Connecting Community and University: Seoul Finalizes Expedited Redevelopment Plan for 1,800-Unit Residential Complex Near University of Seoul

Conversion from One-Way to Two-Way Streets
Road Widening and Infrastructure Improvements
Efficient Reallocation of National and Public Land
Expansion of Essential Local Infrastructure

On September 2, the City of Seoul announced that it has finalized the expedited integrated plan for the redevelopment of the area surrounding 152-65 Jeonnong-dong, Dongdaemun-gu. The city will improve the current one-way road system, effectively reallocate national and public land—previously railroad housing sites and distributed throughout the area—and expand essential urban infrastructure such as roads and parks. Through a plan that connects the site to the University of Seoul and surrounding neighborhoods and considers the unique characteristics of the college district, the city aims to establish a residential complex of up to 35 stories and approximately 1,800 households.

Bird's-eye view of the redevelopment area at 152-65 Jeonnong-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul. Seoul City

The project area is adjacent to major arterial roads such as Jeonnong-ro, Mangwoo-ro, and Wangsan-ro, and borders the University of Seoul to the east. This is a region in need of improved residential conditions, as 70.2% of its buildings are over 30 years old and have significantly deteriorated.

In particular, although Jeonnong-ro and Mangwoo-ro are close to major roads, there is a lack of direct access for vehicles entering and exiting the redevelopment site. Moreover, local roads, which are 3 to 6 meters wide, are mostly operated as one-way streets, making passage difficult for both vehicles and pedestrians. The southeastern section is hilly, with an elevation difference of up to about 22 meters, requiring a tailored redevelopment plan that reflects the area's unique conditions.

The City of Seoul took these circumstances into account and established the current plan with the goal of creating an open residential area that links the community and the university. The main components of the plan include: ▲Improving the primarily one-way road system to a two-way structure; ▲Expanding infrastructure through the reallocation of national and public land; ▲Forming decked platforms that seamlessly blend the hilly terrain with the surrounding area; ▲Planning customized residential and external spaces that reflect college district characteristics; and ▲Shaping an open landscape and harmonious skyline leading from Jegiro toward the redevelopment site.

First, by converting the current one-way road network into a two-way system, access to and from the site and connections to surrounding transportation will be reinforced. A new signalized intersection will be added to Jeonnong-ro, connecting with Jeonnong-ro 34-gil, to allow for left-turn access, while acceleration/deceleration lanes and bus bays will be installed on Jeonnong-ro to minimize the impact of vehicle entry and bus stops. Jeonnong-ro 34-gil and Jeonnong-ro 38-gil will be widened to allow two-way traffic, and a new 12-meter-wide bypass road will be created on the eastern side.

Portions of Jeonnong-ro 34-gil will be designed as multi-level roads to enhance the usability of underground parking for apartment residents while preserving the function of the roads and ensuring efficient land use. Both sides of all roads in the project will feature sidewalks that separate pedestrians from vehicles, and pedestrian spaces will be created in conjunction with adjacent open spaces. Sillim-daero 29-gil will be converted into a pedestrian-only street to enhance walking safety while maintaining existing traffic flows.

Redevelopment Location Map of 152-65 Jeonnong-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul. Seoul City

The redevelopment zone, which includes the former Cheongnyangni Station railroad housing area, consists of 25.7% (approximately 18,658 square meters) national and public land. This land will be efficiently reallocated to ensure provision of key infrastructure such as roads, parks, and parking lots. Open spaces and parks for pedestrian rest will be established along Jeonnong-ro and Jegiro, connecting to the project site, while a park for low-rise residential areas and local residents will be placed on the north side.

As said section of Jeonnong-ro is expected to see increased pedestrian demand due to changes such as new bus stops and the planned opening of the Myeonmok Line, a park will be created along Jeonnong-ro to offer rest areas for pedestrians, connecting major walkways. Underneath the north-side park, a public parking lot is planned to meet the parking needs of nearby low-rise residences.

The plan also takes into account the hilly terrain with elevation differences of up to about 22 meters and the streetscape characteristics of the surrounding area to create living spaces that connect smoothly to the local environment. Decked platforms will be formed at levels aligning with the existing topography and surrounding road heights, with stairs, elevators, and ramps to enhance internal walkability. Community facilities for residents will be built beneath these decks to maximize space utilization.

Tailored plans will be implemented to reflect the college district's proximity to the University of Seoul and to address various housing demands. Integration-type unit layouts supporting student housing needs will be introduced, allowing parts of the housing interiors to be separated for each household. Additionally, localized neighborhood service facilities and community amenities will be planned based on the area's commercial characteristics and the needs of students and local residents.

Neighborhood service facilities will be installed along Jeonnong-ro, a section with heavy bus and pedestrian traffic, in order to promote the vibrancy of the street. Additional neighborhood and community facilities will be created along the boundary adjacent to the University of Seoul to serve both students and local residents.

An open landscape will be secured from Jegiro to the redevelopment zone, and harmonious skyline design will be reflected to suit the characteristics of surrounding low-rise residences and the University of Seoul. Open zones within the site will be provided to extend the sense of openness from Jeonnong-ro's parks through to the inner precincts, while landmark towers of up to 35 stories will be located along Wangsan-ro and by the railway.

Finally, incentives tailored to local conditions will be applied to accelerate project implementation. For example, adjusting zoning to a Category 3 General Residential Area and applying a business feasibility adjustment coefficient (1.87), will improve development conditions. As a result, the residential complex is planned to accommodate around 1,800 households.

Kim Changkyu, Director General of Urban Space at the City of Seoul, stated, "This area is not only in need of improved residential conditions due to its narrow roads and hilly terrain, but also because it is adjacent to the University of Seoul and low-rise residential neighborhoods, so our plan took these connections into consideration. We will actively support the creation of an open residential district where the daily lives of university students and local residents are seamlessly connected."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.