Seong-su Jeon, the People Power Party candidate for Seocho District mayor in the upcoming local elections, unveiled his 'Future Map for Seocho' on May 16, highlighting three key pledges: the underground construction of the Gyeongbu Expressway, the establishment of a global AICT city in Yangjae and Naegok, and the development of a community-centered care system.
Jeon stated, "The future competitiveness of Seocho relies on spatial innovation, advanced industries, and improving residents' quality of life," emphasizing that "the starting and ending point of all policies is the residents."
The first key pledge focuses on a major spatial transformation through the underground construction of the Gyeongbu Expressway and Banpo Road. By burying the Gyeongbu Expressway from Yangjae IC to Hannam IC, Jeon aims to eliminate the physical barrier that currently divides Seocho and transform the above-ground space into a community-friendly area featuring parks, greenery, and sports facilities.
He plans to implement an AI-based Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) using digital twin technology to manage underground traffic in real-time and introduce eco-friendly ventilation and air purification systems to maintain high air quality in the parks and surrounding residential areas. Jeon remarked, "The three-dimensionalization of the Gyeongbu Expressway is not just a civil engineering project but a future project that will change the urban structure of Seocho," promising to create green, cultural, and recreational spaces that reflect residents' opinions.
The second key pledge is the creation of a 'Global AICT City' in Yangjae and Naegok. Jeon aims to maximize the impact of the government's designation of the 'Yangjae AI Future Convergence Special Zone' and Seoul's 'Yangjae ICT Specific Development Promotion District' to develop Yangjae into a leading hub for future industries in South Korea.
To achieve this, he plans to attract global unicorn companies through various incentives, including easing floor area ratio regulations, and strengthen the research and development ecosystem in collaboration with nearby research institutions and universities. Jeon also intends to cultivate practical talent in partnership with KAIST's AI Graduate School and establish the 'Seocho AICT Fund' to expand investment support for startups at various growth stages. He stated, "I will turn Yangjae and Naegok into not just a business district but a global technology innovation hub, making Seocho the heart of South Korea's AI industry."
The third pledge focuses on establishing a 'Seocho-style Community Care' system. Jeon plans to create 'care hubs' that combine private creativity with public resources, allowing seniors and children to receive dignified care within their familiar living environments.
By minimizing welfare blind spots through district-based care hubs and expanding smart care services integrated with IT technology, he aims to establish a 'Seocho welfare standard.' Jeon emphasized, "Care is not just welfare; it is a matter of community dignity," vowing to create a Seocho where no one, from children to seniors, is left behind.
Additionally, Jeon highlighted the complex development around the Seoul Express Bus Terminal as a major focus. He plans to modernize and integrate the aging bus terminal underground while developing the above-ground area into a mixed-use complex of over 60 stories that combines commercial, residential, office, and tourism functions, forming a new urban axis connected to the Han River.
By introducing direct underground access routes and multi-level pedestrian infrastructure, he aims to reduce traffic congestion and enhance accessibility to the Han River, promoting Seocho as a landmark. Jeon concluded, "Seocho is no longer a city that remains stagnant; I will fulfill my promises with the attitude of 'the residents come first.'"
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.