Project Enters Full Swing After 15 Years
Final Administrative Step Before Groundbreaking for Yongsan International Business District
Plan Reflects Resident Feedback and Focuses on Sustainable Urban Development
On June 27, Yongsan-gu, Seoul announced that it had submitted a request to the Seoul Metropolitan Government for approval of changes to the district and development plan, as well as the implementation plan, related to the Yongsan International Business District Urban Development Project.
The urban development project follows three main administrative stages: designation of the urban development district and establishment of the development plan, approval of the implementation plan (in parallel with land compensation), and commencement of construction. This latest request essentially constitutes the final administrative procedure before groundbreaking.
The submitted implementation plan includes the total construction cost and detailed execution guidelines for infrastructure and buildings. This is a critical stage that prepares for the actual execution of development, including infrastructure design, through the establishment of the district unit plan.
Previously, the district shared the proposed changes to the development plan with residents and collected their feedback by conducting a public viewing from May 9 to 28. On June 17, the request for approval was finalized after consulting the Urban Planning Committee.
This proposed change to the development plan maintains the framework of the existing urban development plan, which was decided and announced by the Seoul Metropolitan Government in November last year, but it significantly strengthens elements related to resident convenience and environmental considerations. The main changes include expanding above-ground green spaces and improving the three-dimensional pedestrian circulation system. These are supplementary measures aimed at enhancing urban environmental quality and promoting sustainable development.
The Yongsan International Business District development project is a large-scale initiative to transform the long-neglected Yongsan Station rail yard site into a "multi-layered, integrated vertical city" that combines business, residential, and leisure functions. It is a key project designed to establish Yongsan as a global business hub and strengthen Seoul's international competitiveness. Currently, KORAIL and SH Corporation are actively promoting the project, aiming to break ground on infrastructure construction within the year.
Park Heeyoung, Mayor of Yongsan-gu, stated, "Since the designation of the urban development district last year, there have been high expectations from residents. As this plan reflects a wide range of resident opinions and has been submitted to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the district office will do its utmost to ensure the prompt progress of the project."
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