Seoul City is advancing with plans to redevelop the Sanggye, Junggye, and Junggye 2 land development districts in accordance with the “Gangbuk Renovation” blueprint, which is set to accelerate the reconstruction projects in the Gangbuk region.
Seoul City announced on the 11th that it had approved the revised proposal for the redevelopment of the district unit plan area for the Sanggye (Phase 1 and 2), Junggye, and Junggye 2 land development districts during the 15th Urban and Architectural Joint Committee meeting. This redevelopment plan reflects changes in the spatial conditions in the northeastern region, such as the development of the Changdong Vehicle Base, as well as socio-economic changes.
If the reconstruction proceeds, the Sanggye, Junggye, and Junggye 2 districts, currently comprising 76,000 households, will be transformed into a central city in the northeast region with 103,000 households. This area was developed as part of the 1980s “200 Million Housing Units Supply” policy, and with 30 to 40 years having passed since its creation, there is an increasing demand for new housing due to the aging of the complexes and changes in population structure.
Seoul City started the redevelopment project in April 2023, holding 19 expert advisory meetings, 14 resident briefings, and consultations with relevant departments, resulting in this plan.
Seoul City plans to promote “complex redevelopment” through upgrading the purpose districts, focusing on high-density development that integrates jobs, housing, and culture by directly connecting to subway exits and encouraging street activation.
Additionally, a walking and green network will be established connecting Jungnangcheon Stream and Surak and Bulam Mountains, while small parks within the complexes will be repositioned to improve accessibility. Four major regional corridors will be designated along the arterial roads, and three district corridors will be set along public pedestrian pathways to secure open views.
The city will also implement a lifestyle and culture-centric urban realization. Life service facilities like key centers, sports facilities, and open community facilities will be placed every 500 meters along with public pedestrian pathways, and a circular neighborhood mobility environment considerate of transportation-vulnerable people will be established in 15–20 meter public pedestrian pathways.
Furthermore, specialized designs will be applied to create a landscape that harmonizes with Jungnangcheon Stream, setting building heights at 150 meters for the third general residential area and 180 meters for the complex redevelopment zone. The plan is to cohesively form the northeastern landscape in connection with the development of the Changdong Vehicle Base.
Seoul City aims to complete the final decision on the district unit plan within 2025 after another public viewing notice potentially as early as November.
Cho Nam-joon, head of the Urban Space Headquarters of Seoul City, said, “With the master plan for the Sanggye, Junggye, and Junggye 2 districts of Nowon-gu, we can now quickly promote the redevelopment projects,” adding, “We will enhance the quality of the residential environment and create child-friendly complexes to make it a city where people can give birth and live comfortably.”