Oh Se-hoon Visits Gwangwoon University Station Site: "Core of Gangbuk's Renaissance, Model Case for Public Contribution"

Transforming Outdated Logistics Sites into a Future-Oriented Mixed-Use Hub
Relocating HDC Hyundai Development Company Headquarters to Create a Jobs and Business Center

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon visited the construction site of the Gwangwoon University Station area complex development project and announced plans to transform Gangbuk into a new economic hub. This site is recognized as a model case for the pre-negotiation system introduced by Seoul City, contributing approximately 290 billion won in public benefits from development profits.

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon is inspecting the construction site of the logistics area at Gwangwoon University Station on the afternoon of the 12th. Photo by Seoul City

During his visit to the construction site, Mayor Oh stated, "This is the most exemplary case of eliminating preferential treatment controversies through public contributions and revitalizing development projects by upgrading zoning districts, thereby incorporating essential community infrastructure that will contribute to local development." He added, "With the integration of Seoul Digital Bio City and the Gwangwoon University logistics land project, key projects marking the resurgence of Gangbuk will gradually come into view."

The project site was previously an area divided by outdated facilities that generated dust and noise, as well as logistics infrastructure that separated the east and west regions. The city completed pre-negotiations with the project operator, HDC Hyundai Development Company, in 2022, and finalized the district unit plan in 2023. HDC Hyundai Development Company began construction of the mixed-use site in November 2024, with completion scheduled for 2028. The development will include commercial and office facilities, 3,032 apartment units, public dormitories, and community social overhead capital (SOC).

Once the complex is established, the Wolgye-dong area, previously isolated from its surroundings, is expected to be reborn as a future-oriented mixed-use hub and a new residential and economic center for the northeastern region. HDC Hyundai Development Company is also pursuing relocation of its headquarters to the area. As companies move into the northeastern region, which was previously considered a bedroom community, this is projected to further stimulate the local economy.

Perspective view of the Gwangwoon University Station area complex development project. Seoul Metropolitan Government

Currently, the underground framework construction for the mixed-use residential site is underway, while earthwork is in progress on the commercial and office site, which began construction in September of last year and will house the HDC Hyundai Development Company headquarters and other facilities.

The development plan for this site was finalized through the 'pre-negotiation' process. This system, first introduced by Seoul City in 2009 and later institutionalized nationwide, enables public and private stakeholders to negotiate and establish development plans for large-scale sites, with a portion of the resulting profits contributed to the public. The intent is to prevent controversies over preferential treatment from zoning upgrades and to return development profits to residents through public contributions.

The 286.4 billion won in public contributions will be invested in roads and infrastructure improvements to reconnect the previously divided east and west regions, as well as facilities for local residents. It will also be used to create community SOC such as libraries and sports centers, and to establish public dormitories reflecting the area's concentration of universities, thereby supporting stable housing for young people. In addition, a public-private partnership regional management system will be established to continue revitalizing the area even after the project is completed.

Mayor Oh stated, "We will develop Gangbuk into a new growth hub and usher in a new era of prosperity for the region."