Pilot Project Site Selected, Market Revitalization Initiatives to Be Prioritized
Establishment of Woori Dongne Kium Center and Village Management Office Planned
The Urban Regeneration Activation Plan for Hwagok Jungang Market, located near Kkachisan Station, has been finalized. The plan aims to revitalize the area by improving market accessibility and establishing public convenience facilities for local residents.
On May 23, Seoul City announced that the Fourth Urban Regeneration Committee had approved, without modification, the Urban Regeneration Activation Plan (draft) for the Hwagok Jungang Market area in Gangseo-gu.
The Hwagok Jungang Market area, located at 370-37 Hwagok-dong, Gangseo-gu (covering 156,989 square meters), is undergoing a traditional market-linked urban regeneration project with the goal of establishing a model for traditional market and regional revitalization.
This area includes low-rise multi-family and multiplex housing, as well as the traditional Hwagok Jungang Market, which were formed through a land readjustment project in the 1970s. Due to height restrictions around Gimpo Airport, large-scale development has been difficult, resulting in poor residential and pedestrian environments, insufficient living infrastructure, and declining market vitality, making urgent improvement necessary.
Since being selected as a pilot site for a traditional market-linked urban regeneration project in 2020, the city has been advancing the initiative. The activation plan was developed to reflect policy changes following the establishment of the '2030 Urban Regeneration Strategic Plan' and was finalized through committee review.
Detailed Urban Regeneration Activation Plan for the Hwagok Central Market Area. Provided by Seoul City
The city explained that this Urban Regeneration Activation Plan focused on improving the physical environment in response to changes such as the designation of parts of the project area as a 'Moatown'. Of the eight detailed projects, five?including improvements to the pedestrian environment and the renovation of market shop signs?have been prioritized and implemented first.
The city also plans to continue establishing a village management office to provide community-based public services for residents, creating an after-school care center for elementary students (Woori Dongne Kium Center), and operating cooperatives that offer locally tailored programs.
Additionally, as part of projects linked to the activation area, five initiatives?including market modernization, parking lot construction, and universal design application?have also been pursued.
The city explained that the plan (draft) was developed through resident surveys and meetings, consultations with relevant agencies, and gathering opinions from the city council, starting from the pilot project selection stage.
Kim Changgyu, Director of Balanced Development at Seoul City, stated, "The significance of this Urban Regeneration Activation Plan, linked to the traditional Hwagok Jungang Market, lies in establishing a regeneration foundation centered on the local living area that encompasses both low-rise residential zones and the traditional market. We will work to swiftly complete the creation of living SOC (Social Overhead Capital) facilities to enhance resident convenience and maximize the project’s impact by linking it with the nearby Moatown."
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