Changwon Special City, Major Urban Space Overhaul for the Next 50 Years ... Innovation Toward a Smart City

Changwon Special Mayor Hong Nampyo, "Major Transformation of Changwon City Urban Space
... Full-Scale Promotion of 'Future-Oriented Business District'"

Changwon Special City in Gyeongnam is embarking on a major urban space restructuring project to prepare for the next 50 years of the city's future.

After completing the reorganization of the district unit plans for the hinterland cities and semi-industrial areas last year, Changwon is now actively promoting the reorganization of the business district's spatial structure this year. The city plans to develop the Changwon National Industrial Complex and its hinterland cities into future-oriented smart cities. As a result, Changwon's competitiveness is expected to be significantly enhanced.

Hong Nampyo, Mayor of Changwon Special City, is explaining the district unit plan for the semi-industrial area.

◆ Completion of Hinterland City District Unit Plan Reorganization

In January, Changwon Special City reorganized the district unit plan for the hinterland cities, laying the groundwork to overcome the limitations of urban space. The main goals of this reorganization are to realize a ‘residential environment with proximity to workplaces,’ create a ‘future-type super high-rise mixed-use space,’ and contribute to the ‘spatial reorganization of the Changwon National Industrial Complex.’ Accordingly, the plan covers 19 districts (13 residential, 5 commercial, 1 semi-industrial) across Uichang-gu and Seongsan-gu, spanning an area of 11.39 million square meters.

The key aspect involves upgrading the first-class exclusive residential areas to first-class general residential areas. This change allows commercial facilities such as retail stores, cafes, and offices to move in, thereby improving the residential environment. Additionally, tourist accommodation facilities will be permitted around Changwon National University, and relaxation of floor area ratio regulations has become possible through public contributions and additional parking space 확보.

◆ Major Overhaul of Semi-Industrial Area along Changwon-daero

At the end of last year, Changwon announced a comprehensive reorganization plan for the semi-industrial area along Changwon-daero. The target area for reorganization is a 6.3 km section (covering 575,778 square meters) along Changwon-daero, stretching from Yongwon Intersection to Seongju Square Intersection, out of the total 13.8 km length of Changwon-daero. Notably, the Korea Industrial Complex Corporation Gyeongnam Regional Headquarters site (San-dan-gong site) is located at the intersection of Changwon-daero and Jungang-daero and will be developed into an innovative business and startup space featuring super high-rise mixed-use buildings and sky gardens.

The semi-industrial area, including the San-dan-gong site, will be utilized for various purposes tailored to the demands of the digital and cultural industries. In particular, Changwon plans to transform this area into an innovative space where industry and culture converge. To this end, the city will allow combined development of front and rear parcels along Changwon-daero and provide incentives such as relaxation of floor area ratio and building height regulations.

Expected Development Plan of the Central Commercial Area.

◆ Reorganization of Business District Spatial Structure

This year, Changwon will actively promote the reorganization of the business district's spatial structure. The section connecting the Gyeongnam Provincial Government Office and the Korea Industrial Complex Corporation Gyeongnam Regional Headquarters, which is a representative central road of Changwon, has faced issues such as parking shortages and downtown hollowing. In response, Changwon plans to reorganize the spatial structure of the business district to eliminate factors hindering urban growth and transform it into a flexible space aligned with the trends of compact urbanization and global urbanization.

This reorganization is a core project for Changwon's growth and development, and it is expected that Changwon will be able to realize a more efficient and innovative urban space in the future. Through this, the city aims to maximize the synergy between the Changwon National Industrial Complex and the hinterland cities and leap forward as a future-oriented city.

Hong Nampyo, Mayor of Changwon Special City, emphasized, “Through a paradigm shift in urban space, we will boldly abolish unnecessary regulations and lay the foundation to ensure Changwon’s sustainable growth. This major reorganization will develop Changwon into an innovative and competitive city.”

Meanwhile, Changwon Special City's urban space restructuring is expected to be an important turning point that goes beyond simple spatial reorganization, laying the foundation for Changwon’s sustainable growth.

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