The business district of Seongbuk-dong-gil in Seoul’s Seongbuk-gu has been finally selected in the ‘2025 Local Brand Business District Fostering Project’ organized by the Seoul Metropolitan Government. With this selection, the Seoul Metropolitan Government and Seongbuk-gu are planning to invest a total budget of 1 billion KRW to establish Seongbukdong-gil as a representative local brand business district where history, culture, and art coexist.
Seongbukdong-gil is an area centered on history, culture, and art in Seongbuk-dong, Seongbuk-gu, known as an “open-air museum” due to its rich history. It is home to traces of modern and contemporary culture and art, such as the Simujang of Han Yong-un, the Suyeonsanbang of Lee Tae-jun, and Kim Whanki’s Suhhyangsanbang, and the Gansong Art Museum. In addition, unique local shops, galleries, and cafes blend to make it a charming street business district.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to capitalize on the cultural characteristics of Seongbukdong-gil to brand it, build content and infrastructure to attract visitors. To this end, support measures including branding and promotional strengthening of the business district, specialized content development and local event operation, and expansion of participation by residents and merchants have been prepared. Furthermore, by utilizing key bases within the business district, a “local network” will be established to create a sustainable growth foundation and operate specialized programs in conjunction with cultural and artistic spaces.
The ‘Local Brand Business District Fostering Project’ promoted by the Seoul Metropolitan Government aims to establish a sustainable business district model reflecting the individuality and characteristics of the region. Seongbuk-gu plans to spare no comprehensive support to make Seongbukdong-gil a “business district where one wants to stay.”
Seung-ro Lee, Mayor of Seongbuk-gu, said, “Through this selection, we will actively support Seongbukdong-gil in becoming a local brand business district representing Seoul,” adding, “We will create a sustainable business district model where merchants and residents grow together, contributing to regional economic revitalization.”
This project is drawing attention to see if the Seongbukdong-gil business district can rise as a landmark where culture and art are vibrant, beyond being mere consumer spaces.