Seoul Gangbuk-gu 4.19 Intersection Area Developed as a 'Historical and Cultural Specialty Street'

42 Billion Won Invested by June Next Year to Enhance Modern History and Natural Environment of Bukhansan
Samyang-ro 139-gil Area to See Sidewalk Expansion and Rest Area Creation for Improved Pedestrian Environment

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on the 1st that it will revitalize the aging and characterless area around the 4.19 Intersection in Gangbuk-gu (the entrance intersection to the National 4.19 Democratic Cemetery) into a 'historical and cultural specialized street' that preserves historical significance and place identity while being pedestrian-friendly. A total of 4.2 billion KRW will be invested, with completion targeted for June next year.

This project goes beyond physically improving the narrow and inconvenient pedestrian environment, focusing on embodying the identity of the area as a sacred site of modern and contemporary history, from the independence movement to the democratization movement. Accessibility to nearby trails such as the Bukhansan Dullegil and pilgrimage routes will also be enhanced, aiming to make the street itself a historical, cultural, and tourist attraction.

The two target areas for the specialized street development are the 1.4 km stretch of 4.19-ro from the 4.19 Intersection to the Academy House, and the 1.4 km section around Samyang-ro 139-gil, including from 4.19 Democratic Cemetery Station to the entrance of the 4.19 Democratic Cemetery, Samyang-ro 139-gil 2 to Solbat Park, and Solbat Park to Samyang-ro 487.

First, along 4.19-ro, various symbolic facilities and rest areas that highlight the nearby modern and contemporary historical and cultural landmarks will be expanded, along with convenience facilities for local residents and visitors. Considering experiential connections in each section, the street will be developed with three themes: ▲ Modern and contemporary history and culture street ▲ Democracy and participation street ▲ Coexistence cultural and arts street. Seoul plans to develop 4.19-ro as a picnic path where people can enjoy nature, history, and local eateries simultaneously, contributing to the revitalization of the surrounding commercial districts.

At the entrances to the Bukhansan Dullegil and pilgrimage routes, a circular ground pattern symbolizing the birth of democratization will be created, and information facilities introducing the history of the independence movement and the April 19 Revolution will be installed. Constellation lighting representing the patriots will be installed on the sidewalk in front of the Modern History Memorial Hall, and a resting area will be created at the entrance to the tomb of independence activist Mr. Yu Rim.

The area around Samyang-ro 139-gil focuses on improving the inconvenient and deteriorated pedestrian environment. The existing sidewalks, which were 2.2 to 4.6 meters wide, will be expanded to 3.2 to 7.1 meters, and through planter plantings and replacement of tree protection plates, the street will be transformed into a lively and walkable area.

Seoul plans to start and carry out construction simultaneously at the two sites to minimize the construction period. Additionally, as traffic congestion and pedestrian inconvenience are expected during the construction period, the city has requested active cooperation from citizens by using public transportation and alternative routes.

Seo Nowon, Director of the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s Regional Development Headquarters, said, “We hope that the specialized street around the 4.19 Intersection will become a historical and cultural tourism hub where all citizens can rest, walk, and feel the breath of history, and tourists will also enjoy visiting. In particular, through this construction, we will take the lead in creating a safer and more pleasant pedestrian environment to revitalize the local economy, including the commercial districts in this area.”

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