[Yongsan's Future] "East Side Commercial, West Side Office, South Side Culture... Synergy with Yongsan Park"

⑩Interview with Professor Kim Sehun, Seoul National University Graduate School of Environmental Studies
Characteristics of the West, East, and South Zones around Yongsan Park
Activation of Low-rise Spaces... Increased Utilization of High Floors with 'Park View'
Possibility of Physical and Visual Connection with Namsan and Hangang

"Yongsan Park will serve as a park, an urban plaza, a school, a museum, an exchange space, and a convention venue."

Many adjacent areas of Yongsan, which were blocked off by the 'border' of the U.S. military base, will be transformed into 'open spaces' through Yongsan Park. The comprehensive basic plan for Yongsan Park also includes some considerations on how to handle the areas adjacent to the park. The plan divides these areas into three zones: 'West Side,' 'East Side,' and 'South Side.' The West Side zone includes Namyeong-dong and Hangangno-dong, where an international business district is planned to be developed in the future. The East Side encompasses Itaewon-dong, Hannam-dong, and Huam-dong, and it also borders the Namsan area. The South Side zone consists mainly of apartment complexes in Seobinggo-dong and Ichon 1-dong, with the Han River flowing below.

Professor Kim Sehun of the Graduate School of Environmental Studies at Seoul National University is talking about the present and future of Yongsan in his graduate office. Photo by Huh Younghan youngahn@

Professor Kim Sehun of Seoul National University’s Graduate School of Environmental Studies said in an interview with Asia Economy, "The characteristics of the living areas around Yongsan are very diverse," adding, "This makes planning difficult but is also one of the great attractions of Yongsan Park." Professor Kim predicted that after the establishment of Yongsan Park, the uses of the lower floors in the East and West zones will change the fastest. He explained, "Open-air cafes, restaurants, cultural facilities, galleries, and various communities will start activities centered around Yongsan Park, so many support facilities for them will be located on the lower floors."

As the scenery that was previously blocked by military facilities changes to a 'park view,' the utilization of high-rise facilities is also expected to become active. Premium residential, commercial facilities, and hotels that overlook Yongsan Park from mid- or high-rise buildings may be developed. Professor Kim introduced the idea of preserving this view as a public value. He said, "The view overlooking Yongsan Park from high floors is a premium created by public investment," and added, "I hope many public-oriented facilities such as cultural centers and galleries will be established so that the general public can enjoy the view from above."

In the East Side zone of the park, people will be able to enjoy a 'new landscape' that looks down on Haebangchon and Huam-dong and looks up closely at Namsan. Professor Kim, who visited the still unknown interior of Yongsan Park, emphasized, "Until now, there was no opportunity to look at Haebangchon from the Yongsan Park side," and said, "Once that view opens up, that area will become a beloved spot within Yongsan Park for the public." He also anticipated that the connection with Namsan’s green spaces will gradually proceed, not just visually. Professor Kim explained, "(The East Side zone) has a small urban structure and is densely packed with many lots, so it will not be easy to connect the green corridor linking Namsan and Yongsan Park all at once," but added, "Over a long period, as redevelopment projects occur in each house, open green spaces will gradually form and connect point by point."

The development of an international business district with buildings as tall as 100 floors on the west side of the park is also a key factor in revitalizing Yongsan Park. Professor Kim said, "For a park larger than 3 million square meters to be activated, it actually requires many people to reside nearby and places where they spend time during the day," and added, "High-density development of the international business district to bring vitality would actually be beneficial in terms of synergy." The vertical nature of the green spaces created within the international business district also raises expectations for harmony with Yongsan Park. Professor Kim elaborated, "The green spaces in the international business district will be vertical, such as multi-layered ground-level greenery and rooftop gardens, while Yongsan Park offers greenery enjoyed by walking along gentle terrain," and said, "When these two spaces are created, they will serve as an interesting comparative case."

In the South Side zone, where apartment complexes are lined up, Professor Kim mentioned that placing 'culture'-centered facilities could be a worthwhile attempt. The idea is to spread cultural themes centered around the National Museum of Korea and the National Hangeul Museum near Ichon Station. He said, "Two subway lines, Line 4 and the Gyeongui-Jungang Line, pass through Ichon Station, and with the existing museums as an axis, many cultural functions can be arranged." The fact that this area is mostly residential without much commercial or office functions supports the idea that people can enjoy leisure and spend time through culture.

There is also the possibility of a physical connection with the Han River behind the row of apartments. Professor Kim introduced one method: when establishing district unit plans, public pedestrian pathways and green corridors connecting Yongsan Park and the Han River could be designated as development conditions. He added, "There was even a proposal to pedestrianize part of Dongjak Bridge to create a pedestrian overpass crossing the river," and said, "Although it has not yet been commercialized, once the development of Yongsan Park begins in earnest, connections with the Han River, including pedestrianization, will need to be considered."

Professor Kim concluded, "I hope that through the creation of Yongsan Park, people will feel that 'this is a future lifestyle and space where I enjoy my life and leisure,'" and added, "While the empty park space is important, I also hope that the buildings constructed alongside it will be well preserved and operated with programs so that people can learn, experience, and grow."