A New Era for Government-Commercial Complexes:
Dongjak District Office Unveils South Korea’s First “Gov-Commercial” Building
Featuring a 15-Meter-Tall Giant Slide, “The Ride”
A government office building equipped with commercial spaces, a giant slide, a 24-hour daycare center, and an open studio has made its debut. This is the first case of its kind in South Korea.
The new government building of Dongjak District (Mayor Park Ilha), which was completed and relocated to 70 Jangseungbaegi-ro in July, is drawing attention as a complex facility that goes beyond a simple administrative space to encompass commercial, cultural, and childcare functions.
Park Ilha, mayor of Dongjak District, is explaining to reporters on the 3rd about the 15-meter-high interactive structure "(tentative name) D-Ride" installed in the new government building. Provided by Dongjak District.
The Dongjak District new office building, which relocated to a prime location right next to Jangseungbaegi Station on Subway Line 7, covers a total floor area of 44,672 square meters and consists of three basement levels and ten above-ground floors. The first basement and first above-ground floors feature commercial spaces and a food court, making it the nation’s first “government-commercial complex building” where administrative and commercial functions coexist.
During construction, an agreement was signed with Korea Land & Housing Corporation (LH) to proceed with the project through a donation with compensation method, but it was later changed to a cash settlement method to complete the project. The site for the new building was secured and constructed with LH’s funds, and the payment was settled post-construction by selling the old Noryangjin office site.
The most eye-catching feature of the new building is the commercial area on the first basement and first above-ground floors. Dongjak District has created about 46 commercial units on these two floors for lease. The rent is structured as a usage fee to allow both the district office and tenants to benefit together.
To leverage the advantages of the government-commercial complex and attract many residents even on weekends, Dongjak District installed a large slide called “(tentative name) The Ride.” This facility is an interactive sculpture that can be used by both children and adults. Visitors can slide down in a spiral from the top of the 15-meter-high structure. It officially opens at 11 a.m. on September 5 and operates daily until 8 p.m. Safety personnel are stationed at all times, and there is no fee to use the slide.
During a press tour on the 3rd, Mayor Park Ilha stated, “While considering how to vitalize the commercial spaces and install a symbolic sculpture in the courtyard, we decided to install a tower-shaped sculpture that could achieve both goals simultaneously.” He added, “The star shape at the top symbolizes the development of Dongjak District and the bright future of our children.” Mayor Park also said, “If this place becomes a popular destination for residents even on weekends, it will greatly help the business of the tenant merchants and revitalize the local economy.”
An “Open Studio Dongjak” has also been established on the first basement floor of the new building. The open studio covers a total area of 38.84 square meters and is fully equipped with professional filming equipment and lighting necessary for video production, including broadcasting. Any district resident can use the facility by applying in advance.
A giant structure and slide called "(tentative name) The Ride" installed in the courtyard of the Dongjak District Office New Building. Provided by Dongjak District Office.
The district plans to introduce various programs using the open studio, such as resident-participation rentals, broadcasting academies for children, YouTube video production for residents, and content filming in collaboration with professional broadcasting stations.
Starting this month, a “24-hour daycare center” directly operated by the district office will also open in the new building. The center is available for children from six months old to those not yet in kindergarten, operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The usage time is from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. the following day, and it can be used for a minimum of three hours and up to 24 hours per visit, year-round.
This initiative was realized to provide a practical solution for safely protecting children, in response to growing social concerns about gaps in childcare following an apartment fire in Busan earlier this year.
Dongjak District will hold an opening ceremony for the new office building at 4:30 p.m. on September 5 in the main auditorium on the fourth floor. The ceremony will celebrate the 45th anniversary of the district office’s opening and the completion of the new building, and will also declare Dongjak’s new vision and symbol.
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