[Interview] Chaehyunil, Yeongdeungpo District Mayor: "Transforming Yeongdeungpo into a Cultural City through the Construction of the 'Second Sejong Center'"

Yeongdeungpo Station Area Transformed Beyond Recognition... Seoul's Only Preliminary Cultural City Designation, Construction of 2nd Sejong Culture Center, Establishment of Culture Development Center and Revitalization of Mullae Art Village... Strengthening Status as a Cultural City Through Synergy Effects

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] “So far, we have been tirelessly working based on communication and cooperation to create ‘Together with residents! A better future, an open Yeongdeungpo.’ Although the conditions are challenging due to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, we will gather the wisdom of residents to transform this area from a former industrial hub into a city where culture, arts, and tourism harmonize.”

In an interview with this publication, Cha Hyun-il, Mayor of Yeongdeungpo District, stated, “Through changes and development centered around Yeongdeungpo Station area, we will solidify the status of Yeongdeungpo as a cultural city.”

Yeongdeungpo District, located south of the Han River, has been an economic and transportation hub since Yeongdeungpo Station was established in 1899. It is a city with a history and tradition that led the Miracle on the Han River in the 1970s and 1980s. Although it had a strong image of decline due to changes in industrial structure, it has recently shown rapid change and development. In particular, the district is focusing its administrative capabilities on transforming into a cultural city. Last year, it was the only autonomous district in Seoul designated as a ‘Preliminary Cultural City.’ After carrying out preliminary projects this year and receiving recognition for the results, it is expected to be designated as a cultural city and receive 10 billion KRW in national funding over five years. Mayor Cha said, “This is a great achievement recognizing Yeongdeungpo’s history and tradition,” and added, “We will do our best until the final selection.”

Infrastructure expansion to become a cultural city is also being promoted at a rapid pace. The construction of the 2nd Sejong Cultural Center, the only large-scale performance hall in the southwestern area, is progressing smoothly. On a 12,947㎡ site at 55-6 Mullae-dong 3-ga, a large performance hall with about 2,000 seats, a small performance hall, and various cultural facilities will be built. After an international design competition at the end of this year, the goal is to complete construction by 2025. It is planned to be a new venue where performances by famous domestic and international artists will be held regularly, as well as a place for local artists to showcase their works.

The ‘Cultural Power Plant’ symbolizing Yeongdeungpo’s past and future is also under construction. The power plant project preserves the exterior of the former Dae Sun Flour Mill in Mullae-dong 3-ga 9 area, an industrial heritage site, while creating a complex cultural space including an exhibition hall. Of the 22 buildings, 18 will be remodeled to create workshops, exhibition halls, and shared offices. This is Seoul’s first private-led urban regeneration project with a budget of about 25 billion KRW. Construction began in 2019 and is expected to be completed by early 2022. It is anticipated to become a landmark by offering unique attractions such as the cylindrical silo that was used as a flour storage warehouse.

Considerable efforts are also being made to revitalize the ‘Mullae Art Village,’ a unique feature of Yeongdeungpo. Mullae Art Village emerged as artists gathered in ironworks along Gyeongin-ro. It is a place where cold iron and hot art come together, featuring distinctive sculptures and murals, attracting many young people even now. Mayor Cha said, “We will support artists’ creative activities centered on the soon-to-open Mullae Art Comprehensive Support Center, develop various tourism products, enhance artists’ self-sustainability, and make it a region visited by more residents.”

Additionally, redevelopment projects for the nearby shantytown and the sex trade district in front of Yeongdeungpo Station are steadily progressing. The shantytown, sex trade district, and street vendors along Yeongjung-ro have been called Yeongdeungpo’s ‘uncomfortable truth’ and three major long-standing issues. Mayor Cha resolved the street vendor issue on Yeongjung-ro through dialogue and compromise within about a year of taking office, without physical conflict. “Since major obstacles to the remaining projects have been removed, we will concentrate administrative efforts for prompt project implementation,” he emphasized. Mayor Cha Hyun-il said, “At Yeongdeungpo Station, the gateway to Seoul where the history of Korea’s modernization is rooted, we are rewriting the history of Yeongdeungpo’s next 100 years. Since all facilities are located close to each other, we expect synergy effects. We ask for your unwavering support and encouragement so that cultural city Yeongdeungpo can grow beyond the center of Seoul to become a representative city of Korea.”

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