyo-dong in Hongdae, Dangin-dong, and neighboring Seogang and Hapjeong-dong.

First, Mapo-gu is creating a 'Healing Street Connecting to the Han River,' linking the Gyeongui Line Forest Trail, Hongdae Red Road, and the Han River. The pedestrian path of Red Road R7 leading to the Han River will be expanded and renovated, and by the end of April this year, it will be reborn as a cherry blossom healing street equipped with various convenience facilities, green spaces, and resting areas.

Additionally, the area from Exit 7 of Hapjeong Station to the Han River is being developed into a themed 'Sky and Wish Road' to expand commercial zones and attract tourists. The street features wish trees, wish bells, and lighting that decorates the night sky, creating a unique atmosphere. Various participatory events are held to engage tourists, while the areas near Yanghwajin Cemetery and Jeoldusan Martyrs' Shrine are themed as 'The Road Where Wishes Come True,' making them distinctive streets.

Mayor Park Gang-su stated, "Stagnant water inevitably becomes foul over time," adding, "The Hongdae tourism special zone will inevitably decline if it relies solely on its existing reputation."

He continued, "We must continuously discover new attractions by fully utilizing Mapo-gu's unique tourism resources with a comprehensive perspective. To this end, it is necessary to establish a wide tourism belt centered on Hongdae that includes various tourism resources."

Perspective View of Danginri Culture and Creative Development Center