Sejong Institute of Science and Technology Proposes Development of 'Future-Type Underground City'

Sejong Institute of Science and Technology announced on the 12th that it held a national land renovation strategy seminar under the theme of ‘The Necessity and Feasibility of the Future-type Underground City (UCOT) Project.’

In his keynote speech the previous day, Joo Myung-geon, Honorary Chairman of Sejong University, emphasized, “To overcome the threat from North Korea, supported by China, to turn Seoul into a sea of fire, South Korea must be able to minimize damage and carry out retaliatory attacks in the event of a surprise attack, even if it possesses nuclear weapons,” adding, “The construction of UCOT is an essential prerequisite for war deterrence.”

The development of UCOT aims to solve traffic congestion problems in urban areas, ensure citizens’ safety in emergencies, and develop underground spaces for cultural welfare during normal times. UCOT will establish underground shopping malls, central plaza facilities, transportation facilities, cultural and sports facilities, and parking lots beneath the riverside embankments along Gangbyeonbuk-ro and Olympic-daero. Connecting 60 km from Ilsan Bridge to Paldang Bridge with UCOT will liberate citizens from nuclear threats and traffic congestion, thereby improving their quality of life.

Honorary Chairman Joo stated, “Although the total construction cost of UCOT is 92 trillion won, funding of 96 trillion won can be secured through 90 trillion won from shopping mall sales and 6 trillion won from the sale of dredged soil,” adding, “Not only can the annual traffic congestion cost of 13 trillion won generated mainly along Gangbyeonbuk-ro and Olympic-daero be reduced, but Seoul will also leap forward as a global central city of the 21st century.”