Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon held a press briefing at City Hall today (9th) and announced the 'Great Han River Project Promotion Plan'.
This plan is the 2007.2 version of Mayor Oh Se-hoon's 0 "Han River Renaissance" project.
The city explained that while inheriting the philosophy of "recovery and creation" advocated by the aid project, it focused on making up for deficiencies and creating new opportunities in light of social changes.
Through this, the goal is to enhance the convenience and attractiveness of the Han River, improve the quality of life of citizens, and strengthen Seoul's urban competitiveness.
The city promotes 55 projects with the vision of "a greater Han River together."
First of all, we will relax urban planning regulations to utilize the Han River.
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We will apply 'Urban Innovation Zones' to key bases along the Han River, such as the Yongsan International Business District, and minimize regulations such as use zones and height restrictions.
Urban innovation zones do not restrict the use of cities and buildings beyond the existing urban planning system, and the floor area ratio and building to land ratio can be freely determined by the city.
The city also actively supports large-scale urban planning facilities along the Han River for mixed use.
Jamsil Stadium will be made into a global MICE hub centered on future strategic industries such as K-content and new industry exhibitions.
The goal is to conclude negotiations with private operators by the end of this year and start construction by the end of next year.
The Yeouido financial center raises the use area, provides floor area ratio incentives, and relaxes height regulations.
In residential areas along the Han River, specialized designs are applied to create a rhythmic landscape.
About 76% of the Han River is residential, and about 90 complexes are eligible for reconstruction in the future.
The city plans to lift the height restriction of 35 stories or less for residential buildings in the city and also abolish the height limit of 15 stories for apartments along the Han River (Judong) to create a diverse skyline.
It will also connect the apartment complex with the Han River by pedestrian traffic, and encourage the construction of mixed-use facilities on the lower floors of the complex.
In order to strengthen access to the Han River, private development projects along the Han River are licensed in principle to install three-dimensional pedestrian bridges along the Han River.
Large-scale cultural facilities are also located along the Han River.
In Yeouido Park, there will be the 2nd Sejong Cultural Center, and in front of the Yeouido Demonstration Apartment, there will be the Seoul Culture Courtyard.
The 2nd Sejong Cultural Center was originally planned to be located in Munnae-dong, but it was changed to Yeouido due to accessibility considerations.
The city creates a marina, a kind of port facility, as a base for water activities in each region.
First of all, the Seoul Water Sports Center near Nanji Han River Park, which is scheduled to be completed this year, and the existing Yeoui Pier will be used as a marina.
In 2025, construction of Jamsil and Ichon Marina will begin.
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There are plans to connect the Han River with UAM (Urban Air Traffic) and gondolas.
The goal is to prepare a promotion strategy for Han River tourism products using UAM by the end of this year, undergo operational tests next year, and commercialize them in 2025.
Gondolas are under consideration for installation at major bases and tourist spots that require public transportation connections between Gangnam and North Korea.
In addition to the Sangam-dong Ferris wheel "Seoul Ring," which unveiled plans yesterday, the city will create viewing spots throughout the Han River.
Starting with the establishment of the 'Han River Night Scenery Guidelines and Master Plan', we will discover special spots for night scenery and improve the landscape lighting of the Han River Bridge.
We will also create a natural camping site and a water playground that can be used in all seasons.
Starting with Jamsil next year, Gwangnaru, Jamwon, and Mangwon swimming pools will be converted into natural wading pools in turn.
We also make water trails.
By 2026, the bridge will be transformed into a space for water walks, small performances, and movie viewing.
Seonyudo, Nodeul Island, and Seoul Forest also have pedestrian bridges.
The city has also significantly expanded cultural and artistic events and festivals, using the entire Han River as an outdoor exhibition space, and supporting classical and small-scale street performances to take place throughout the Han River.
In order to promote the Han River as a sports mecca, amateur competitions are held for each sport and international sports competitions such as international swimming competitions and triathlon are held.
In addition, seven interchanges will be built or expanded by 10 so that anyone in the hinterland of the Han River can walk to Hangang Park within 2030 minutes.
The Amsa Green Road connecting the prehistoric site of Amsa-dong in Gangdong-gu and the Han River will also be completed within the year.
In addition, in order to protect the ecology of the Han River, the Gangseo Wetland Ecological Park will be additionally designated as an ecological landscape conservation area, and forests and gardens will be steadily increased.
The existing Saetgang Ecological Experience Center will be remodeled.
In accordance with the 7th term of the Civil Election, "Walking with the Weak," the city will promote the "Universal Design" pilot project so that the elderly can use the Han River without any inconvenience.
We plan to develop a universal design model unique to the Han River and apply it to all projects on the Han River from next year onwards.
(Photo = Courtesy of Seoul City, Yonhap News)