Seoul City Publishes Booklet on Urban Regeneration Stories Including Seongsu-dong

[Asia Economy Reporter Onyu Lim] The Seoul Metropolitan Government has completed projects in eight areas, including Changsin and Sungin-dong in Dongdaemun-gu, the country's first urban regeneration districts, and published a booklet containing vivid on-site stories.

On the 12th, Seoul announced the publication of eight volumes of 'Re-Seoul: Urban Regeneration to Read Together.' These volumes cover stories from eight areas: the leading urban regeneration districts of Changsin and Sungin-dong in Jongno-gu, Garibong-dong in Guro-gu, Haebangchon in Yongsan-gu, and the pilot urban regeneration districts of Jangwi-dong in Seongbuk-gu, Sangdo-dong in Dongjak-gu, Seongsu-dong in Seongdong-gu, Amsa-dong in Gangdong-gu, and Sinchon-dong in Seodaemun-gu.

These eight areas were selected in 2014 and 2015 when urban regeneration projects began, serving as both testing grounds and stages for development. Through 'win-win agreements' and 'rent freeze agreements' to prevent gentrification (tenant displacement), these areas have created environments where young entrepreneurs and artists can work freely. Additionally, residents became active agents in solving local issues by founding 'Community Regeneration Corporations (CRC),' striving to create sustainable and progressive momentum for urban regeneration.

A Seoul city official stated, "We recorded both the successes and shortcomings of the eight areas, where projects have already been completed or are scheduled to be completed this year, without omission in the booklet," adding, "The progress of regeneration projects by area is described from the perspectives of residents, community activists, and regeneration centers who participated on-site."

The booklet includes the emergence and formation process of resident communities, changes in residents' awareness and lives during the establishment of urban regeneration activation plans, key issues and negotiation processes in the early stages of the projects. It also vividly captures the difficulties, frustrations, overcoming challenges, and joys experienced in the urban regeneration field.

Kang Maeng-hoon, Director of Urban Regeneration at Seoul City, emphasized, "Urban regeneration projects should not be judged solely by short-term and physical achievements," adding, "Value should be placed on the direction in which cities gradually change by preserving their unique local values through residents' efforts." He continued, "Through the booklet published this time, residents themselves can confirm urban regeneration as true grassroots democracy, where they take the lead in transforming their living areas into historical and community-oriented cities."

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