Sangam Ferris Wheel 'Seoulling' Resident Briefing... Residents Express "Traffic Congestion Concerns"

Seoul City and Project Proposers Emphasize 'Benefits'
Residents Express Concerns Over Hazards Near Incineration Plant

The Seoul Metropolitan Government held a residents' briefing session regarding the planned construction of the giant Ferris wheel 'Seoulling' and a complex cultural facility in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu. While the city and the consortium emphasized the effects such as serving as a 'landmark' for the western region of Seoul and the benefits for residents, citizens expressed concerns that traffic congestion could worsen significantly if tourists flock to the area, potentially causing harm.

On the afternoon of the 21st, dozens of residents, representatives from the Seoul Metropolitan Government, and the project proposer TwinEye SPC Co., Ltd. attended the briefing held at the Sangam Seoul World Cup Stadium. Seoulling is the world's first 'Twin Wheel' giant Ferris wheel, standing 216 meters tall, to be constructed in the Peace Park within Sangam World Cup Park. It will be built alongside large-scale complex facilities including a performance hall and dining restaurants. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2026, with an opening planned for 2029.

Lim Jong-hyun, Director of Urban Vitality at the Seoul Metropolitan Government, described the project as "expected not only to attract tourists but also to enhance the reputation of the western region including Mapo and strengthen competitiveness as a global city, creating a synergistic effect."

Further explanations were given regarding the 'benefits' that Mapo residents could enjoy from the Seoulling project. A representative from TwinEye SPC Co., Ltd. stated, "Most musical theaters are located in affluent neighborhoods like Jamsil and Hannam-dong, but a superior performance hall will be established in Sangam. When evaluating the value of a region, the number of cultural facilities is often considered, and Sangam will be highly valued in this regard."

They also mentioned that significant benefits would be provided to residents within the cultural facilities. A cultural space will be created within the complex facility, offering residents discounted or free access to cultural functions such as health and aerobics programs.

Residents: "Traffic Issues Must Be Resolved"... New Incineration Plant Also Mentioned

Residents attending the briefing expressed concerns about worsening traffic congestion due to tourist visits. The project operator estimates that 2.4 million tourists will visit Seoulling annually, with a maximum capacity of up to 7 million visitors.

A resident identified as A, living in Sangam-dong, said, "Even now, vehicle traffic around the World Cup Stadium area is not smooth on weekends, and it becomes paralyzed during events. If Seoulling is completed, there will be tremendous traffic congestion." Another resident, B, said, "The Seoul Metropolitan Government acts as if the giant Ferris wheel is a gift for residents, but that is not the case. If people from all over the country come to visit this attraction, the ones who suffer the most will be Sangam-dong residents. Even during the Silver Grass Festival at Haneul Park, traffic jams make it difficult to get to the supermarket."

The city and consortium stated that they are reviewing traffic countermeasures for the Sangam-dong area, including a traffic impact assessment. They plan to develop measures reflecting the expected traffic demand from the Seoulling and complex facility construction.

Concerns were also raised about the installation of a new incineration plant near Seoulling. Resident C said, "If an incineration plant is built, Seoulling will inevitably be affected. If it were my family, I would avoid Seoulling because of worries about dioxins and heavy metals emitted from the incineration plant harming children. Unless this issue is resolved, I don't think people will come to see Seoulling, as it would infringe on health rights."

Additionally, citizens urged for another briefing session after the traffic impact assessment results are released.

Director Lim said, "We share the same concerns about traffic congestion, and our department is conducting the basic planning study. As the Seoul Metropolitan Government places a large facility in Sangam, traffic aspects are also being reviewed. Legally, there is no requirement for an additional briefing session, but since residents have concerns, we will internally review the matter."