One Year of 'Sewoon Reconsideration', Ending Up as a Half-Measure Plan

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Yuri] Among the 171 redevelopment zones in the Sewoon Shopping Center area in Jongno-gu, Seoul, 152 zones will be collectively deregulated. The Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to create eight new new-industry hub spaces in the area and establish over 700 public rental stores to protect tenants who are being pushed out by redevelopment projects. Eulji Myeonok, which had been a subject of controversy over the preservation of long-established stores (Nopo, 老鋪), is expected to be demolished. Ultimately, Seoul’s recent plan is criticized as a half-measure that dilutes the original intent of 'preserving traditional urban industries' and 'protecting old shops as living heritage.'

On the 4th, Seoul announced the 'Sewoon Shopping Center Area Urban Industry Preservation and Revitalization Plan.' This is the result after one year and one month since the announcement of a 'comprehensive review' early last year. According to the plan, among the 171 redevelopment zones within the Sewoon Redevelopment Promotion District, 152 zones will have their designations lifted. These zones have passed their sunset period as five years have elapsed since the designation in March 2014 without any application for project implementation approval. The deregulated zones include ▲Sewoon Zone 2 with 35 sites ▲Sewoon Zone 3 with 2 sites ▲Sewoon Zone 5 with 9 sites ▲Sewoon Zones 6-1, 6-2, 6-3, and 6-4 with 106 sites. These will be managed through a regeneration approach based on resident consultations.

For the 11 zones in the Sewoon district where redevelopment projects are underway and the nearby Supyo redevelopment zone densely populated with tool shops, instead of the existing method of demolishing and developing the entire zone at once, a 'phased and cyclical' redevelopment approach will be introduced to facilitate smooth relocation of tenants to industrial hub spaces and other areas.

To protect existing industries and foster new industries, eight new industrial hub spaces will be created. Public rental mixed-use facilities and smart anchor facilities reflecting the characteristics of each zone?such as machinery and precision, industrial materials, and printing?will be established. The Seoul Metropolitan Government, Jung-gu District Office, Seoul Housing and Communities Corporation (SH Corporation), and Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH) will jointly utilize public land and donated land within each zone. More than 700 public rental stores will be created here, offering rents lower than the surrounding market rates to small business owners displaced by redevelopment projects. The remaining spaces will be developed as new industry support facilities such as youth startup support centers.

However, the comprehensive plan does not clearly address the preservation of long-established stores (Nopo). Eulji Myeonok in Sewoon Zone 3-2 is set for demolition as the owner does not wish to preserve its original form. Other long-established stores such as Joseonok and Yangmiok have yet to decide whether to preserve or demolish. Early last year, Seoul halted the Sewoon Redevelopment Promotion District redevelopment project under the pretext of preserving long-established stores and the tool street in the area. At that time, Seoul stated, "In future redevelopment projects, the principle will be to preserve tangible and intangible living heritage without demolition."

Ultimately, Seoul is criticized for delaying the project and causing confusion by insisting on preserving long-established stores that the owners themselves do not want to preserve. In response, Seoul said, "While the preservation of long-established stores was emphasized, an equally important aspect was the preservation of traditional industries. We held over 80 consultations with related parties to come up with this plan," and added, "Regarding other long-established stores in the area such as Joseonok and Yangmiok, we will gather opinions from owners (tenants), project implementers, and other stakeholders under the principle that demolition will not proceed against the owners’ wishes."

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