After 12 Years, Public Parking Lot and Library Open in Landlocked Old Downtown Jongno

Completion of 'Changsin Sodam Public Parking Lot and Complex Facility'
Mayor Jung Moonhun: "Actively Seeking Usable Sites"

On the afternoon of October 30, the sound of a pungmul troupe's kkwaenggwari (small gong) filled Changsin 2-dong in Jongno District, Seoul, as a lively neighborhood celebration took place. Jongno District held a completion ceremony for the 'Changsin Sodam Public Parking Lot and Complex Facility' at 641 Changsin-dong on this day, resolving the area's long-standing parking shortage and lack of cultural spaces.

Panoramic view of Changsin Sodam Public Parking Lot and Complex Facility where the completion ceremony is held. Courtesy of Jongno-gu.

This facility, which broke ground in October 2018 and was completed after seven years, consists of five underground and three above-ground floors, with a total floor area of 7,921 square meters. It offers 176 parking spaces, a public library, and a youth cultural center built in the style of a traditional hanok. The total project cost was 42.3 billion won.

The plan to build a public parking lot and complex facility in this area began 12 years ago. Securing the budget and completing the basic and detailed design took considerable time. The construction itself took seven years due to the steep, rocky terrain and the dense surrounding residential area. However, thanks to the persistence of public officials and the district mayor, the project was finally completed.

At the completion ceremony, Jung Moonhun, Mayor of Jongno District, said, "Changsin 2-dong has faced significant difficulties due to the lack of parking spaces, and as an old city center, it was also extremely challenging to secure land for facilities and spaces for our youth. I am pleased that residents will now have more convenience and that there are more spaces for young people to be active."

A notable feature of the newly completed facility is that one floor has been dedicated as a parking lot exclusively for two-wheeled vehicles. Changsin 2-dong is close to Dongdaemun Market and has a thriving fashion and sewing industry. The narrow alleys mean there is heavy motorcycle traffic. Reflecting these local characteristics, the district created a dedicated parking lot for 43 motorcycles.

The first floor above ground houses a gymnasium and a public library, both scheduled to open in December this year. The youth cultural center on the second and third floors includes a coin karaoke room, dance practice room, band room, and a hanok experience space. Operated by Seoul YMCA, the center will support youth activities.

Including this facility, the district has been actively working to alleviate downtown parking shortages by adding a total of 458 parking spaces over two years: Samcheong No. 1 Public Parking Lot (178 spaces) opened in May this year, Okindong Public Parking Lot (90 spaces) is scheduled for completion next month, and Sinyeongdong Public Parking Lot (14 spaces) is set to open in the first half of next year.

The Samcheong No. 1 Public Parking Lot has significantly eased parking shortages in the Bukchon and Samcheong-dong areas. The Okindong Public Parking Lot and sports facility, which includes a screen park golf course and multipurpose rooms, is expected to contribute to improving residents' health and leisure activities. The Sinyeongdong Public Parking Lot will operate both parking and community facilities, aiming to resolve parking difficulties and daily inconveniences in the area's narrow alleyways.

Mayor Jung stated, "We will continue to actively identify and utilize available sites and underground spaces throughout Jongno to bring about changes that make residents' daily lives more convenient and fulfilling."

Jung Moonhun, Mayor of Jongno District, is giving a greeting speech at the completion ceremony of Changsin Sodam Public Parking Lot and Complex Facility. Provided by Jongno District.

Meanwhile, a resident satisfaction survey on major policies implemented by the district over the past three years of the 8th popularly elected administration showed that safety and welfare initiatives, such as road heating systems, Jongno emergency bells, and senior care vehicles, received over 80% positive feedback. Overall satisfaction with district operations rose sharply to 61.5%. Building on these achievements, the district plans to focus on developing underdeveloped areas, expanding transportation infrastructure, and increasing parking spaces.