Namyangju City Shifts Redevelopment and Reconstruction to 'Resident-Led' Model for Faster Progress

by Lee jonggu

Published 28 Nov.2025 13:42(KST)

Namyangju City Announces Revision of 2030 Master Plan Allowing Zoning Upgrades Near Transit Stations
"Residential Living Zone Plan" Opens Door for Resident-Proposed Improvement Projects
Zoning and Floor Area Ratio System Overhauled to Reflect Transit-Oriented Locations
Expansion of Incentives to Promote Improvement Projects in Harmony with Local Communities and Residents

Namyangju City in Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Joo Gwangdeok) announced on the 28th that it had revised and promulgated the "2030 Namyangju City Urban and Residential Environment Improvement Master Plan" (hereinafter referred to as the Master Plan) on the 27th, and that the designation of improvement zones, which had previously been led by the local government, would be shifted to a private sector-led approach.

Namyangju City Hall exterior. Provided by Namyangju City

The Master Plan is a comprehensive plan that serves as the upper-level framework for redevelopment and reconstruction projects. It sets targets for improvement zone designation, outlines the direction for improvement, and provides the basic principles and development guidelines for such projects.

Previously, only the improvement zones designated by the city at the time of establishing the Master Plan could be designated and developed, meaning that areas not included in the plan had to wait up to a 10-year planning cycle for redevelopment or reconstruction, even if such projects were needed.

To address this, the city has introduced the "Residential Living Zone Plan" to respond flexibly to residents' autonomy and demand for improvement. If certain conditions are met, such as a ratio of over 50% of old or substandard buildings, residents can propose and initiate improvement projects at any time, making resident-led improvement projects possible.

Another major change in the Master Plan is the restructuring of the floor area ratio (FAR) system. Previously, only a one-step upgrade in zoning was allowed regardless of local conditions. Going forward, however, first-class general residential areas that are adjacent to transit station areas or to third-class or higher general residential zones may be eligible for a two-step upgrade, subject to review by the Urban Planning Committee.

In addition, the plan subdivides incentive categories so that a variety of incentives can be applied according to the conditions and circumstances of each project. This is expected to enhance project feasibility while simultaneously promoting regional coexistence through the expansion of local infrastructure and the participation of local businesses.

A Namyangju City official stated, "This revision of the Master Plan is an important step in establishing a resident-centered framework for improvement projects," adding, "We will continue to promote urban improvement policies that reflect local characteristics and residents' opinions through ongoing communication and institutional improvements."