Seoul City Designates First Special Architectural Zone for 'Human Town 2.0'... Expert Group Consultation Also Provided

Jongno-gu Sinyeong-dong 214 Area Designated as First Special Architectural Zone
'Humanator' of 50 Experts Also Provides Consultation

The area around 214, Sinyeong-dong, Jongno-gu, designated as a pilot project site for Seoul City's 'Human Town 2.0' initiative to promote the construction and remodeling of non-apartment buildings, has been designated as a special architectural zone for the first time for non-apartment buildings.

Seoul City announced on the 10th that the proposal to designate the area around 214, Sinyeong-dong, Jongno-gu as a special architectural zone was submitted to and passed by the Seoul City Architectural Committee on the 3rd.

The area around 214, Sinyeong-dong, Jongno-gu had been difficult for new construction due to regional characteristics such as natural landscape districts and height restriction zones. With its designation as a special architectural zone, building standards such as floor area ratio (120%), landscaping area, and open space within the site have been relaxed, improving project feasibility.

The city is promoting the Human Town 2.0 project, which supports individual construction of non-apartment buildings such as multi-family, multiplex, and urban-type residential housing. Next year, the Human Town 2.0 project will be carried out in a total of 13 locations, including three pilot project sites.

The Human Town 2.0 project targets receive various relaxations in building standards during new construction and remodeling, up to 10 billion KRW in support for infrastructure improvements, and budget support for planning such as designation of special architectural zones. Financial support is also provided to help original resident building owners resettle and secure project feasibility.

To activate the Human Town 2.0 project, the city operates a group of experts called ‘Humanators.’ They plan to provide free consulting services to building owners who wish to build new or remodel within the Human Town 2.0 project areas. The Humanators consist of a group of 50 experts in architectural design, finance, taxation, real estate, and more.

Additionally, on the 10th at 10 a.m., a meeting will be held at the auditorium of the Welfare Building in the Seosomun Office Complex, attended by over 70 people including Han Byung-yong, Director of the Housing Office, to support the activation of the Human Town 2.0 project with the Humanators. The meeting will discuss the project explanation, the purpose of operating the Humanators, their tasks, and exchange opinions.

Han Byung-yong, Director of the Seoul City Housing Office, said, "The Human Town 2.0 project is a project for stabilizing housing for ordinary citizens by supplying non-apartment housing such as multi-family and multiplex, rather than reconstruction or redevelopment through complete demolition," adding, "We will actively support the activities of the Humanators, composed of experts, to resolve complex and difficult architectural questions and problems, so that practical support can be provided."