Seoul seeks new leap forward with Han River development plans

• Published date: 09 March 2023
• Publication title: The Korea Times

The Seoul Metropolitan Government has set its sights on innovating the capital's infrastructure along the Han River in a bid to strengthen the image and global appeal of the metropolis, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon announced Thursday.

Under the Great Hangang (Han River) project, the city government will increase the convenience features and attractiveness of the capital, while attempting to protect the natural ecology around the river to let residents and tourists enjoy the waterfront.

The Great Hangang project is an upgraded version of the Hangang Renaissance project pursued by Oh when he was mayor back in 2007.

The Hangang Renaissance project was mainly aimed at modernizing outdated and decrepit facilities, while restoring nature and ecological systems.

"Seoul industrialized so quickly and this resulted in a lack of green spaces and cultural and leisure facilities for people," Oh, who was elected again in 2021, said during a media briefing. "While the Hangang Renaissance project focused only on the main stream of the river, the Great Hangang will change Han River's tributaries and nearby areas as well."

The mayor announced 55 specific tasks to be pursued for under the Great Hangang project.

To make the most use of the river, the city government will relax urban planning regulations.

Seoul city will minimize height limits and other regulations for Yongsan Dreamhub ? a large international complex of offices, malls, hotels and apartments on a 560,000-square-meter lot in the Yongsan District ? and other key areas near Han River. These areas also include Yeouido ? Seoul's main financial district.

The Jamsil Sports Complex, also known as the Seoul Sports Complex, in Songpa District will be transformed into a hub for global meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions tourism (MICE). To that end, the city government plans to finalize negotiations with a builder and have construction begin by the end of next year.

The city government will also renovate residential areas to create diversified skylines along the river and connect apartment complexes to the...