The Nation's First Residential-Commercial Complex 'Jwawon Sangga', 34-Story Reconstruction Begins

▲Location map of Jawon Shopping Center, Seodaemun-gu (Provided by Seoul City)

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyemin] The reconstruction of 'Jwawon Sangga' in Namgajwa-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, the country's first residential-commercial complex apartment, has been set in motion.

On the 16th, the Seoul Metropolitan Government held the 2nd Urban Redevelopment Committee meeting and conditionally approved the amendment to the Gajaeul Redevelopment Promotion Plan, it announced on the 17th.

The amendment designates the site of Jwawon Sangga, located within the Gajaeul Redevelopment Promotion District (Gajaeul New Town), as the Gajaeul 9 Redevelopment Promotion Zone to implement the redevelopment project.

Built in 1966, Jwawon Sangga holds the title of the oldest residential-commercial complex apartment in South Korea. It was completed one year earlier than Sewoon Sangga Apartment and was built before Nakwon Sangga (1969). It is a four-story building with 74 commercial units on the 1st and 2nd floors and 150 residential units on the 3rd and 4th floors.

Over time, Jwawon Sangga has deteriorated and aged, receiving an E grade in a detailed safety inspection by Seodaemun-gu last year, indicating immediate relocation was necessary. Accordingly, in December last year, it was also selected as part of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's 'Urban Regeneration New Deal Project.'

With the approval of this amendment to the redevelopment promotion plan, the reconstruction of Jwawon Sangga is expected to accelerate. If construction begins as planned in September next year and completes in 2025, Jwawon Sangga will be transformed into a building up to 34 stories tall. A total of 239 households, including 73 rental housing units, and 70 officetel units will be built as residential spaces, along with commercial spaces including public rental shops.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government stated, "We plan to support stable resettlement by providing relocation loans to commercial tenants, allowing the use of temporary shops during the construction period, and enabling re-occupancy in public rental shops after completion." They added, "With this decision, we expect to protect residents' lives and property and revitalize the local community."

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