Yangcheon-gu to Upgrade Zoning for Mokdong Complexes 1-3... Plans to Create Open Green Corridors Instead of Rental Housing

Final Notification of Comprehensive Upgrade District Unit Plan Decision (Amendment)
Formation of a 7.7km Wide-area Green Belt

Yangcheon-gu, Seoul (District Mayor Lee Gi-jae) announced that with the final notification on the 28th of the ‘Seoul Mokdong District Housing Development Project District Unit Plan Decision (Amendment)’ related to the zoning upgrade of Mokdong Complexes 1 to 3, the long-standing issue of zoning upgrades for residents of Mokdong Complexes 1 to 3, which had been a wish for about 20 years since the zoning subdivision in 2004, has been officially resolved.

Aerial perspective of the Open Green Space Development Plan (draft). Provided by Yangcheon-gu.

This notification reflects the amendments related to the ‘Mokdong Greenway Creation’ approved at the 4th Seoul City Urban and Architectural Joint Committee held in March. This involves deciding (amending) the district unit plan to establish an open green space to strengthen connectivity with the metropolitan green axis and provide a resting space for local residents.

Previously, the district proactively proposed the ‘Mokdong Greenway’ as a third solution, rather than the existing donation method, to meet Seoul’s zoning upgrade standards while minimizing economic damage to residents. Accordingly, instead of installing more than 20% public-supported private rental housing as a condition for zoning upgrade decided in 2019, the upgrade was achieved through a new public contribution method via open green spaces. Open green spaces refer to green areas on private land where the upper parts are open and freely accessible to the public.

The main content of the notification is the creation of a pedestrian green space along Mokdongseo-ro, connecting the existing metropolitan green axis (the park above Gukhoe-daero) and the waterfront axis (Anyangcheon), within the ‘Seoul Mokdong District Housing Development Project District Unit Plan Area’ covering Mokdong Complexes 1 to 4 and the Mokdong 900 area (combined heat and power plant), along with additional open green spaces on the opposite side along Mokdong Jungang-ro.

The district stated, “The original width of Mokdongseo-ro was adjusted from an average of 18m in a curved shape to 15m in a straight shape in connection with plans to revitalize commercial areas. This adjustment minimizes the distance to the Mokdong central district, improving convenience for residents’ movement and is expected to activate commercial areas.” Additionally, along Mokdong Jungang-ro, where low-rise residential areas are concentrated, the remaining width from the reduction will be dispersed and allocated to strengthen pedestrian connections between low-rise residential areas and public facilities.

Accordingly, the open green axis is divided into two green belts: a 1.5km section of Mokdongseo-ro (15m width) connecting the park above Gukhoe-daero to Anyangcheon, and a 2.4km section of Mokdong Jungang-ro (8m width) between Mokdong Complex 4 and Hanshin Cheonggu Apartments. These two sections connect to the park above Gukhoe-daero (approximately 3.8km), forming a total 7.7km metropolitan green belt that will be reborn as an urban green space providing nature and rest to residents.

District Mayor Lee Gi-jae said, “With the final notification of the Seoul Mokdong District Housing Development Project District Unit Plan decision, the zoning upgrade task for Mokdong Complexes 1 to 3 has been completed. I thank the residents who worked together during the introduction of open green spaces and all related parties including Seoul City.” He added, “As the Mokdong apartment reconstruction project gains momentum, we will do our best to proceed swiftly to contribute to stable housing supply and improvement of the residential environment.”

Example of open green space creation at Mokdongseo-ro. Provided by Yangcheon-gu.