Uijeongbu Songsan 1-dong Undergoes Major Transformation into an Advanced Industrial and Residential Hub: Revamping Industry, Housing, and Welfare

[Feature] Uijeongbu City Unveils 'Our Neighborhood Policy Roadmap: Songsan 1-dong Edition'
Songsan 1-dong Reborn as a Future City of Innovation in Advanced Industry, Housing, and Transportation
Yonghyeon Inno City Valley Modernization Drives Full-Scale Leap Toward a Future Growth Hub
AI Hub Multipurpose Cultural Center Accelerates Attraction of Youth and New Industries
Line 7 Extension and Industrial Complex Innovation... Major Transformation for a Better Songsan 1-dong

Uijeongbu City in Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Kim Donggeun) announced on December 9 the release of the 'Our Neighborhood Policy Roadmap: Songsan 1-dong Edition,' which outlines changes closely tied to citizens' daily lives. The city stated that Songsan 1-dong is emerging as a future-oriented industrial and residential zone where advanced industries, housing, and transportation converge. In particular, the full-scale advancement of the Yonghyeon Industrial Complex (Yonghyeon Industrial Complex) modernization project, which serves as the economic heart of the region, is revitalizing the entire area.

Uijeongbu City, Our Neighborhood Policy Roadmap 'Songsan 1-dong Edition'. Provided by Uijeongbu City

Songsan 1-dong Accelerates Innovation in Industry, Settlement, and Living through Yonghyeon Industrial Complex Modernization

In Songsan 1-dong, changes in industry, settlement, and the living environment are accelerating, centered around the area's only industrial complex, Yonghyeon Industrial Complex.

Yonghyeon Industrial Complex, which currently houses 115 companies and employs over 2,000 people, has been a driving force in the region's industrial development since its establishment in 2000, attracting businesses in textiles, metal assembly, machinery, and other sectors. However, its competitiveness has recently declined sharply due to outdated facilities, a lack of amenities for workers, and restrictions on expansion caused by cultural heritage regulations.

To address these challenges, the city is promoting a modernization project to transform Yonghyeon Industrial Complex into a 'hub for youth and new industries.' The first turning point was attracting new businesses. In 2023, the city signed an agreement to bring in a 'cloud data center,' laying the foundation for an information technology (IT) industry ecosystem.

View of Yonghyeon Industrial Complex. Provided by Uijeongbu City

Notably, the most significant obstacle to the complex's competitiveness-cultural heritage regulations-has been greatly eased. Previously, about 84% of the complex's area was included in the protection zone for General Jeong Munbu's tomb, restricting construction. However, with the revision of Gyeonggi Province's ordinance in July 2024, the area exempt from these regulations has expanded significantly, greatly improving the investment environment for companies.

The working environment is also being rapidly improved. Specifically, the number of parking spaces has been increased (from 143 to 235), a commuter bus now runs between Dobongsan Station and Yonghyeon Industrial Complex, 170 LED streetlights have been replaced, and a healing walking trail has been created, all of which enhance the overall pedestrian and relaxation environment within the complex.

Inside the complex, regular busking events such as lunch concerts and cultural programs are being held, transforming what was once an industrial hub into a mixed-use area where culture and leisure coexist.

To support this modernization trend, the city is also working on branding the complex. The basic management plan for the industrial complex now includes the brand name 'Yonghyeon Inno City Valley,' signaling the direction for its transformation into an advanced industrial zone.

Perspective view of Yonghyeon Industrial Complex Multipurpose Cultural Center. Provided by Uijeongbu City

Establishing a 'Future-Oriented Industrial Ecosystem' through Advanced Corporate Investment and Innovation Infrastructure

The city is strengthening investment in advanced companies and future technology infrastructure centered on Yonghyeon Industrial Complex, transforming Songsan 1-dong into a future-oriented industrial and residential area that attracts youth and new industries.

In April of this year, Sijimedtech Co., Ltd., a leading medical device company in the complex, began construction on a large new factory, marking the start of tangible changes in the modernization of the complex. This expansion, covering a land area of 11,321 square meters and a total floor area of 2,299 square meters, is expected to modernize production processes and increase demand for skilled professionals, with positive ripple effects on the local industrial ecosystem.

Furthermore, the expansion of innovation infrastructure in Yonghyeon Industrial Complex is centered on the creation of a 'Multipurpose Cultural Center' by adding a second floor to the existing Enterprise Support Center (currently one basement and one above-ground floor). This key infrastructure brings together amenities, cultural facilities, and youth entrepreneurship support functions that were previously lacking, aiming to improve worker welfare and strengthen the foundation for attracting young talent.

