Urban Regeneration on the West Side of Gyeongbokgung Palace Kicks Off... Resident Proposal Projects Accepted Until September 4

You can apply with a topic that can solve the issues of the five villages: Nuha, Ok-in, Chebu, Tongin, and Pilun... Submit the project application and other documents to the Gyeongbokgung West Side Urban Regeneration Support Center by September 4.

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Jongno-gu (Mayor Kim Young-jong) will accept applications for the 'Urban Regeneration Resident Public Contest Project' from August 31 to September 4, targeting Gyeongbokgung West Side (Sangchon), which was selected as a 'Seoul-type Urban Regeneration Activation Area' in November last year.

The Gyeongbokgung West Side (Sangchon) area is a Hanok village where the old form of the Joseon Dynasty urban organization formed along the water system is well preserved, and it has the largest number of residential Hanoks in Seoul.

It is also the birthplace of King Sejong the Great and possesses abundant historical and cultural assets such as Hangeul, excellent architectural heritage (Chebudong Seonggyeol Church, Hong Jong-mun House, Lee Sang's House, etc.), and future heritage.

In the 2010s, this area saw the emergence of new historical and cultural hubs such as Suseongdong Valley at the foot of Inwangsan Mountain, Park Nosu Art Museum, Sangchonjae, Yun Dong-ju Literature Museum, Cheongun Literature Library, and Tongin Market, but rapid commercialization has deteriorated the residential environment.

Accordingly, the district office is promoting various urban regeneration projects in cooperation with Seoul City to improve residents' living conditions and preserve the appearance of the historic downtown residential area.

This resident public contest project is also part of this effort, and applications are open for any content that can solve problems in the five villages within the Gyeongbokgung West Side area: Nuhah, Ok-in, Chebu, Tongin, and Pilun.

Eligibility includes residents, local inhabitants, and organizations within the Gyeongbokgung West Side Urban Regeneration Activation Zone. Example themes include 'historical culture,' 'village survey,' 'alley gardens,' 'resource circulation,' 'welfare education,' and 'pedestrian environment.'

The support amount ranges from 1 million KRW to a maximum of 5 million KRW and will be decided later through a fair process including consulting and evaluation.

To apply, download the form from the 'Gyeongbokgung West Side Urban Regeneration Support Center' blog, fill it out, and submit it by visiting the center (45 Pilundaero) in person, by mail, or by email.

Additionally, the district office operates a 'pre-consulting' service for residents wishing to participate until September 4 to provide guidance on the contest project and assistance with writing the application and plan.

Consulting is available up to twice, and participants in the resident public contest must receive at least one session.

Jongno-gu plans to promote urban regeneration projects centered on residents to restore the region and community through this contest and to discover various local communities.

For more details, refer to the 'Gyeongbokgung West Side Urban Regeneration Support Center' blog or contact by phone. The center operates from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and is closed on weekends and public holidays.

Mayor Kim Young-jong said, “The Gyeongbokgung West Side area is adjacent to Gyeongbokgung Palace and has abundant historical and cultural assets such as Hangeul and Hanok, and many residents have lived here for decades without leaving. We plan to wisely preserve and utilize the assets the area holds while carrying out various related projects that allow residents to continue living here. We hope many people will take interest in this contest project, which will lay the foundation for sustainable urban regeneration and strengthen local self-reliance.”

Jongno-gu is recruiting participants for the 'Gyeongbokgung West Side Urban Regeneration Preliminary Resident Council' to solve local problems and build resident consensus. Eligible participants include residents within the project area and those who, even if not residing there, have a living interest in the area due to work or study. Main activities include discovering resident groups and subcommittee activities, and participating in resident capacity-building education programs. For related inquiries, contact the Urban Regeneration Support Center.

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