Seoul City to Establish New Living SOC in 11 Aging Low-Rise Residential Areas

Up to 2 Billion KRW Support per Project... Low-Rise Residential Area Living SOC Supply Project

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyemin] On the 23rd, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that it will establish customized, community-oriented social infrastructure in 11 aging low-rise residential areas, including Namgajwa-dong in Seodaemun-gu, by 2025.

The "Low-Rise Residential Area Living SOC (Social Overhead Capital) Supply Project" is a project to create social infrastructure such as small libraries, small-scale parking lots, and parks within a 10-minute walking distance for residents of aging low-rise residential areas. It began in 2019 as part of a regional balanced development initiative to provide necessary community facilities in neighborhoods.

The 11 newly selected project sites this year were chosen mainly among aging low-rise residential areas that particularly lack resident convenience facilities or where synergy can be created through linkage with the "Street Housing Maintenance Project," which renovates small-scale old houses. Up to 2 billion KRW of city funds will be supported per project over the next 20 to 30 years.

Through this, a two-story "Inwangsan Neighborhood Park Resident Complex Cultural Space" featuring a small library and ecological programs will be established within Inwangsan Neighborhood Park in the area of 27-324 Okindong, Jongno-gu, where libraries are insufficient. In the area of 152-83 Namgajwa-dong, Seodaemun-gu, where parking is lacking, parking lots will be expanded, and shared kitchens and cultural centers will be created for use by merchants and residents who use the nearby Moraenae Market.

Naebalsan-dong, Gangseo-gu, where many street housing maintenance projects are underway, will be transformed into the "Naebalsan Complex Welfare Center," combining a senior citizens' center with educational and play spaces for the elderly. Additionally, Baekje Site Neighborhood Park will be established in Namhyeon-dong, Gwanak-gu, where resting places for residents were insufficient, and a multipurpose cultural facility called the Uii Art Center (tentative name) will be built in Ui-dong, Gangbuk-gu.

Previously, Seoul started a pilot project targeting 13 sites in 2019 and has completed two sites so far. With the addition of the 11 newly selected sites by 2025, a total of 24 locations will see an expansion of the previously insufficient living SOC.

Jang Yang-gyu, Director of the Housing Regeneration Division of Seoul City, said, "With the active participation of autonomous districts, we have selected new projects this year," adding, "We will continue to provide various convenience facilities for residents so that those living in aging low-rise residential areas can enjoy a comfortable and convenient life."

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