Announcement of Changes to Sejong City's District Unit Plan
Tourist Accommodation Facilities Now Permitted
Business owners in industries previously prohibited from moving in due to various regulations will now be able to open their businesses. This regulatory easing aims to address the issue of vacant commercial properties.
On July 30, Sejong City announced a decision (amendment) to the district unit plan related to revitalizing the local economy and reducing vacancies in commercial properties in areas released from the Administrative City Special Zone.
The main points of the amended district unit plan include: expanding the range of permitted businesses in commercial properties; allowing the establishment of tourist accommodation facilities in general commercial areas (designating a total of 8 lots); and improving sidewalk paving standards for vehicle access and exit.
Previously, the amendment was prepared based on survey results, and finalized after public notification for resident review and urban planning and architectural deliberation by the joint committee. As a result, the range of permitted businesses in commercial properties has been significantly expanded to address vacancies and revitalize the local commercial district.
In particular, exercise facilities and Type 1 and 2 neighborhood living facilities are now newly permitted in Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) commercial properties and waterfront commercial properties. Type 1 and 2 neighborhood living facilities include businesses closely related to daily life, such as hospitals and clinics, beauty salons, private academies, and indoor tennis courts.
In waterfront commercial properties, office facilities (excluding officetels), educational and research facilities (excluding schools), and medical facilities (excluding psychiatric hospitals and nursing hospitals) have also been newly permitted. However, certain businesses such as karaoke bars, massage parlors, and multi-occupancy living facilities remain restricted.
Only general commercial areas located a certain distance away from residential areas and schools are conditionally permitted to host tourist accommodation facilities such as small hotels and hostels registered under the Tourism Promotion Act. The designated sites include three lots near the intercity bus terminal in Dapyeong-dong and five lots near the court and prosecutor's office in Sodam-dong, totaling eight lots.
Lee Doohee, Director of the Urban Housing Bureau, stated, "The amendment to the district unit plan is the result of pursuing substantial regulatory easing based on citizens' opinions, and is expected to contribute to reducing commercial vacancies and revitalizing the local economy." He added, "We will continue to implement practical measures to activate commercial areas and restore vitality to the local economy."
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