Shin Sang-jin, the mayor of Seongnam, reaffirmed his commitment to enhancing the quality of life for citizens while conceptualizing a Seongnam-style urban regeneration during his visit to Europe on October 12.
During his trip, Mayor Shin visited urban regeneration sites in Bergamo, Milan, and Bologna, focusing on a model that integrates private investment, advanced industries, and citizen participation.
On the same day, he explored the 'ChorusLife' mixed-use development project in Bergamo, which showcases a successful example of urban regeneration utilizing private capital. This site transformed an old industrial area into a complex featuring an arena, commercial facilities, and hotels, characterized by pedestrian-friendly plazas and green spaces.
On October 13, he visited the 'Porta Nuova' project in Milan, which connects the old and new urban areas. This initiative restructured a previously disconnected city center, integrating work, residential, commercial, cultural, and park spaces.
Mayor Shin emphasized, "Like Milan, which overcame the disconnection between past and present and harmonized old and new architecture, Seongnam must also evolve into an organic living area that seamlessly connects the old and new urban centers."
On October 15, he visited Bologna's 'Tecnopolo,' where an old tobacco factory has been transformed into a hub for supercomputing, big data, and artificial intelligence research. He noted the importance of utilizing aging industrial facilities as a foundation for future industries and sharing research outcomes with citizens.
This visit aimed to shift from a public investment-centered approach to one that links private capital and future industries, addressing the spatial disconnection between old and new urban areas to improve citizens' living environments.
Mayor Shin believes that for the Seongnam-style urban regeneration to yield tangible results, it is essential to reflect local conditions in project planning, secure funding, and gather residents' opinions.
There is growing anticipation among citizens regarding whether this urban regeneration plan will lead to improvements in aging residential environments, expansion of living infrastructure, and revitalization of the local economy. In particular, there is hope for balanced development between the old and new urban areas and changes that citizens can experience in their daily lives.
Mayor Shin stated, "It is not just about building structures; it is about integrating advanced industries with our historical legacy and returning the results and future vision to the citizens." He added, "We will realize a sensible and tangible urban regeneration in Seongnam that combines private vitality, advanced technology, and citizen participation."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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