Seoul Apartment Districts Become History... 'Amsa and Myeongil Districts' Reborn as Future-Oriented Residential Areas [Real Estate AtoZ]

Approval of Revised District Unit Plan
Transition to a Pedestrian- and Green-Oriented Living Environment
Completion of Apartment District Conversion Projects

The Amsa and Myeongil Apartment Districts, which were established in the 1970s and 1980s for the construction of large-scale apartment complexes, will be reborn as future-oriented residential areas equipped with green spaces and convenient living facilities. With this, the conversion of all 14 apartment districts in Seoul designated before the 1990s into district unit planning zones has been completed.

On November 27, Seoul City announced that the 19th Urban and Architecture Joint Committee had approved with revisions the “Amsa and Myeongil Apartment District Unit Plan,” which converts the Amsa and Myeongil Apartment Districts into district unit planning zones.

Location map of Amsa and Myeongil Apartment Districts. Provided by Seoul City

Since the 1970s, the city has been gradually converting the district unit plans of 14 apartment districts designated between the 1970s and 1980s in order to improve the outdated urban management systems. Thirteen districts have already completed this transition.

With this decision, the targeted areas are expected to be transformed into future-oriented residential complexes equipped with living service facilities. The city plans to create a green axis by integrating scattered parks and to secure public pedestrian pathways that connect the complexes with their surroundings, aiming to establish an open urban space centered on mixed-use living zones. In addition, core facilities will be relocated and a living service system tailored to local characteristics will be expanded.

In addition, the area around Samik Green 2nd Apartment in Myeongil-dong, Gangdong-gu, which is undergoing redevelopment, will be designated as a special planning zone. The city will apply a base floor area ratio of up to 230% and a maximum floor area ratio of up to 300%, and will encourage a medium- and low-rise skyline to harmonize with the surrounding area. On major streets, sections for street activation purposes will be designated to strengthen commercial and community functions on the lower floors. Pedestrian accessibility will also be enhanced by linking public walkways with the green axis.

After an additional public notice for residents, the city plans to finalize and officially announce the district unit plan for the Amsa and Myeongil Districts in January next year.

Choi Jinseok, Director of Housing at Seoul City, stated, “With this plan, we have established an integrated urban management system that can flexibly respond to changes in urban and social conditions in the area and harmonize with surrounding neighborhoods. We expect this will lay the foundation for creating a future residential environment that reflects local characteristics.”