Seochang Emotional Observatory to Open Next Month: First Achievement of the Y Project
Gwangju Songjeong Station Investment Leading District Confirmed: Large-Scale Convergence Complex Begins in Earnest
Gwangju Station?Hyochun Station Belt: Synergy of Startups, Transportation, Culture, and Urban Regeneration
The "Five New Vitality Belts" project, a key initiative of Gwangju City under the 8th popularly elected administration, is yielding visible results and energizing efforts to make Gwangju a "fun city." The Y Project, spearheaded by Mayor Kang Gijung, aims to create a future-oriented city by integrating urban regeneration, startup support, and cultural content around five major hubs, including the region's main rivers and gateway stations.
On September 22, Gwangju City announced that major projects are gaining momentum, including the opening of the Seochang Emotional Observatory on October 1, the successful investment review of the Gwangju Songjeong Station KTX Investment Leading District, the opening of the Bitgoeul Startup Stage at Gwangju Station, and the urban regeneration New Deal project entering its final stage.
The flagship project, the Seochang Emotional Observatory, was established in the area of the old Seochang Port along the Yeongsan River. Over the past two years, the observatory, deck trail, and Nanumnuri Forest (Noeulmaru) have been renovated and will officially open on October 1. This marks the first achievement of the Y Project.
The city is also accelerating the creation of spaces that blend culture and ecology. Gwangju Stream is being transformed into an ecological healing space that connects public transportation, bicycles, and pedestrian pathways. In front of Gwangju Park, a variety of cultural events centered on the Cheongchun Bit Pocha Square are adding vibrancy to the city.
The previously stalled "Gwangju Songjeong Station KTX Investment Leading District Development" project entered full-scale progress after passing the investment review by Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH) at the end of August. The plan is to invest a total of 594.3 billion won in a large-scale convergence complex covering approximately 558,000 square meters around Songjeong Station in Gwangsan-gu, encompassing residential, industrial, research, and business functions.
In addition, the expansion of Songjeong Station, which overcame difficulties in selecting a contractor, is now nearing the contract stage, further strengthening its status as a key transportation hub in the Honam region.
The city is also focusing on fostering future industries. With an investment of 35 billion won, the Bitgoeul Startup Stage was established near Gwangju Station, covering a total floor area of 8,950 square meters. Since its opening in June, it has become a hub for the startup ecosystem, with 30 companies and investment institutions moving in.
At the Hyochun Station Digital Content Belt, the GCC Academy is nurturing talent in immersive content fields such as games and animation. Since the start of the 8th administration, 17 content companies have been attracted, leading to the hiring of more than 220 local young people and contributing to youth job creation.
The Songam Industrial Complex Urban Regeneration Innovation District, selected by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport in 2023, is also expected to become a new engine for revitalizing the local economy by establishing a mobility convergence hub center and an immersive content theme park.
Lee Seungkyu, head of the New Vitality Promotion Headquarters, stated, "The Five New Vitality Belts are a core strategy to achieve both urban regeneration and revitalization of the local economy. By creating synergies that combine transportation, startups, culture, and urban regeneration, we will deliver changes that citizens can truly feel and swiftly pursue our goal of reaching 30 million annual city users."
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