High-density, mixed-use development will become possible across all 325 station areas in Seoul. Transfer stations will be allowed floor area ratios of up to 1,300%, and the share of public contributions will be lowered to 30% for 11 outlying districts of Seoul where low profitability had made projects difficult to pursue.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government held a press briefing on the 25th and announced the "Seoul station-area live-work-play activation strategy." Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon said, "We will expand the upzoning of commercial districts, which had been possible in only 153 station areas, to all 325 station areas citywide, and we will add 100 sites for development over the next five years."
Oh added, "For 11 districts where the officially assessed land price is below 60% of the standard, we will ease the public contribution ratio from the current 50% to 30%," noting, "Without measures to bolster economic feasibility, these areas face limits that make change difficult."
In addition, for station areas around transfer stations within a 500-meter radius, floor area ratios of up to 1,300% will be allowed based on general commercial zoning. Over the next five years, the city plans to identify 35 new candidate sites.
For long-term jeonse housing in station areas, the allowable distance from stations will be expanded from within 350 meters to 500 meters, and areas within 200 meters of intersections of arterial roads 20 meters or wider will be included. Through this, long-term jeonse housing in station areas will increase from 127 sites with 120,000 units to 366 sites with 212,000 units.
Along arterial roads between stations, the city will introduce the "growth potential zone activation project" to create mixed-use spaces combining youth startups, housing, commerce, and daily-life facilities. Centered on major arterial roads 35 meters or wider, upzoning will be allowed up to general commercial districts, and 60 sites will be selected for development over the next five years.
Oh said, "Living hubs that combine jobs, housing, and leisure around station areas are gradually expanding," adding, "Going forward, through institutional improvements and new projects, we will enable faster change to be felt in more areas and densely spread living hubs throughout Seoul."