Underground Integration of Gyeongbu, Yeongdong, and Honam Express Bus Terminals
Above-Ground Complex to Feature Work, Retail, Accommodation, Culture, and Residential Functions
"Future Mobility Platform," "Global New Growth Hub," and "Green Cultu
Opened in 1975, the Seoul Express Bus Terminal will be reborn as a multi-purpose complex incorporating work, retail, accommodation, and residential functions. The terminal itself will be relocated underground, while above ground, a mixed-use residential and commercial building up to 60 stories high will be constructed.
On November 26, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that the Seoul Express Bus Terminal site in Seocho-gu (146,260.4 square meters) has been selected as a target for preliminary negotiations. The city chose the site after evaluating the appropriateness of a large-scale mixed-use development proposal for the Seoul Express Bus Terminal site submitted by private sector operators such as Shinsegae Central and Seoul Express Bus Terminal. Going forward, the city will discuss the project with public officials, private sector representatives, and experts during the preliminary negotiation process. The final development plan will be confirmed after the private sector submits a proposal for changes to the urban management plan and applies for construction permits.
The preliminary negotiation system allows private developers wishing to develop sites larger than 5,000 square meters to propose their development plans to the city, after which the public and private sectors coordinate the feasibility of the urban plan and public contribution measures. The Seoul Express Bus Terminal became a major transportation hub in the 1970s with the opening of the Gyeongbu Expressway. It is a key station area served by subway lines 3, 7, and 9, offering excellent access to both downtown and the airport. In the 2000s, the Central City mixed-use development transformed the area into a center for work, consumption, and culture.
However, after nearly 50 years, the buildings have become outdated, and the large parking areas, which occupy more than half of the site, have led to pedestrian disconnection. In addition, the entry and exit of express buses has caused ongoing traffic congestion, air pollution, and noise issues. The development plan proposed by private operators such as Shinsegae Central includes integrating and modernizing the Gyeongbu, Yeongdong, and Honam express bus terminals underground to address these problems.
The above-ground area will be developed as a global future convergence exchange hub through a three-dimensional mixed-use complex that combines work, retail, accommodation, culture, and residential spaces. Plans include establishing a 'future mobility platform,' building a 'global new growth hub' to foster global companies and future innovation industries, and creating a 'green cultural hub.' The tallest building is expected to exceed 60 stories above ground. In addition, private operators will use public contributions to construct new underground express bus lanes, thereby reducing surface-level express bus traffic. They will also improve the transportation system by building underground connecting roads in the surrounding area and develop pedestrian infrastructure such as a multi-level pedestrian bridge linked to the nearby Han River.
To ensure the public interest of the development plan, the city will review transportation improvement measures and facilities needed in the area, and further elaborate on strategies for balanced regional development.
Lim Changsu, Director of Future Space Planning at the Seoul Metropolitan Government, stated, "The three-dimensional mixed-use development of the Seoul Express Bus Terminal will go beyond simple reconstruction and serve as a turning point in Seoul's urban spatial paradigm by efficiently utilizing limited downtown space. It is expected to become a global core hub connecting the International Exchange Complex, Gangnam Business District (GBD), Yeouido Business District (YBD), and Yongsan International Business District."
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