Promotion of 'Alleyway Regeneration Project' in Seonggyungwan-ro Area, Jongno-gu

Seoul City Selected for '2021 Alleyway Regeneration Project' Final Competition, Phased Implementation Until 2024... Efforts to Create Historical Tradition Streets, Renovate Alleys, and Improve Pedestrian Environment

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Jongno-gu (Mayor Kim Young-jong) has been selected for the Seoul Metropolitan Government's '2021 Alleyway Regeneration Project' competition, securing a budget of 1 billion KRW to carry out phased projects over the next three years in the Seonggyungwan-ro 5-gil area.

The target area is home to traditional cultural assets such as Changgyeonggung Palace and Munmyo Shrine, and has a large population of university students. Additionally, no new buildings have been constructed in the past five years, with 65% of buildings being over 20 years old (including those of unknown construction year), and 81% of water and sewage pipes also over 20 years old, highlighting the ongoing need for residential environment improvements.

Accordingly, the district planned the 'Seonggyungwan-ro Alleyway Regeneration Project,' focusing on emphasizing the long history and tradition of the Seonggyungwan area, enhancing resident convenience, and creating a safe and pleasant living environment.

After establishing the competition plan in July this year, a T/F team was formed in the same month, collaborating with Sungkyunkwan University to build a cooperative system and complete on-site investigations of the target area. In August, the project proposal reflecting the business concept was submitted to Seoul City, and on September 17, the project was successfully selected.

From October, the project will actively proceed with ▲ creating a historical and traditional street ▲ alleyway maintenance ▲ pedestrian environment improvement.

The path used by kings and crown princes during the Joseon Dynasty when visiting Munmyo will be refurbished to preserve its historical value. To address issues revealed through in-depth resident interviews such as illegal dumping and crime vulnerability, old fences will be removed and media art installations will be introduced. Traditional cultural design security lights reflecting the regional characteristics of Seonggyungwan-ro and IoT smart recycling stations will also be installed concurrently.

Furthermore, the project plans to enhance effectiveness by linking with next year's undergrounding project, which will organize the public cables and utility poles cluttering the fortress wall paths around Munmyo.

Mayor Kim Young-jong stated, “Being selected for the competition allows us to actively promote the alleyway regeneration project utilizing various traditional cultural assets and infrastructure in Jongno. We will focus on improving residents' convenience and safety by implementing a project that fully considers the historical significance of Seonggyungwan-ro and the characteristics of the university district, rather than simple environmental maintenance.” He emphasized, “Throughout the entire project process, we will faithfully incorporate residents' opinions who have deep affection and understanding of the area.”

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