Yoon Young-han, Songpa District Council Member, "Improvement of Pungnap-dong Underground Passage and Need for Artistic Overpass"

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] On the 10th, Yoon Young-han, Chair of the Administrative and Health Committee of the Songpa District Council, emphasized the need to improve the underground passage in Pungnap-dong and to construct an artistic-style pedestrian overpass during his 5-minute speech at the Songpa District Council.

Chairman Yoon stated, "The underground passage connecting the rear gates of Geukdong Apartments near the southern intersection of Olympic Bridge and Jamsil Olympic Park I-Park Apartments is mainly used as a school route by students of Pungseong Elementary School, Pungseong Middle School, and Pungnap Middle School," adding, "I propose to completely remodel this space to utilize it as a historical space by exhibiting photos depicting the history of Hanseong Baekje and the past and present of Pungnap Fortress, as well as photos of artifacts and relics excavated in Pungnap-dong, along with the excavation and restoration process and the future vision of Pungnap-dong."

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The Improvement of the Pungnap-dong Underground Passage and the Construction of an Artistic-Style Pedestrian Overpass Are Necessary

Chairperson Lee Sung-ja, senior fellow council members, and members of the press! Hello.

I am Yoon Young-han, Chair of the Administrative and Health Committee, originally from Pungnap 1 and 2-dong, and Jamsil 4 and 6-dong.

In the midst of signs of a resurgence of COVID-19, I sincerely thank Mayor Park Sung-soo of Songpa District Office and the related public officials for their efforts in thoroughly implementing quarantine measures, including the prompt disclosure of confirmed patients’ movement paths and immediate notification of confirmed cases from other districts moving within our district.

As the 8th council’s first half term ends with this 277th regular session, I feel a sense of regret and anew realize how swiftly time passes.

Today, I will speak about the need to transform the Pungnap-dong underground passage into a historical exhibition space and the necessity of constructing an artistic-style pedestrian overpass symbolizing Pungnap-dong that reflects the historical significance of Pungnap Fortress.

First, the underground passage connecting the rear gates of Geukdong Apartments near the southern intersection of Olympic Bridge and Jamsil Olympic Park I-Park Apartments is mainly used as a school route by students of Pungseong Elementary School, Pungseong Middle School, and Pungnap Middle School.

As you can see, this space feels neglected. I propose a full remodeling to exhibit photos depicting the history of Hanseong Baekje and the past and present of Pungnap Fortress, as well as photos of artifacts and relics excavated in Pungnap-dong, along with the excavation and restoration process and the future vision of Pungnap-dong, thereby utilizing it as a historical space.

By displaying materials related to Pungnap Fortress in the underground passage, it will provide visual interest for students commuting to and from school and residents, while enhancing their understanding of historical and cultural values and sparking interest in historical awareness.

Furthermore, by using it as an educational venue for Baekje history, it will raise historical pride in Pungnap Fortress and is a project expected to have great effect at low cost.

Moving on to the second topic,

there is a need to construct a pedestrian overpass connecting the southern end of Olympic Bridge, specifically from the direction of Pungnap Comprehensive Social Welfare Center, to the opposite side where Pungseong Elementary School and two other schools, Songpa Tax Office, Jamsil Tax Office, and Asan Hospital?the largest general hospital in the country?are located.

Although there are crosswalks and an underground passage near the southern intersection of Olympic Bridge, their locations result in low usage by residents living inside the fortress area in densely populated apartment complexes, and the distance is inconvenient.

Therefore, a connecting passage between these two points is necessary. The arch-shaped, circular, and smart pedestrian overpasses you see now are artistic installations that go beyond simple pedestrian crossings.

With aesthetic forms considering the fortress landscape, these overpasses would be symbolic of Pungnap Fortress and the overpass itself, creating a pedestrian route that everyone would want to visit and walk on at least once. This is the right time to establish such a symbolic overpass along with the fortress trail.

Moreover, big data shows that many visitors to Asan Hospital search for restaurants and attractions in Pungnap-dong. If the overpass allows easy access to Pungnap Fortress, it will greatly help revitalize the local commercial district.

Therefore, constructing a historically symbolic overpass representing Pungnap Fortress will significantly contribute to promoting the value of Pungnap Fortress, which stretches 3.7 km, including the park to be developed on the site of the Sampyo factory.

Respected Mayor Park Sung-soo has been praised for his firm efforts to promote change and development in Pungnap-dong, which had been excluded from urban regeneration projects due to being part of the Gangnam 3 districts, by working with Seoul City to have it selected as an urban regeneration project site.

Recently, remodeling work began for the new Pungnap 2-dong community center, the park creation started in the moat area of the solar housing site, and the Creative Village is being expanded into resident convenience facilities such as a municipal library, with feasibility studies underway, raising great expectations among residents for change.

Additionally, I urge you to expedite the relocation of Sampyo Industrial, implement measures for partner company workers, and promptly complete the construction of the Seoseong Wall relic protection pavilion to create a resident-friendly space.

Now, I conclude my remarks with the hope that storytelling marketing utilizing the historical resources of Pungnap Fortress will become a theme, firmly establishing Pungnap-dong as a genuine historical and cultural village. Thank you.

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