In the Sangdo-dong area of Dongjak-gu, aging low-rise residential buildings will be transformed into a new apartment complex featuring up to 35 stories and approximately 1,800 units. The Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to reduce disaster risks such as landslides and flooding while enhancing transportation and living infrastructure in conjunction with surrounding development projects.
On October 21, the city announced the approval of a rapid integrated planning initiative for the Sangdo-dong redevelopment project. The site covers 84,714.7 square meters and will change its zoning from a second-class general residential area (up to seven stories) to a second-class general residential area, allowing for a floor area ratio of 250% and a maximum height of 35 stories (110 meters), creating around 1,800 housing units.
The area is conveniently located near Sangdo Elementary School, Sangdo Kindergarten, parks, and markets. However, concerns have been raised about the need to improve the living environment due to steep slopes, narrow roads, and flooding risks associated with the valley-like terrain. Urban regeneration efforts have been underway since 2015, but they have faced limitations in fundamentally improving the aging residential environment.
This rapid integrated planning focuses on disaster prevention, infrastructure expansion, and coordination with surrounding development projects. Given that multiple development initiatives, including long-term rental housing and local housing cooperative projects, are being pursued in the Sangdo area, the plan aims to enhance the overall transportation and living environment.
Initially, a park will be established on the northern side of the site, creating a 'T-shaped public cluster' that connects schools, public facilities, and community spaces. Educational facilities will be placed near Sangdo Elementary School, while convenience facilities such as senior citizen centers will be located in the southern area with good access to public transportation.
A 30-meter-wide open corridor will be secured from the northern park through the north-south road to Guksabong, creating an open landscape from Sangdo Road to the foot of Guksabong and establishing a harmonious skyline with surrounding development projects.
The transportation system will also be improved. The city plans to widen Seongdaero to 17 meters with four lanes, in response to anticipated traffic demand from the development of approximately 10,000 housing units in the area, including the adjacent Sangdo 14 and 15 districts.
To mitigate flooding risks, the city will upgrade the sewer system. The site is characterized by a valley-like terrain where rainwater collects, and aging sewer pipes are buried beneath the road that runs north-south. The city plans to construct an elevated road, utilizing the upper level for vehicular traffic while creating space below for the maintenance and management of the sewer system. The road area will also be included in the residential complex's land area to enhance project viability.
Spatial design will leverage the steep terrain. By utilizing height differences, the plan will incorporate deck parking, community facilities, and outdoor spaces, connecting major facilities via pedestrian pathways.
In particular, near Sangdo Elementary School, where a landslide incident previously occurred, the plan will replace high retaining walls with community facilities designed to match the terrain's elevation, thereby reducing collapse risks.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government selected this area for rapid integrated planning in June of last year and finalized the plan after holding community meetings, briefings, and advisory sessions. The city will begin the process of drafting a maintenance plan in November and will move forward with the decision on the maintenance plan.
Kim Chang-kyu, head of the Urban Space Headquarters at the Seoul Metropolitan Government, stated, "As various development projects are underway in the Sangdo area of Dongjak-gu, we expect significant changes in the local landscape. With this rapid integrated planning, we aim to establish a safe residential environment against disasters, and we hope the area will become a community hub for residents to gather and interact."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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