Kim Donguk, Dobong District Mayor: "Seoul Arena Is Dobong's Future"... Calls for Designation of Three Special Zones

by Kim Minjin

Published 03 Nov.2026 08:25(KST)

Also urged swift special grant support for Chang-dong and Sanggye

Kim Donguk, mayor of Dobong District in Seoul, urged ministers visiting Seoul Arena, which is scheduled to open next year, to designate three special zones in the area and provide special grants quickly.

Dobong-gu Mayor Kim Donguk, National Assembly member Oh Gihyeong, and Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Hwiyeong (from left) listen to an explanation during a visit to inspect the Seoul Arena construction site on the 28th of last month. Provided by Dobong-gu.

Dobong District said on November 3 that on October 28 it had inspected the construction site of Seoul Arena in Chang-dong with Choi Hwiyeong, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and Kim Seonghwan, Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment. Assembly members Kim Jaeseop (Dobong A) and Oh Gihyeong (Dobong B), as well as city and district council members, also attended.

At the site, Mayor Kim requested the designation of three special zones—a promotion district, a tourism zone, and a regional special zone—to revitalize the area around Seoul Arena. He also called for the swift provision of special grant funding for Chang-dong and Sanggye, which Dobong District and Nowon District have jointly requested.

“The Seoul Arena project is the future of Dobong and an opportunity for the district to transform itself,” Mayor Kim said. “We will work with people from all walks of life to ensure the successful opening of Seoul Arena and drive the development of Dobong.”

The visit included a briefing on the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s progress and a tour of the construction site. A city official said, “Construction is proceeding smoothly and on schedule.”

Minister Choi expressed hope that Seoul Arena would address the shortage of K-pop performance venues in Seoul. He also proposed using the Jungnangcheon Stream waterways for festivals throughout Seoul held in conjunction with FANOMENON, a K-culture festival scheduled to take place at Seoul Arena in December next year.