Mapo-gu Hongdae Red Road Reborn as R1·R2 Cultural Plaza

Completion Ceremony for Infrastructure at Red Road R1 Travel Stage on 27th
Improving Aging Facilities, Securing Pedestrian Spaces, Expanding Amenities to Enhance Safety and Convenience
Park Gang-su, Mayor of Mapo-gu, “We Will Discover and Utilize Cultural and Tourism Resources for Red Road Development”

Mapo-gu (Mayor Park Kang-su)'s Hongdae Red Road R1~R2 has been transformed from an aging area into a pleasant new space.

Mapo-gu announced that it has completed the "Red Road R1~R2 Infrastructure Improvement Project," which was promoted to renovate the old Hongdae street infrastructure and expand tourist convenience facilities, and will hold a completion ceremony at 3 p.m. on April 27.

The "Red Road R1~R2 Infrastructure Improvement Project" was one of the campaign promises presented at the "Policy Dialogue with the Mayor" held in August 2022. The project aimed to renovate Red Road R1~R2 (a pedestrian-friendly street), the heart of the Hongdae cultural and arts tourism special zone, to enhance tourist safety and convenience and revitalize the tourism commercial district.

The main facilities targeted for improvement include the R1 plaza and travel stage area along Eoulmadang-ro, the pedestrian-friendly street in Hongdae, as well as the R2 plaza, outdoor exhibition zone, and busking zone.

To ensure a safe walking environment at R1, which was crowded with tourists due to its proximity to Hongdae Entrance Station, a transfer station for three subway lines, Mapo-gu maintained unnecessary green areas and removed fences and shrubs along the street. Additionally, evergreen pine trees were planted alongside the sidewalks, and design benches were installed throughout the area so tourists can rest anytime and anywhere.

The travel stage was transformed by demolishing the existing high stepped stage to create an open and multipurpose space that combines a resting area and an outdoor stage. In the outdoor exhibition zone, the old retaining walls were removed to connect the previously separated commercial areas on both sides, and a pedestrian path harmonizing with the greenery was installed to allow tourists to walk comfortably.

Furthermore, the popular busking zone on Red Road was expanded to increase the distance between performances, minimizing interference and improving seating areas so that the audience can comfortably enjoy beautiful music.

Mapo-gu's efforts to expand tourist information functions also stand out. The Mapo Tourism Information Center, previously located at Red Road R1, was relocated to R2, where there is a higher flow of people. Next to the center, a vividly colored public restroom was installed to meet tourists' convenience. Additionally, the "Kkaebi Kkaesun Photo Zone," featuring the symbolic character of Red Road, was created to provide tourists with unforgettable memories.

To commemorate the transformation of Hongdae Red Road, Mapo-gu will hold a completion ceremony at 3 p.m. on the 27th at the Red Road R1 travel stage with about 400 merchants and residents. The ceremony will include congratulatory performances and Hongdae busker shows, and the Army 56th Division military band will also attend to enhance the event with a march and musical performance, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.

Park Kang-su, Mayor of Mapo-gu, said, "Through the reorganization of tourism infrastructure, Hongdae Red Road has taken a step forward as a world-class tourist destination. I hope many people will enjoy Hongdae Red Road, which has been reborn as a space where people want to stay and visit. Mapo-gu will continue to discover and utilize cultural and tourism resources for the greater development of Hongdae Red Road, full of food, sights, and entertainment."