Mayor Kim Donggeun: "Songsan Region Emerging as a New Growth Axis Integrating Economy, Infrastructure, and Welfare"

Vision for Songsan Region as a Future Growth Hub:
Economy, Infrastructure, and Welfare in Harmony
Complex Cultural Convergence Complex, Yonghyeon Industrial Complex, and LH Northern Gyeonggi Headquarters
Driving Uijeongbu's Leap Toward a Corporate City
Public Housing District Development and Minlak Tollgate Bypass Road
Easing Traffic Congestion and Improving Living Environment

Uijeongbu City in Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Kim Donggeun) visited the Gosan-dong Complex Cultural Convergence Complex site on September 3 and presented a vision to develop the Songsan region as a future growth hub where the economy, infrastructure, and welfare are harmoniously integrated.

Kim Donggeun, mayor of Uijeongbu City, visited the Complex Cultural Convergence Complex site on the 3rd and held a meeting with residents. Provided by Uijeongbu City

This site visit was organized to mark the third anniversary of the 8th popularly elected administration, review key achievements in each district, and seek new growth drivers for Uijeongbu through the establishment of an integrated living zone encompassing Minlak, Gosan, and Yonghyeon. Local residents participated in the visit, sharing the development achievements and exchanging diverse opinions on the future direction of the region's development.

◆ Complex Cultural Convergence Complex, Yonghyeon Industrial Complex, LH... Completing the Economic Growth Axis of the Songsan Region

The economic growth axis of the Songsan region has gained momentum with the establishment of the Complex Cultural Convergence Complex, Yonghyeon Industrial Complex, and the relocation of the Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH) Northern Gyeonggi Regional Headquarters, which are driving Uijeongbu's transformation into a corporate city.

In March of this year, the city completed the construction of the "Complex Cultural Convergence Complex Urban Development Project" on a 650,000-square-meter site in the Sanggok-dong 396 area, laying the foundation for a future-oriented complex space that integrates culture, tourism, shopping, and residential functions.

The complex includes residential land for approximately 1,800 households and supporting infrastructure. "E-Mart Traders" is scheduled to open in the second half of 2026. In addition, the "Immersive Digital Media Center (I-DMC)"-with participation from YG, Naver, and Nexon-is also planned for the site, raising expectations for the region to become the cultural and economic hub of northern Gyeonggi Province.

Furthermore, the development of the nearby "Legal Town Public Housing District" (4,037 households), the planned opening of the GTX-C Line (Deokjeong~Suwon), and the opening in January of the Sejong-Pocheon Expressway (Guri-Anseong section) are all contributing to the strengthening of the complex’s strategic location. There is also growing anticipation for the utilization plan of the Camp Stanley site, which is scheduled to be returned by the US military.

Perspective view of the complex cultural convergence complex. Provided by Uijeongbu City

Additionally, Yonghyeon Industrial Complex, the only industrial complex in Uijeongbu, has been reborn as "Yonghyeon Inno City Valley." The relaxation of cultural heritage height restrictions, which had previously hindered development, has significantly improved conditions for corporate investment, and the city is accelerating efforts to enhance the competitiveness of the industrial complex.

Improvements to the residential environment are being made in parallel, including the introduction of commuter buses, expansion of parking lots, replacement of LED streetlights, and the creation of cultural spaces for workers. The city is nurturing the industrial complex as a future-oriented industrial hub where people and technology coexist.

Notably, in April of this year, Cg Medtech, a leading medical device company, began construction of a new factory, injecting new vitality into the local industrial ecosystem. Having moved into the complex in its early days in 2000, this company has continued technological innovation and is recognized as a representative local enterprise. The new factory is expected to contribute not only to corporate growth but also to job creation and the strengthening of the industrial base.

Furthermore, in May, the city was finally selected for the "Gyeonggi Province AI Innovation Cluster" project, and will establish a platform to support AI-based startups and corporate growth, centered on the nearby "Uijeongbu City Business Support Center." By linking this with Yonghyeon Industrial Complex, the city plans to accelerate the digital transformation of local manufacturing, foster startups, and create an ecosystem for future industries, thereby further enhancing competitiveness.

In addition, since June of last year, the relocation of the LH Northern Gyeonggi Regional Headquarters to Yonghyeon Industrial Complex has elevated Uijeongbu to the center of administration and industry in northern Gyeonggi. LH oversees residential welfare and development projects in 13 cities and counties, and since the relocation, local commercial districts and residential demand have revived, with a steady stream of corporate inquiries about moving in. The city is working with LH to secure land for self-sustaining facilities in public housing districts and develop Legal Town, thereby launching its corporate city strategy in earnest.

