Seodaemun-gu Restores Chungjeongno Railway Area as "Buffer Green Space" After Demolition of Unauthorized Buildings

Seodaemun-gu in Seoul (headed by District Mayor Lee Seongheon) announced on January 22 that it has recently restored the area around the Gyeongui-Jungang Line railway near 155-5 Chungjeongno 3-ga, which had long been illegally occupied and impaired the urban landscape, as a "buffer green space," an urban planning facility.

Seodaemun-gu restored the area around the Gyeongui-Jungang Line railway (Gyeongui Second Greenbelt, 155-5 Chungjeongno 3-ga), which had been illegally occupied for a long time and impaired the urban landscape, into a "buffer green space." The photo shows a before-and-after comparison. Provided by Seodaemun-gu.

This area, located near Chungjeongno Station, had been designated as green space adjacent to the railway under urban planning regulations. However, the development of the facility had been delayed due to two unauthorized buildings on the site.

Since obtaining project approval in 2017, the district has been promoting the buffer green space restoration project, carrying out step-by-step administrative and legal procedures such as land compensation. In 2019, compensation for the land and buildings was completed, followed by a voluntary relocation notice and an eviction lawsuit, in which the district secured a favorable ruling.

Despite continued illegal occupation even after these steps, the district proceeded with all administrative procedures in accordance with the law and, after completing the demolition of the unauthorized buildings last month, finished the creation of the buffer green space. This project is regarded as an example of proactive administration, as it normalized the development of an urban planning facility that had been delayed for a long time due to illegal occupation and non-compliance with court rulings.

The 457-square-meter buffer green space, created this time, was designed primarily to serve as a visual barrier, given its location adjacent to the railway. Tall trees such as Chinese fringe trees were planted to enhance upper-level screening, while shrubs like spindle trees and azaleas were added below to help reduce noise and dust. Four-season roses and hydrangeas were also planted to add seasonal variety to the landscape.

Additionally, in consultation with Korea Railroad Corporation, a mesh-type fence was installed on top of the retaining wall, and a pyracantha hedge was created along the roadside, further enhancing safety around the railway tracks.

Lee Seongheon, Mayor of Seodaemun-gu, stated, "This project has resulted in expanding green space in the city center, restoring the function of urban planning facilities, and improving the urban environment. We will continue to restore public value through ongoing management of idle land and other areas."