[Interview] Park Gang-su, Mayor of Mapo-gu, "Sangam DMC Landmark Redevelopment for Regional Development"

Neglected for nearly 19 years, becoming a headache... Through Mapo-gu's perseverance (Yujigyeongseong, 有志竟成) to resume the project

Expectations to leap forward as a global digital and media industry hub through the creation of the Sangam DMC Landmark

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] “Effort and sweat never lie. From the beginning of my term, I selected the Sangam DMC Landmark as a pledge project of the 8th local government and have continuously worked to resume the project swiftly.”

Park Gang-su, Mayor of Mapo-gu, said this in an interview.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that it will unveil a supply plan for the DMC Landmark site worth 4 trillion won in March and select a preferred negotiation partner in July to begin concrete project implementation. Regarding this, Mayor Park said, “The Seoul city’s plan to resume the DMC Landmark project, a long-cherished wish of the residents for regional development, is very welcome,” adding, “It is the result of the fierce efforts and sweat of the district and residents to promote regional development and resolve residents’ long-standing demands.” He continued, “Since the initial land supply announcement, the site has been neglected for nearly 19 years, damaging the surrounding residential environment, and the project drifted for 11 years, remaining a long-standing wish of the residents of Sangam-dong and Mapo-gu,” and added, “With the project resuming, DMC is expected to once again become the hub of Seoul’s media industry and the economic center of the northwest region, which was its original goal.”

The district judged that the prolonged lack of development of a cutting-edge industrial site suitable for the 4th Industrial Revolution era is not only a loss for the northwest area of Seoul but also a missed opportunity to enhance the competitiveness of South Korea.

Therefore, to ensure the prompt revitalization of the local economy and improvement of the surrounding environment, the district has meticulously checked and monitored the project progress every month. It has also continuously requested related Seoul city departments for swift project advancement, including confirming development plans, maintaining steady consultations. Mayor Park said, “As soon as I took office, I strongly expressed the district mayor’s will and residents’ wishes by requesting Seoul city to expedite the Sangam DMC Landmark project,” showing his enthusiasm for the city’s plan to resume the project.

Going forward, the district plans to actively cooperate with Seoul city’s landmark development promotion plan.

Once a developer is selected through land sale, the district plans to promptly and actively support administrative procedures such as urban management plan changes and building permits. Mayor Park Gang-su said, “Sangam DMC, a cluster of advanced IT and media industries, is a core area of the 4th Industrial Revolution where culture and science technology converge to create dazzling and rich attractions. The landmark represents the centrality and symbolism of DMC,” adding, “Mapo-gu will do its best to ensure that the Sangam DMC Landmark project is promptly promoted through organic cooperation with Seoul city so that the residents’ long-cherished wishes can be fulfilled as soon as possible.”

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