The first floor (1,403 square meters) will be reconfigured as the main area for industrial and startup support functions. It will house an AI Innovation Cluster, consultation rooms for business owners, and startup support spaces, serving as a core workspace directly supporting business activities within the complex.

In particular, the 'AI Innovation Cluster' is a project that was finalized when the city was selected for a Gyeonggi Province competition in May. It will serve as a strategic foundation to promote the digital and AI transformation of local manufacturing.

The second floor (1,477 square meters) will be developed as the core space of the Multipurpose Cultural Center, featuring a Youth Startup Support Center, club rooms, one-day class rooms, a fitness room, and multipurpose rooms. This integrated space will simultaneously accommodate worker welfare, cultural activities, and local youth entrepreneurship.

The 'Youth Startup Support Center' will function as a comprehensive startup support hub, offering education, mentoring, and networking programs. This goes beyond simply providing office space, establishing a self-sustaining startup ecosystem within the complex that supports the entire cycle from startup to growth to business attraction.

Exterior view of the Uijeongbu office building of LH Northern Gyeonggi Regional Headquarters. Provided by Uijeongbu City

Changes Transforming Daily Life... 'A Better Place to Live: Songsan 1-dong'

It has been a year since the massive LH Northern Gyeonggi Regional Headquarters was established near Yonghyeon Industrial Complex, and noticeable changes are taking place in the Songsan 1-dong living area.

LH Northern Gyeonggi Regional Headquarters is a key institution overseeing housing welfare and development projects in 13 cities and counties. Since its relocation, the status of the Songsan 1-dong area as an administrative center has been further elevated.

With approximately 300 resident staff members, the floating population around Yonghyeon Industrial Complex during lunch and after-work hours has steadily increased, leading to higher sales for local businesses and additional hiring, thus revitalizing the regional economy.

Resident-centered living infrastructure is also being improved. The city is creating a 'Barefoot Trail with the Scent of Earth,' approximately 500 meters long, near Exit 1 of Gonje Station on the light rail, so citizens can enjoy healthy activities as part of their daily lives.

The key is to create an urban health trail that is easily accessible for commuting and school routes by installing a barefoot trail based on red clay, foot-washing stations, deck observatories, and rest facilities.

Transportation convenience is also improving. In April this year, the city temporarily lifted the central bus-only lane on Sinpyeonghwa-ro, which had been a source of inconvenience for citizens, and converted it to a general lane.

As a result, the average commute time between Minrak 2 District and Dobongsan Station has decreased by about 4 minutes (21.5%), reducing congestion and improving traffic flow. Bus operations remain stable, and follow-up measures such as road resurfacing, traffic signal adjustments, and safety facility improvements are being implemented, further enhancing the ease of movement experienced by citizens.

Aerial view of Tapseok Station on Line 7. Provided by Uijeongbu City

Songsan 1-dong Prepares for the Future... Expansion of Residential and Transportation Infrastructure

The tentatively named 'Uijeongbu Yonghyeon Public Housing District' will be developed on the former site of the 306th Reserve Forces Battalion to accommodate approximately 7,000 households.

Unlike previous public housing district development projects, the city plans to allocate 10-20% of the total area for self-sustaining facilities. This strategy aims not only to provide housing but also to incorporate business and employment functions, injecting new vitality into the local economy.

As the project combines living infrastructure and industrial functions, it is expected to become a new growth hub where housing and industry coexist.

In terms of transportation infrastructure, the extension of Seoul Subway Line 7 (Dobongsan to Okjeong Metropolitan Railway) is underway, which is expected to significantly improve public transportation conditions in the area around Tapseok Station.

The Dobongsan-Okjeong Metropolitan Railway will connect Dobongsan Station to Jangam, Tapseok, and Okjeong over a total distance of 15.11 kilometers, with three stations to be constructed: two new stations and one renovated station.

Once the project is completed, passengers will be able to directly access Seoul Subway Line 7 from Tapseok Station, greatly enhancing convenience and accessibility to downtown Seoul.

An official from Uijeongbu City stated, "Through this policy roadmap, Songsan 1-dong will establish itself as a new growth hub, leading advanced industries and improving residents' quality of life," adding, "The next edition will cover Songsan 2-dong."

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