"Cheongnyangni as Seoul's Fourth Downtown"... Dongdaemun-gu Mayor Choi Dongmin Unveils '10-Minute City' Vision

Future Vision Meeting Marks the First 100 Days of the Ninth Administration
Unveils “Eight Changes and 100 Promises”

Seoul’s Dongdaemun-gu district, led by Mayor Choi Dong-min, has set out to make the “10-Minute City” a key goal of its ninth popularly elected administration, giving residents access to everyday facilities within a 10-minute walk and help within 10 minutes when they need it. The district also unveiled a long-term plan to develop Cheongnyangni into “Seoul’s fourth downtown.”

Choi Dongmin, mayor of Dongdaemun District, presents the district's policy direction at the “Future Vision Sharing Meeting for the First 100 Days of the 9th Elected Administration,” held at the district office's multipurpose auditorium on the 8th. Provided by Dongdaemun District.

At 2 p.m. on October 8, the district held a future vision meeting in the multipurpose auditorium on the second floor of its office, under the theme “The First 100 Days of the Ninth Administration: A Four-Year Promise to Residents.” Mayor Choi presented the plan himself, outlining “Eight Changes and 100 Promises.” At its heart is “Dongdaemun Triple-10,” built around “Everyday Life Within 10 Minutes,” “Peace of Mind Within 10 Minutes,” and “A Decade of Major Progress.”

“Everyday Life Within 10 Minutes” means creating neighborhoods where residents can reach parks, libraries and sports facilities within a 10-minute walk. The district plans to build integrated cultural and welfare facilities in Jangan 1-dong, Jangan 2-dong and Hoegi-dong, establish cultural and sports hubs across five major areas, and set up smart healthcare centers in each neighborhood. It also plans to create a loop trail connecting Hongneung Forest, Baebongsan Mountain, Cheonjangsan Mountain and the riverside, and introduce public shuttle buses linking subway stations with local neighborhoods.

“Peace of Mind Within 10 Minutes” centers on establishing a new Loneliness Care Division and expanding an integrated care system tailored to Dongdaemun-gu. The district will proactively reach out to neighbors who may find it difficult to ask for help and provide care suited to each age group, from infants and young children to older adults. It also outlined plans for Moonlight Children’s Hospitals and late-night hospitals, “Hyodream Primary Care Doctors,” a visiting health management service, and the “Geunyanghaedream Center,” which will help with repairs such as fixing door handles and light fixtures. The district will also establish Dongdaemun Jobs Corporation and expand safe-return-home services and intelligent CCTV systems.

Cheongnyangni is at the center of the long-term vision, “A Decade of Major Progress.” Mayor Choi said he would develop it into “Seoul’s new fourth downtown,” bringing together businesses, jobs, tourism and culture. He said the district would pursue high-density, mixed-use development around Cheongnyangni Station and work with the central government and the Seoul Metropolitan Government to accelerate construction of the GTX-B and GTX-C lines, complete the Myeonmok Line early, and establish a regional transit center at Cheongnyangni Station. He also identified developing “Global K-Market,” linking nine traditional markets in the Cheongnyangni area, as a priority.

The district will also advance AI and science education for the future, support young people with employment, entrepreneurship and housing, and respond to the climate crisis. It will launch a Dongdaemun-gu-style residents’ council to broaden public participation.

“I will deliver on Dongdaemun Triple-10 over the next four years,” Mayor Choi said. “I want to be judged not by what I promised, but by what I changed.”

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