'Bukhansan Citizen Garden' to Be Created in Ui-dong and Suyu-dong
Selected as Seoul City's New Growth Hub Fast-Track Project
"Balanced Development in Northeastern Seoul, Fulfilling Long-Standing Resident Demands"
Gangbuk-gu in Seoul (District Mayor Lee Soonhee) is set to launch major projects that have long been anticipated by residents, including the underground relocation of the Ohyeon Transfer Station, the development of the North Seoul Sports and Culture Center (tentative name), and the creation of Bukhansan Citizen Garden No. 1 and No. 2, all of which are intended to enhance local sports and cultural facilities.
Perspective view of the North Seoul Sports and Culture Center (tentative name). Provided by Gangbuk-gu.
On July 17, Gangbuk-gu announced that these projects, proposed by the district, have been finally selected as part of Seoul City's "2025 New Growth Hub Fast-Track Projects," with a total investment of 145.7 billion won. As a result, the expansion of daily life infrastructure and the realization of a garden city in the northeastern region are expected to accelerate.
The North Seoul Sports and Culture Center will be developed as a resident-friendly complex facility, featuring a soccer field, swimming pool, golf practice range, multipurpose gymnasium, book cafe, and creative spaces for artists. This will be achieved by relocating the Ohyeon Transfer Station underground and converting the Odong Golf Practice Range (27,000 square meters in the Odong Neighborhood Park area) into an indoor facility. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2029, with completion targeted for the following year.
The Ohyeon Transfer Station, which serves as an initial collection and transfer site for food waste and household garbage from small to large vehicles, was established in 1997 and has been the source of ongoing complaints due to odor and visual blight. With this project, the waste treatment facility is expected to be transformed into a space dedicated to health and leisure. Since 2015, Gangbuk-gu has conducted feasibility studies and established basic plans for the project, and after years of effort, it has finally been selected for implementation.
Bukhansan Citizen Garden No. 1 and No. 2 (located at 132 Uidong and 594-1 Suyu-dong, approximately 45,000 square meters) are scheduled for completion in 2028. The first garden will include a smart farm, urban agriculture experience center, stream, and barefoot walking trails, while the second garden will feature a picnic area, futsal field, and pet playground. These sites are adjacent to Bukhansan National Park and have long remained undeveloped and neglected, detracting from the city's appearance.
The district plans to expand the project into the first garden-based eco-tourism cluster in the northeastern region by creating a "Garden Trail" that connects with nearby resources such as the Bukhansan Dulle-gil Trail and Uiryeong Park. In addition, by linking with existing new growth hub projects such as the Bukhansan Citizen Observatory currently under construction nearby, the district aims to maximize synergies in garden tourism. In the long term, Gangbuk-gu is also considering the development of residential garden village models, including urban guesthouses and one-month stay programs.
Currently, Gangbuk-gu is accelerating efforts to create an urban environment where residents can enjoy both nature and culture in their daily lives through the "Green Way" strategy, which connects major natural infrastructure such as Bukhansan Mountain, Uicheon Stream, and North Seoul Dream Forest with green corridors within residential areas.
Lee Soonhee, Mayor of Gangbuk-gu, stated, "The selection of these projects is an opportunity to improve the quality of life for residents and realize the district’s potential," adding, "We will focus our administrative capabilities to ensure Gangbuk-gu rises as a central hub leading balanced development in northeastern Seoul."
Meanwhile, Seoul City continues to identify and support "new growth hub projects" each year to establish self-sustaining growth foundations tailored to local conditions. This year, a total of 16 projects from 8 autonomous districts were submitted, and 7 projects from 4 districts were selected for fast-track implementation.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
