Jongno-gu Changsin and Sungin Areas Dress Signboards in Hangul

Completion of the 2020 Changsin·Sungin Beautiful Signboard Street Project: Transformation of 425 Signboards... Illegal and Old Signboards Converted to Hangul-Centered LED Signboards Suitable for Jongno, the Cultural Hub

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Jongno-gu (District Mayor Kim Young-jong) completed the 'Changsin-Sungin Beautiful Signboard Street Project' (hereinafter referred to as the Signboard Improvement Project), which has been underway since February last year, in February this year, transforming a total of 425 signboards within one year, drawing attention.

This project involves the systematic overhaul of illegal and old signboards while simultaneously upgrading them to eco-friendly LED signboards featuring beautiful Hangul-centered designs.

It aims to reflect the excellence of Hangul on local signboards in line with the reputation of Jongno as the true center of Korean (Han) culture, creating a safe and pleasant street landscape.

Additionally, to promote a proper outdoor advertising culture and contribute to revitalizing local commercial districts, the district has been steadily implementing signboard improvements across various areas since 2008.

Unlike previous years where about 100 signboards were improved annually, this project transformed as many as 425 signboards, making the before-and-after effects more distinctly noticeable.

The target sections cover a total of 2.6 km and 488 businesses along Changsin-gil (from Dongdaemun Exit 1 to Naksan Children's Park) and Jibong-ro (from Dongmyo Station to Dongmangbong Tunnel).

Before the project, the areas around Changsin-gil and Jibong-ro were filled with old, large, multicolored signboards scattered irregularly. In particular, the Changsin-gil section had narrow roads with indiscriminately installed old large signboards, making maintenance urgent for pedestrian safety.

Accordingly, Jongno-gu conducted one-on-one consultations to provide unique and high-quality designs that fully consider the characteristics of the area and individual businesses, seeking advice from a chief design planner based on the opinions of business owners.

Following this, the signboard designs were finalized through the outdoor advertising review process, and improvement costs were supported up to a maximum of 3 million KRW.

Moreover, considering the many old buildings in the area, the project not only replaced signboards but also carried out facade improvement work such as repainting old buildings, cleaning, and wiring organization, thereby enhancing the project's completeness.

Resident Park, who has operated a laundry with his family in Changsin-dong for a long time, said, “The existing signboard was old and worn out, and since it was a protruding signboard, it was dangerous. I wanted to change it for a long time, but the situation was difficult. Thanks to this project, the store feels newly reborn. Especially, the LED lighting brightened the previously dark alley at night, making the entire street feel fresher.”

Jongno-gu will accept applications for the '2021 Beautiful Signboard Street Project' from March 15 to 31.

Applications should be submitted through the local community center under the name of the chairman of the residents' council. Eligible areas include regions with a concentration of small-scale livelihood signboards, major tourist center zones or busy roads with high foot traffic, and single buildings with clusters of 10 or more businesses.

The district plans to select final target areas by comprehensively reviewing the degree of signboard aging, project effectiveness, the presence of inappropriate businesses, and post-management plans.

For more detailed information regarding this year's signboard improvement project application, please contact the Urban Design Division, Advertising Management Team.

District Mayor Kim Young-jong stated, “Through this signboard improvement project, buildings covered with old and poor-quality signboards have regained their appearance, and urban aesthetics have improved. We will continue to steadily carry out Hangul-centered LED signboard improvement projects befitting Jongno's dignity to enhance residents' convenience and invigorate the community.”

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