Hwang In-sik, the Democratic Party candidate for Seocho District mayor, is shaking up local development politics with his proposals for the "demolition and restructuring of the Gangnam Express Bus Terminal overpass" and the "development of Dure Village in Bangbae-dong."
By directly addressing longstanding issues that have remained untouched for decades, Hwang's campaign is being seen as a significant factor in the upcoming Seocho District mayoral election.
At the opening of his campaign office in Bangbae-dong on May 11, Hwang stated, "For the past 30 years, local governance in Seocho has essentially been a system of appointed mayors by central power. I will rewrite Seocho's future as an administrator who proves my capabilities, not as a proxy for political power."
Hwang characterized the issues surrounding the Gangnam Express Bus Terminal overpass and Dure Village as prime examples of long-neglected administrative challenges in Seocho, sharply criticizing the ruling People Power Party.
He noted, "The Gangnam Express Bus Terminal overpass, completed 48 years ago, poses both safety concerns and urban disconnection issues. Upon my election, I will initiate discussions on its demolition and restructuring, forming a public-private consultative body involving the Seoul city government, Seocho District, and residents."
The overpass currently spans the heart of the Banpo and Jamwon neighborhoods. Hwang's team identifies several key issues: the danger of the overpass's entry and exit points, urban decay beneath the structure, incompatibility with the upscale residential belt in Banpo, disconnection from the Sevit Island and Han River tourism axis, and separation from local commercial areas.
As the Banpo area undergoes transformation into a high-end apartment district and tourist zone, concerns have been raised that the outdated overpass system from the 1970s does not align with the city's modern character. Hwang argued, "Concerns about traffic chaos are exaggerated. Research indicates that the rate of speed reduction is not significant and can be managed effectively." This proposal is seen as a declaration to restructure the urban landscape of southern Seoul.
Another key promise from Hwang is the development of Dure Village in Bangbae 3-dong. Dure Village, located behind Sangmun High School at the foot of Woomyeonsan Mountain, spans approximately 1,500 pyeong (about 5,000 square meters) and has been home to numerous illegal structures for decades.
While the surrounding area has seen the rise of luxury villas and single-family homes, Dure Village remains stuck in time, characterized by dilapidated buildings with slate roofs.
Hwang described this situation as "the most embarrassing aspect of Seocho administration," stating, "A beautiful, rectangular 1,500-pyeong public land has been left in a dark state for decades. Previous district mayors have been too afraid to address the illegal structures."
Seocho District recently attempted to sell public land with conditions for park development and the removal of illegal buildings, but the auction failed to attract bidders.
Hwang pledged, "I will establish optimal utilization plans that include measures for illegal buildings immediately upon taking office. I will hold previous mayors accountable for not fulfilling their sacred duties as district leaders."
The real estate industry sees high potential for Dure Village's development. Factors such as proximity to Sangmun High School, access to Woomyeonsan's green space, and connections to the Bangbae reconstruction belt suggest significant business viability. Proposed development models include eco-friendly low-rise residential complexes, luxury terrace villas, cultural and artistic residential towns, and high-end residential belts linked to Woomyeonsan.
Hwang, a city administration expert with experience as Seocho District's chief and as a director and spokesperson for the Seoul city government, is viewed as someone who can translate these political promises into actionable administrative initiatives.
A real estate expert remarked, "Dure Village and the express bus terminal overpass are issues that Seocho residents have felt for a long time but no one has dared to address. Hwang has brought the most challenging urban problems into the electoral spotlight."
A political insider noted, "This election is shaping up not just as a simple party contest but as a reset of Seocho's development politics, which could create significant pressure for the current administration."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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