Incheon Songdo Waterfront Phases 1-2 Construction Begins... Scheduled for Completion in 2027

Construction of phases 1 and 2 of the waterfront connecting the retention ponds and waterways in Incheon Songdo International City in a 'ㅁ' shape has begun.

On the 22nd, the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Songdo Waterfront phases 1 and 2 project at the 'Art Center Incheon.' The phases 1 and 2 project, scheduled for completion in 2027, will invest a total of 225.2 billion KRW to build a 1.03 km-long northern connecting waterway linking Lake 6 District and Aam Lake, along with pedestrian and vehicular bridges, sluice gates, waterfront roads, and water-friendly spaces.

The Songdo Waterfront, aimed at improving water quality, ensuring flood safety, and creating water-friendly spaces, is a project that will connect Songdo’s retention ponds and waterways in a 'ㅁ' shape over four phases by 2027, with a total length of 21.17 km and a width ranging from 40 to 500 meters, investing 621.5 billion KRW. The project also includes the installation of bridges and marina facilities.

On the 22nd, the groundbreaking ceremony for the Songdo Waterfront Phase 1-2 construction project is being held at the 'Art Center Incheon.' February 22, 2024.
Photo by Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority

Phase 1-1 construction was completed in June 2022, and phase 1-3, related to the creation of water-friendly spaces in the Songdo 11-1 District retention pond, is currently in the detailed design stage, with construction expected to begin next year after selecting a contractor.

Meanwhile, phase 2, which has been simultaneously advancing development plan changes including the basic reclamation plan and basic design since May last year, will begin construction next year after completing the basic design through a technology proposal contest to incorporate innovative waterfront content.

Once the waterfront is fully developed, 2.4 million tons of seawater will flow daily through the waterways, circulating to maintain water quality equivalent to grade 2 to 3, similar to the waters off Incheon. Additionally, it will secure about 10 million tons of freshwater capacity to withstand 100-year frequency rainfall events, enhancing disaster prevention capabilities.

The Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority is also conducting a feasibility study to activate phase 1 of the waterfront. They are exploring ways to create a landmark waterfront, utilize waterfront spaces, and introduce water leisure and vessel operation facilities to develop a water-friendly cultural tourism city befitting the status of an international city.

At the groundbreaking ceremony, Hwang Hyo-jin, Deputy Mayor for Global City Affairs of Incheon, said, "The waterfront project is expected to enhance the value of Songdo’s sea, contribute to the creation of a marine ecological city, attract tourists, revitalize the local economy, and elevate the dignity and value of Songdo as a global city."

Perspective view of Songdo Waterfront Phases 1-2 [Provided by Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority]

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