Sohadong Gwangmyeong Urban Regeneration Project to Be Completed by End of This Month

The urban regeneration project in Sohadong, Gwangmyeong City, Gyeonggi Province, will be completed by the end of this month.

Sohadong in Gwangmyeong has faced challenges for full-scale redevelopment due to the aging of houses and alleyways, as well as its designation as a historic and cultural environment preservation area. As a result, the area has pursued various projects aimed at low-carbon, energy-based urban regeneration, including: a Zero Energy Housing pilot project, the creation of a climate change-responsive children's park, carbon-neutral home repair education and challenges, and a zero-waste community lounge experimental project.

In detail, the Zero Energy Housing pilot project involved simultaneous home repairs and energy performance improvements for aging houses, which not only improved the residential environment but also delivered tangible results such as reducing heating and cooling costs. In addition, eco-friendly infrastructure was expanded in previously outdated parks, including self-powered exercise equipment and smart recycling bins, transforming them into climate change-responsive children's parks.

Sohadong, Gwangmyeong City, Gyeonggi Province, where urban regeneration projects are underway

Furthermore, an Eco-Housing Team composed mainly of local residents was established to provide eco-friendly home repair education. Activities also included zero-waste product creation and upcycling woodworking involving both youth and seniors, as well as gardening classes for school and community gardens. Through these efforts, awareness of carbon neutrality was improved, and residents' capacity for leading low-carbon urban regeneration was strengthened.

Notably, this project was linked to carbon neutrality policies of both Gyeonggi Province and Gwangmyeong City, resulting in not only improvements to aging residential environments but also energy savings. The operation of various eco-friendly programs led to a satisfaction rate of 90%, and the project is regarded as having established a sustainable foundation for local management.

Kim Tae-su, Director of Urban Regeneration at Gyeonggi Province, stated, "Sohadong in Gwangmyeong City is a representative success case where low-carbon urban regeneration was implemented in an aging low-rise residential area through active resident participation. Going forward, we will actively support the development and expansion of eco-friendly urban regeneration in old city centers so that residents of the province can experience tangible benefits."