Exterior view of the Uijeongbu office of the Gyeonggi Northern Regional Headquarters of the Korea Land and Housing Corporation. Provided by Uijeongbu City

◆ Upgrading Transportation and Urban Environment Infrastructure to Enhance Quality of Life

The Songsan region is continuing to innovate infrastructure to improve citizens' quality of life through the expansion of transportation networks and urban environment improvements. The city is making the area more convenient and pleasant through comprehensive measures such as public housing district development, road network supplementation, creation of pedestrian-oriented environments, and expansion of metropolitan bus services.

First, the tentatively named "Uijeongbu Yonghyeon Public Housing District" will be developed on the former site of the 306th Supplementary Battalion, accommodating about 7,000 households. Unlike previous public housing district development projects, the city plans to secure 10-20% of the total area for self-sustaining facilities. This strategy is intended to create a district that not only provides housing but also incorporates businesses and jobs, thereby revitalizing the local economy. As a public housing district combining living infrastructure and industrial functions, it is expected to become a new growth hub where residential and industrial functions are integrated.

The "Minlak Tollgate Bypass Road Project," aimed at resolving chronic traffic congestion in Minlak 2 and Gosan districts, is also gaining momentum. Previously, these two districts were separated by Buyongsan Mountain, requiring a detour of about 3.5 kilometers between central areas, and major intersections such as the Costco Intersection and Songyang Elementary School Intersection suffered from severe congestion. Once the bypass road is completed, travel time will be reduced by 15 to 20 minutes, and the level of traffic service in congested areas will improve, greatly enhancing residents' satisfaction.

The "Urban Clearing Project," which aims to create a safe, pedestrian-centered urban environment, is also attracting attention. In the Gosan and Minlak 2 districts, the city has improved pedestrian spaces by removing unnecessary street facilities and outdated signs. Since last year, 459 posts have been removed and 575 signs have been integrated, for a total of 1,034 facilities improved, thereby enhancing driver visibility and pedestrian safety. In the future, the city plans to expand these improvements to major arterial roads, upgrading Uijeongbu into a more walkable and safer city.

Additionally, metropolitan bus route 1205, which began operation in March last year, has received a great response from citizens and become a symbol of transportation innovation. The direct connection from Minlak and Gosan districts to Sangbong Station has greatly improved access to Seoul and provided a new commuting alternative that avoids subway congestion. Further innovations in transportation policy-such as the introduction of publicly managed buses, operation of student school buses, official operation of the demand-responsive "Ddok Bus," and removal of dedicated bus lanes on Sinpyeonghwa-ro-are also enhancing residents' satisfaction.

Kim Donggeun, Mayor of Uijeongbu, Inspects the Site of Minrak Tollgate Bypass Road Construction Project. Provided by Uijeongbu City

◆ Expanding Welfare Infrastructure to Enhance Quality of Life... From Childcare to Leisure

The city is accelerating efforts to improve citizens' quality of life by expanding welfare infrastructure in the Songsan region, covering everything from childcare to sports and green leisure spaces.

First, the nation's first "Childcare Facility Cluster," currently being developed in the Gosan district, will bring together public daycare centers, care centers, parenting support spaces, and indoor playgrounds in one place, creating an all-in-one care platform to address care gaps for dual-income families.

In addition, since March of this year, the city has been operating the "Anytime Daycare Center" in Minlak-dong, which provides care for infants and toddlers from six months old until they enter school. This service allows parents to leave their children safely at any time, including nights, weekends, and holidays, in emergency situations. The center operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year (except January 1, Lunar New Year, Chuseok, Buddha's Birthday, and Christmas), and has become a reliable support system that eases the childcare burden for working families.

The "Minlak National Sports Center" and "Uijeongbu City Childcare Support Center," which opened in December last year at 273 Minlak-ro, are urban hub facilities that combine childcare and sports. With one basement level and four above-ground floors, the centers include a swimming pool, multipurpose gymnasium, toy library, and part-time daycare rooms, providing daily life amenities for all ages. In particular, by offering sports and childcare services in one place, these centers serve as a national model and are expected to function as community hubs where local residents can interact and grow together.

E-Mart and Uijeongbu City Sign Business Agreement for Local Economy Revitalization and Mutual Growth. Photo by Uijeongbu City

The creation of the "Buyong Tunnel Upper Park Golf Course," reflecting demand for recreational sports, is also underway. With conditional approval from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, an 18-hole park golf course will be built in a 34,000-square-meter sports park, strengthening resident welfare with accessible and safe sports infrastructure. Additionally, the "Songsan No. 1 Riverside Park," which opened in April 2023 as a healing space in the city, offers residents opportunities for leisure and relaxation with features such as a loess path, lawn plaza, and forest rest area.

Mayor Kim Donggeun stated, "The transformation of the Songsan region is not just about development, but about creating a new growth model that enhances citizens' quality of life. We will continue to pursue balanced urban development in the economy, infrastructure, and welfare, and do our utmost to ensure that all of Uijeongbu grows harmoniously."

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