Goyang City Kicks Off "Space Innovation"...Comprehensive Urban Reconstruction for Ilsan New Town and the Original Downtown

City pushes maintenance of aging districts and infrastructure expansion... paving the way for a future-oriented city
Step-by-step implementation of Ilsan New Town reconstruction based on special maintenance plans
Systematic maintenance of aging original downtown areas in Wondang and Neungok
Revitalizing small-scale housing maintenance through "Mirae Town" projects in Haengsin and Ilsandong
Strengthened inspections of the Pung-dong 2 District Blocks 3 and 4 urban development project

Goyang Special City in Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Lee Donghwan) has launched a large-scale "urban space innovation" initiative targeting the aging Ilsan New Town and the original downtown areas such as Wondang and Neungok. The city plans to prioritize the expansion of resident-oriented infrastructure, while at the same time streamlining administrative procedures to accelerate the pace of reconstruction.

View of Ilsan New Town. Provided by Goyang City

Ilsan New Town reconstruction, betting on the "fast-track"

According to Goyang City on February 19, the city is accelerating the redevelopment of Ilsan New Town based on the "2035 Goyang City Basic Plan for Maintenance of Aging Planned Cities," which was established in June last year. In particular, with the recent legal revision that broadened the application of the fast-track (expedited decision-making procedure), the city has created a framework to shorten the existing district designation process, which used to take several years, by up to six months.

The basic plan is a comprehensive blueprint drawn up in accordance with the "Special Act on the Maintenance and Support of Aging Planned Cities" and the Basic Guidelines for the Maintenance of Aging Planned Cities. It sets out population and housing plans, appropriate urban density, infrastructure maintenance, and measures to strengthen self-sufficiency functions. The core goal is to refurbish aging residential areas and create new urban spaces that integrate housing, jobs, and culture, while preserving to the greatest extent possible Goyang City’s unique strengths, such as its pleasant urban environment and green spaces including Ilsan Lake Park.

Currently, the city is supporting a fast-track process to establish special maintenance plans for three leading districts (Baeksong, Hugok, and Gangchon) and one non-leading district. It is receiving draft special maintenance plans prepared by land and other property owners in each district and is conducting preliminary consultations with experts and relevant departments. This year, Goyang City’s total maintenance volume, including the leading districts, amounts to 24,800 households.

An official from the city stated, "We are closely reviewing the draft maintenance plans proposed by landowners through preliminary consultations involving experts and relevant departments."

A view of Wondang 1-guyeok under construction. Photo by Goyang City

Step-by-step progress in Wondang and Neungok redevelopment promotion districts

The city is systematically managing redevelopment projects in the Wondang and Neungok areas with the goal of strengthening maintenance of residential zones in the original downtown.

In Wondang District 1, where a total of 2,601 households are scheduled to be supplied, structural work and above-ground construction for some buildings are underway. In Wondang District 2, a feasibility review is being conducted following the submission of the management and disposal plan. In Wondang District 4, move-ins for 1,236 households have been completed, and the project has entered the phase of establishing infrastructure and constructing a public parking lot.

The Neungok redevelopment promotion district is also moving forward in stages. Neungok Districts 2 and 5, which will begin demolition work this year, have relocation rates of 96% and 99%, respectively, and compensation and relocation procedures are in their final stages. Neungok District 6 is preparing to apply for approval of its project implementation plan, while Neungok District 3 is in the process of obtaining consent for approval of association establishment following the approval of the association establishment promotion committee.

In addition, for aging areas where large-scale development is difficult, the city is actively pursuing designation as small-scale housing maintenance management areas (hereinafter referred to as Mirae Town). Following Haengsin-dong Mirae Town, which was designated as the first project site, Ilsandong Mirae Town was officially announced in December last year. Furthermore, for various maintenance projects to be carried out this year, including eight general maintenance project districts, 17 street housing maintenance project districts, two small-scale reconstruction and redevelopment districts, and one self-governing housing project, the city plans to strengthen administrative and institutional support.

Meanwhile, to create a pleasant urban space, the city plans to establish the "2035 Goyang City Urban and Residential Environment Maintenance Basic Plan" by May this year. This plan will include the redefinition of living zones reflecting aging buildings, as well as effective maintenance measures in line with amendments to relevant laws and regulations.

Comprehensive Basic Plan for Ilsandong Future Town. Provided by Goyang City

Steady progress in the Pung-dong 2 District Blocks 3 and 4 private urban development project

Goyang City plans to strengthen management of infrastructure construction and on-site inspections in connection with the move-in of apartment complexes under the private urban development project for Pung-dong 2 District Blocks 3 and 4.

The city launched an infrastructure task force (TF) team starting from the groundbreaking stage in June 2024, with 12 working departments participating, including roads and transportation, water supply and sewerage, rivers, and parks and green spaces. As infrastructure construction is set to be fully implemented from this year, the city plans to conduct joint inspections by the TF team on a quarterly basis. In particular, it aims to complete infrastructure works before residents move into the apartment complexes in the first half of 2027, and will make every effort to ensure citizen safety and convenience in daily life.

The Pung-dong 2 District Blocks 3 and 4 urban development project consists of two separate private development projects carried out by different developers, with a total of 44.7 billion won invested in off-site infrastructure. Once all infrastructure is in place, including the expansion of Goil-ro, the main arterial road in the Pung-dong area, from four lanes to six lanes, and the construction of a new approximately 0.5 km four-lane road connecting Eunhaengmaeul-ro and Baengma-ro, significant improvements are expected not only within the development project district but also in the surrounding transportation network.

Inspection of infrastructure for the Pungdong 2jigu urban development project, Blocks 3 and 4. Provided by Goyang City

Going forward, the city plans to maintain its infrastructure management system across all private urban development projects and to secure housing, transportation, and everyday social overhead capital (SOC) in advance, thereby delivering changes that residents can tangibly experience.

Mayor Lee Donghwan of Goyang Special City said, "When the urban structure and living zones are reorganized, it not only secures a pleasant residential environment but also enhances the city's competitiveness," adding, "We will systematically and meticulously push forward with the projects so that Goyang City can leap forward as a sustainable future-oriented city."