Kim Byungwook Pledges to Transform Ori Station Area into World-Leading '4th Technovalley'

Kim Byungwook, Candidate for Seongnam Mayor

Proposes 'Urban Innovation Zone (White Zone)' to Lift Regulations

Unveils Blueprint for Four Development Districts Including R&D and Integrated Business Zones

Kim Pledges, "I Will Restore the Large-Scale Complex Cultural Space"

Kim Byungwook, the candidate for mayor of Seongnam (Democratic Party), presented a bold development vision at the Seongnam City Council on May 14th, announcing his plan to transform the Ori Station area, which has become outdated after 30 years since the development of Bundang New Town, into the '4th Technovalley,' a hub for advanced industries.

Kim Byungwook, candidate for mayor of Seongnam (Democratic Party of Korea), announced on the 14th that he plans to transform the old Ori Station area, aged 30 years since the development of Bundang New Town, into the '4th Technovalley,' a hub for advanced industries. Photo provided by candidate Kim Byungwook

Candidate Kim stated, "We will integrate large-scale national and public land with commercial sites within the Ori Station area and designate it as an 'Urban Innovation Zone (White Zone)' with no restrictions on usage or density, enabling a dramatic shift in urban development."

The development blueprint for the Ori Station area, unveiled on this day, comprises four core districts jointly driven by both the public and private sectors. The plan includes: the 'Future Industry R&D Zone' to attract cutting-edge industries such as fabless, artificial intelligence, and robotics; the 'Integrated Business Zone' to establish headquarters for major corporations and startup infrastructure; the 'Commercial Business Support Zone' to boost work efficiency and residential connectivity by deploying medical and educational facilities; and the 'Performance, Exhibition, and Complex Cultural Space Zone,' which will utilize the sewage treatment plant site to create riverside cultural spaces and exhibition venues. This comprehensive approach aims for multifaceted development.

In particular, candidate Kim sharply criticized the current administration of Seongnam Mayor Shin Sangjin, highlighting his own distinct approach.

Regarding the development of the Gumi-dong sewage treatment plant site, Kim pointed out, "The resident-focused 'Multipurpose Complex Cultural and Arts Space' project, initially promoted with a total budget of 12.09 billion won (including national funding), was drastically reduced by over 80% by Mayor Shin, turning it into a small-scale, showpiece development called 'Moolbit Garden' with only 1.44 billion won of city funding." He pledged, "I will ensure the realization of the large-scale complex cultural space that residents have long desired."

Additionally, Kim criticized Mayor Shin for abandoning the 'Urban Innovation Zone' initiative and shifting to a city-led 'district unit plan modification', arguing, "Building restrictions such as usage and floor area ratio will create significant obstacles to attracting major anchor companies and establishing a landmark. Giving up, citing the difficulty of negotiating with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, is a serious waste of time and budget."

He also proposed an ambitious plan to expand transportation infrastructure. In alignment with the national railway network plan, he aims to: ▲ promote the SRT quadruple-track project and the construction of the new Ori-Dongcheon Station, and ▲ establish an underground connection between the new Ori-Dongcheon Station, Shinbundang Line Dongcheon Station, and Ori Station, transforming the area into a major metropolitan transportation hub.

Aerial view of the 4th Technovalley. Provided by candidate Byeongwook Kim

Candidate Kim Byungwook emphasized, "The success of the Ori Station area development depends on attracting anchor companies, and achieving this requires a strong network and drive to communicate effectively with the central government."

He further appealed for support, stating, "Immediately after taking office, I will completely review the established plans and promptly devise a master plan to prioritize development of city-owned land. The development of the Ori Station area will serve as a powerful catalyst to spur reconstruction throughout Seongnam, making Ori in Seongnam the smartest and most dynamic future city in Korea."

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