Seoul has ambitious plans for Dongdaemun

Representations of the development plan for the Dongbu Cargo Terminal in eastern Seoul [SEOUL METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT]

A former cargo terminal site abandoned for nearly two decades in Dongdaemun District could be transformed into a logistics hub without features that will annoy neighbors.

The city of Seoul announced Monday it has wrapped up preliminary negotiations for redevelopment of the Dongbu Cargo Terminal and will now canvas public opinion about the plans.

The site — measuring about 50,000 square meters, or seven soccer fields — is adjacent to the Dongbu Expressway and the Jungnangcheon Stream, and was a logistics hub in the eastern part of the capital until the mid-2000s. Attempts to redevelop it into a logistics hub failed several times due to resistance of neighbors to increased traffic and high volumes of heavy trucks, the city government said.

In response, Seoul City held nine meetings over the past seven months with the project operator and experts to discuss development plans. A new plan was finalized by reviewing many alternatives.

Under the plan, the entire cargo terminal will go underground. In order to reduce traffic congestion and dust, cargo vehicles will use dedicated roads. Small cars and electric cars will be mainly used, and heavy logistics vehicles will only be allowed at designated times.

Around 528 residential units will be built along with offices and facilities like kids' cafes. The area will be designed with high-rise towers and buildings with terraces to eventually become a landmark along the Jungnangcheon Stream.

The city plans to enhance residents’ quality of life through profits made from redevelopment. Gains of 84.8 billion won ($63.095 million) from rezoning of the area will be reinvested in the region. The city will improve accessibility and create leisure areas near the waterfront of the Jungnangcheon Stream by renovating the path to the stream and installing elevators for Jangan Bridge.

Seoul said it will decide on a zoning plan by the end of this year after collecting local residents’ opinions. Construction could start as early as the first half of 2024.

“We will do our best to change the concerns of local residents into excitement, and transform [the site] into a representative attraction in the northeast part of Seoul,” said Hong Sun-ki, head of Public Development Planning Bureau at the Seoul Metropolitan Government.

BY SEO JI-EUN [seo.jieun1@joongang.co.kr]