인터뷰-이승로 서울 성북구청장

Seoul Seongbuk-gu is actively providing administrative support for urban renewal projects to leap into a luxury city. By establishing the Urban Renewal Rapid Execution Team, the district has expanded its administrative area to facilitate the swift approval process.

Recently, with the successful normalization of redevelopment projects in the Jangwi 8, 9, and 10 areas, interest in Seongbuk-gu’s urban renewal administrative capabilities and expertise has been increasing. Mayor Lee Seung-ro emphasized the importance of proactive administrative services at the forefront to elevate Seongbuk-gu to the top luxury city in Seoul.

Seongbuk-gu boasts a diverse mix of housing types, including large-scale apartment complexes, new villas, and detached houses on hillsides. The district has a total of 142,602 homes, with 83,701 (58.7%) being apartments, 35,101 (21.4%) multi-family houses, and 28,92 (14.6%) detached houses.

Currently, urban renewal projects are actively progressing in various regions of Seongbuk-gu, leading to a rapid increase in the proportion of apartment complexes. The completion of 20 redevelopment zones in Jangwi-Gileum New Town has accommodated 22,673 households. Additionally, ongoing projects aim to redevelop 14,745 units in 9 zones, along with redevelopment initiatives for 4,907 units in 8 areas with poor living environments. It is projected that over 70% of Seongbuk-gu residents will reside in apartments in the future.

Urban renewal in Seongbuk-gu focuses on improving living environments and enhancing social infrastructure. Efforts are being made to construct educational and various social facilities such as cultural and arts education centers, libraries, and community centers. The goal is not only to improve residents’ living environments through urban renewal but also to transform the district into a luxury city where people want to reside permanently.

The district has been praised for its vigorous urban renewal efforts, with 125 sites undergoing redevelopment projects. Notably, there are 22 designated zones, including Jangwi New Town and Gileum New Town, where urban renewal activities are taking place.

With the establishment of the Urban Renewal Rapid Execution Team, Seongbuk-gu has significantly enhanced its administrative capacity by creating an independent and comprehensive organization dedicated to urban renewal. The team has streamlined the permit process and shortened the approval period by utilizing accumulated data and administrative expertise effectively.

Moving forward, Seongbuk-gu plans to utilize the Urban Renewal Rapid Execution Team to manage and support various urban renewal projects comprehensively, including public redevelopment projects, quick integrated planning, cluster housing town projects, and small-scale housing renewal projects.

By coordinating the Urban Renewal Rapid Execution Team and the Housing Renewal Department, Seongbuk-gu aims to expand their workforce and activities to align with national and city housing policy changes and residents’ demands for improved living environments.

Seongbuk-gu’s vision is to emerge as a premium luxury city where cultural, artistic, industrial, and environmental aspects converge. The current urban renewal projects underway in 125 locations aim not only to address transportation issues and enhance social infrastructure but also to revitalize local communities.

The district has a holistic approach to urban planning by developing optimal plans for each redevelopment zone while maintaining an integrated direction. Jangwi and Gileum New Towns offer diverse amenities, including cultural facilities, commercial areas, and safety landmarks.

The transformation of urban areas like Jangwi 8, 9 zones into vibrant communities with ample facilities reflects Seongbuk-gu’s commitment to creating a balanced urban landscape. The planned development projects in areas like Geum Lim Station District and Seokgwan-dong will further enhance the district’s appeal.

Seongbuk-gu’s leap forward is exemplified by the upcoming redevelopment project in Sinwolgok 1 Area, which will rejuvenate the region from a notorious red-light district into a landmark community. With projects like the revitalization of Jangwi 8, 9 zones and the transformation of low-rise residential areas in Jeongneung-gol into Seoul’s largest townhouses, the future of Seongbuk-gu looks promising.

Seongbuk-gu values community engagement and transparency in its urban renewal efforts. By organizing educational sessions like the Urban Renewal Academy and conducting site-specific briefing sessions, the district ensures that residents are well-informed and involved in the process.

In conclusion, Seongbuk-gu’s commitment to urban renewal and sustainable development is evident in its efforts to create a luxury city that meets the needs of its residents while preserving its unique identity. Through effective planning, community engagement, and administrative support, Seongbuk-gu is poised to emerge as a model city for urban renewal in Seoul.