The Seoul Metropolitan Government will begin a plan for maintenance to develop the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) area into an urban landmark.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government noted on the 12th that it will start a project for 'designating and establishing a maintenance plan for the DDP maintenance area' starting next month. The project is scheduled to be completed by the end of next year.
The DDP area has been criticized for its many aging buildings, lack of connectivity between buildings, and insufficient citizen-friendly spaces such as cultural facilities and green areas. The city plans to implement an ecological green city by connecting the training center park near the DDP and nearby green spaces through this project. Additionally, the project will aim to activate industries and commercial areas while also introducing residential spaces to prevent urban hollowing.
Once the maintenance plan is established through this project, urban maintenance-type redevelopment projects in the DDP area are expected to become feasible. Cho Nam-jun, head of the Urban Space Headquarters of the Seoul Metropolitan Government, stated, 'In order for the DDP area to become a global design hub, it is crucial to revitalize the entire commercial area that will drive local vitality.' He added, 'Through this project, we aim to establish a foundation for new industries in the DDP area and create an opportunity for it to grow into the largest urban landmark in the metropolitan area.'