"To Enable Development"... Pyeongchang-dong to Establish a '150,000㎡ District Unit Plan'

Development Activities Restricted for 50 Years in Adjacent Areas of Bukhansan
"Appeal for Property Rights Infringement, Pyeongchang-dong Residents' Long-cherished Wish Realized"

Pyeongchang-dong district unit planning target area. Provided by Jongno-gu.

Jongno-gu, Seoul (Mayor Jeong Mun-heon) announced on the 22nd that it will promote a "district unit plan establishment project" for a residential complex in Pyeongchang-dong, which is adjacent to Bukhansan National Park. The target area is approximately 150,000㎡ around 421-562 Pyeongchang-dong, Jongno-gu, which was excluded from the district unit plan area established in 2013.

This area was designated by the government in 1971 as a site for a residential complex after lifting the Bukhansan Bibong Park designation, and some land plots were sold to the private sector. However, due to strengthened related regulations, development activities have been restricted, and residents' demands for development have continued for nearly 50 years.

With the establishment of the district unit plan in 2013, minimal development became possible within the scope that does not damage the natural environment. However, the area adjacent to Bukhansan National Park was excluded from the district unit plan zone, raising issues of fairness.

Accordingly, Jongno-gu stated that it will establish a differentiated district unit plan considering the protection value of this area to prepare a systematic and sustainable urban management plan.

Jongno-gu explained that the focus is on protecting residents' residential rights, revitalizing culture and arts, securing natural ecological preservation areas, and discovering scenic viewpoints of Bukhansan. The district plans to quickly complete the main procedures for establishing the district unit plan within this year.

With the revision and enforcement of the "Seoul Metropolitan City Urban Planning Ordinance" in March, development possibilities have also opened up for Biotope Grade 1 areas, which were previously absolute preservation zones. A biotope refers to a habitat where animals and plants form a single living community. Jongno-gu expects that if a district unit plan is established here as well, property rights can be exercised through development activities.

Jongno-gu stated, "We aim to establish an architectural plan that harmonizes with the beautiful natural scenery of Bukhansan and the long history and culture of this area," adding, "We will realize the long-standing wishes of Pyeongchang-dong residents who have appealed against regional development imbalances and property rights infringements for a long time."