The animated film 'Baby Dinosaur Dooly' and the drama 'Reply 1988' are set against the backdrop of the aging low-rise residential area in Sangsmun-dong, Dobong-gu, Seoul, which will be redeveloped into an apartment complex of about 1,900 households.

The Seoul city government announced on the 15th that it has confirmed the rapid integrated planning for the area around Sangsmun-dong 81.

Location map of the area around 81 Ssangmun-dong, Dobong-gu, Seoul. /Courtesy of Seoul City

The area around Sangsmun-dong 81 is adjacent to Sangsmun Neighborhood Park, Hanshin Elementary School, and Jeongui Middle and High School, making it an excellent natural and educational environment. Although it is a region with great potential, it has been neglected in terms of development.

The area was previously designated as a housing reconstruction maintenance zone, but it was released in 2017 due to a lack of viability caused by rigid zoning regulations. It gained momentum for the project after being selected as a candidate site for rapid integrated planning in March of last year.

Considering the locational characteristics adjacent to the new economic center of Changdong and Sanggye, the Seoul city government has raised the zoning and established a landscape plan.

To create a landscape open towards Sangsmun Neighborhood Park at the intersection of Jeongui Middle School where main roads (Nohae-ro and Dobong-ro) intersect, urban corridors and public pedestrian pathways will be developed. A park will be created at the intersection to connect with the commercial street on Nohae-ro.

Compared to the 2017 plan, the floor area ratio has increased from 240% to 300%, the height has increased from a maximum of 18 stories to 39 stories, and the number of households has grown from 744 to over 1,900.

Specialized residential complexes that reflect regional identity will be created, utilizing historical, cultural, and educational resources including the 'Ham Seok-heon Memorial Hall,' which is a preserved facility and a future heritage of Seoul, as well as the Dobong Cultural and Artistic Village and elementary, middle, and high schools.

A cultural park linked to the Ham Seok-heon Memorial Hall will be created. Shared workspaces and cultural information exchange spaces for residents will be established along the alleys of the cultural and artistic village.

Educational facilities such as libraries and care centers will be established near Hanshin Elementary School and Jeongui Middle and High School.

To improve traffic flow on Nohae-ro, the main access road for vehicles, two additional lanes will be secured in conjunction with the southern urban public housing project. The west Nohae-ro 55-gil, which is used as a school route, will also be expanded.

The Seoul city government plans to support the rapid establishment of the maintenance plan. The procedure for establishing the maintenance plan is underway, aiming for area designation within the year.