Gangdong District Launches Urban Brand 'Gangdong Hero(Ro)' to Revitalize Seongnae and Cheonho Areas

Promoting Change in Seongnae-dong and Cheonho-dong Commercial Areas
Enhancing Street Landscapes and Revitalizing Festivals

Gangdong District in Seoul (District Mayor Lee Soohee) announced on November 28 that it is revitalizing the old downtown area by establishing an integrated urban brand, 'Gangdong Hero(Ro)', and reorganizing the Seongnae-dong and Cheonho-dong areas into more attractive streets for visitors to linger.

Gangdong Hero Guide Sign. Provided by Gangdong District.

With the opening of the extended Subway Line 8, the floating population has increased along the approximately 500-meter stretch from the old Cheonho Road to the Kang Full Cartoon Street (Seonganbyeol-gil). Adjacent commercial areas such as Cheonho-dong Rodeo Street, Jjukkumi Alley, and Seongnae Traditional Market have been unified under a single brand, transforming them into 'a street to listen, a street to stay, and a street full of life.'

The name 'Gangdong Hero(Ro)' combines 'Hear,' 'Here,' 'Hero,' and the Chinese character '路(Road),' symbolizing a path that listens to the voices of the community, creates spaces where people stay, and protects the old downtown area.

The most notable change is the improvement of the street landscape. Building facades and nighttime lighting have been introduced in the Seonganbyeol-gil and Kang Full Cartoon Street areas, while Cheonho-dong Rodeo Street has seen the refurbishment of leftover spaces, enhancement of back alleys, and relocation of smoking zones to attract younger visitors. The installation of branded guide signs has unified the routes and image of the old downtown.

The local character 'RoRo' has been used in promotional materials and festivals to boost spatial recognition. In September, participatory events such as the 'Young Ground Festival,' 'Gangdong Hero Day,' and the Seongnae Traditional Market's 'Seongnae Night Out' program increased visitor dwell time and invigorated local businesses.

Lee Soohee, Mayor of Gangdong District, stated, "Through Gangdong Hero(Ro), we are expressing Gangdong District's commitment to transforming the old downtown from a place people simply pass by into a destination where they want to stay longer." She added, "We will continue to pursue various initiatives to unlock the region's potential and establish the old downtown as a competitive space for daily life and culture."

Back alley (Cheonho-dong Rodeo Street) branded with Gangdong Hero. Provided by Gangdong-gu.