Jongam-dong Area Near Quarry Cut Site Transformed into Residential Complex with 850 Households

Aging Residential Areas Facing Safety Threats Transformed into Eco-Friendly Housing Complexes
40% Floor Area Ratio Incentive Applied with Profitability Adjustment Coefficient

The area around 125-35, Jongam-dong, adjacent to the excavation site of Gaeunsan Quarry, will be reborn as a residential complex with 850 households.

Location map of the area around 125-35 Jongam-dong. Provided by Seoul City

On the 25th, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that it had finalized the rapid integrated planning for the redevelopment project in the area of 125-35, Jongam-dong.

The target site is located on the old quarry excavation site, where the ground was weakened due to quarrying activities, causing significant damage from cracks during heavy rainfall seasons. With the confirmation of the rapid integrated planning, the steep terrain will be overcome, transforming the area into an eco-friendly residential complex that offers a safe living environment.

The rapid integrated planning for 125-35, Jongam-dong includes △a landscape view plan that allows residents to enjoy Gaeunsan from anywhere within the complex △specialized layout utilizing the terrain △an integrated plan for infrastructure and resident convenience facilities considering the surrounding conditions.

Considering the location characteristic where Gaeunsan surrounds three sides of the project site, a skyline harmonizing with the ridgeline of Gaeunsan will be created. Two sight corridors intersecting in a cross shape will be placed at the center of the complex so that residents can enjoy the scenery from anywhere within the complex.

Sintong Planning Proposal for the Area around 125-35 Jongam-dong. Provided by Seoul City

Taking into account the height of Gaeunsan and nearby apartment buildings, a skyline will be formed within a maximum height of 127 meters, with 22 floors along the lower terrain of Jongam-ro 19-gil and about 10 floors near Gaeunsan. Cross-shaped sight corridors connecting the green axis surrounded by Gaeunsan and gardens, cluster plazas, and step gardens (terraced gardens using level differences within the complex) are arranged throughout the external spaces within the complex.

Utilizing the hilly terrain with a height difference of 35 meters and steep slopes, specialized terrace house buildings will be established, and slope-type and vertical elevators connecting Jongam-ro 19-gil through the complex to the Gaeunsan trail will be appropriately placed to create a barrier-free walking environment. Terrace houses arranged with higher floors at the west and lower floors at the east along the level differences have adopted a specialized design to adjust the sunlight direction to face southeast.

To reduce construction costs, a site formation plan minimizing excavation volume was established, and the 'Seoul Metropolitan Government Redevelopment Support Plan' was applied to enhance project feasibility. Since the area was a quarry with many bedrocks and steep terrain causing difficulties in construction, underground parking lots were planned to minimize excavation volume, and various resident facilities were planned instead of retaining walls at the boundaries.

By applying the Seoul Metropolitan Government Redevelopment Support Plan, a 40% additional floor area ratio incentive was applied by increasing the standard floor area ratio for securing small-sized housing and applying a project profitability correction factor of 2.0. This reduces the construction cost burden while securing both project profitability and public interest.

In connection with the adjacent Jongam-dong 125-1 street housing maintenance project zone, Jongam-ro 19-da-gil was secured as a road separated for pedestrians and vehicles, and a turnaround space for village buses was provided. At the entrance of Gaeunsan, a resting area for trail users and resident convenience facilities along Jongam-ro 19-gil were arranged to realize a complex that ensures both safety and convenience. Considering that the village bus is the only public transportation option, the local environment was improved, and open-type community facilities were planned to compensate for the lack of living service facilities.

With the confirmation of this rapid integrated planning, the city plans to actively support the establishment of maintenance plans and other related processes. By applying the simplified rapid integrated planning procedure, the project period is expected to be significantly shortened through integrated review by the Urban Planning Committee’s delegated subcommittee and the project implementation plan.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government has completed planning for 89 out of 148 rapid integrated planning target sites, including 125-35, Jongam-dong. Next year, Sillim 1 District and Hanyang Apartments in Yeouido are expected to receive project implementation plan approval.

Jo Nam-jun, head of the Urban Space Headquarters of Seoul City, said, “In a situation where natural disasters and urban risk factors are increasing, a safe residential environment is not a choice but a necessity,” adding, “The rapid integrated planning for 125-35, Jongam-dong is meaningful in that it presented a feasible development plan prioritizing environmental protection and resident safety despite difficult project conditions.”