The Apgujeong redevelopment plan proposes a maximum height of 60 stories, moving away from the previous 35-story limit along the Han River. This increase in height and floor area ratio could enhance views and marketability, providing opportunities for additional housing and increased project revenue. However, the benefits of urban planning come with public responsibilities.
The Seoul city government is incorporating public walkways, parks, roads, cultural spaces, and viewpoints along the Han River into the Apgujeong redevelopment plan. The third district includes plans for road cover facilities and cultural hubs. The aim is to create a city where residents can easily access the Han River from Apgujeong Road and connect to Seongsu and Seoul Forest.
The key issue is whether the public spaces indicated in the plans will be conveniently accessible. If access routes are not visible or not consistently open due to resident security concerns, the significance of public contributions diminishes. Additionally, traffic congestion, sunlight, and wind flow issues resulting from the increased height must also be evaluated. While the new Apgujeong may be among the world's tallest, if it fails to provide citizens with a pathway to the Han River, it may become a future apartment complex but not a future city.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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