A Major Transformation of Hanam’s Historic Core: Soaring as a Future-Oriented City Integrating Industry, Housing, and Leisure

Hanam City Accelerates Old Downtown Innovation
From 100 Billion Won Undergrounding Project
to Subway Line 3 Extension

The historic core of Hanam, once rooted in residential living, is now transforming into a vibrant city where industry, education, and culture are seamlessly integrated.

Hanam City is demolishing the electric poles around Sinjang Traditional Market as of the 10th. Provided by Hanam City

Hanam City in Gyeonggi Province is implementing policies that maximize the convenience of daily life for its citizens while preserving the unique identity of the old downtown, aiming to present a competitive urban model within the Seoul metropolitan area.

The most notable change is the dramatic improvement in the pedestrian environment. The city has launched a 100 billion won roadmap for undergrounding overhead wires and began demolishing electric poles around Sinjang Traditional Market on the 10th. Once the removal of above-ground power lines is completed by the end of this month, pedestrian conditions are expected to improve significantly. In addition, by December this year, the city will install advanced IT-based odor reduction devices in the sewer system around Sinjang Market and Sinpyeong-ro, carefully managing even the invisible aspects of the residential environment.

Transportation and industrial infrastructure are also taking concrete shape. The new Shindeokpung Station, an extension of Subway Line 3 (provisional name), has been finalized about 340 meters further north than originally planned to better serve residents of the old downtown. This move ensures improved mobility for downtown residents by connecting efficiently with the Meeting Square Transfer Center.

User-focused infrastructure has also been greatly expanded. Community centers and customer support centers have been established in major traditional markets such as Sinjang, Fish Market, and Seokbadae to boost the competitiveness of local businesses, while welfare hubs like the Deokpung Sports & Culture Center and Hanam City General Welfare Town are now serving all generations. Yonsei Hanam Hospital, the city’s first general hospital, is on track to be completed in the second half of 2027, further strengthening the emergency medical system.

Education competitiveness is also making remarkable progress. Namhan High School has been selected as an “Autonomous Public High School 2.0,” attracting an investment of 1.5 billion won over five years and establishing itself as a cradle for nurturing local talent. As a result of such efforts, the number of students admitted to major universities and medical/pharmacy schools for the 2026 academic year increased to 387, about three times higher than four years ago.

Mayor Lee Hyun Jae is giving a greeting at the inauguration ceremony of the Hanam Office of Education Establishment Promotion Team. Provided by Hanam City

The independent establishment of the Hanam Office of Education and the operation of dedicated student shuttle buses have become central pillars in enhancing educational autonomy and realizing welfare.

Mayor Lee Hyunjae stated, "The old downtown is an asset that preserves Hanam's long-standing history and is also a key driver of future growth. We will focus all our resources not only on environmental improvements but also on creating a high-quality city where industry, education, and culture are organically connected, so that residents of the old downtown can live with pride."

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