Seong-su in Seoul has rapidly developed into a key commercial area attracting businesses and tourists, but it still lacks sufficient large office and lodging facilities. As major cities worldwide create new urban hubs through mixed-use developments that combine residential, commercial, and cultural spaces, Seong-su is also beginning to implement self-sufficient mixed-use projects.
According to an analysis commissioned by the Seongdong District from Hanyang University’s Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation, the economic value of Seong-su-dong has increased by approximately 33.3 trillion won since 2014. Foreign tourist spending has surged from 13.3 billion won in 2018 to 198.9 billion won in 2024, a nearly 15-fold increase. Companies like Musinsa and SM Entertainment have already established a presence, and Hyundai AutoEver and Gmarket are also planning to relocate their headquarters, indicating a growing influx of businesses.
However, the urban infrastructure to accommodate this increased demand remains relatively inadequate. The only notable large office building in Seong-su is the D Tower Seoul Forest, which stands 33 stories tall and has a total floor area of about 110,000 square meters. According to the Seoul City’s tourism hotel registration status, there are only seven tourist hotels in Seongdong District, with a total of just 220 rooms, and there are no five-star hotels. In contrast, Gangnam District boasts 2,216 rooms in five-star hotels.
From High-Rises to a City Within a City
In major cities around the world, there is an increasing trend of absorbing concentrated business and tourism demand through mixed-use developments. While past landmarks focused on height and appearance, recent trends emphasize creating integrated living environments that combine residential, commercial, and cultural facilities.
According to the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH), as of the end of 2023, half of the world’s 100 tallest buildings are mixed-use structures. For instance, Tokyo’s Azabudai Hills features a total floor area of 861,700 square meters, incorporating offices, residences, hotels, commercial spaces, an international school, and medical facilities, serving a working population of 20,000 and a residential population of 3,500.
In London, the Battersea Power Station, which ceased operations in 1983, has been transformed into a mixed-use space with offices, residences, hotels, and commercial facilities. This development approach, which consolidates various urban functions on previously unused land, is becoming more widespread.
In South Korea, a new spatial innovation zone system, including urban innovation zones and mixed-use zones, will be introduced in 2024. In March, the Seoul City government announced plans to develop 325 transit-oriented sites into spaces that combine jobs, housing, and cultural and recreational activities, accelerating the push for live-work-play mixed-use developments.
According to the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH), as of the end of 2023, half of the world’s 100 tallest buildings are mixed-use structures. For instance, Tokyo’s Azabudai Hills features a total floor area of 861,700 square meters, incorporating offices, residences, hotels, commercial spaces, an international school, and medical facilities, serving a working population of 20,000 and a residential population of 3,500.
In London, the Battersea Power Station, which ceased operations in 1983, has been transformed into a mixed-use space with offices, residences, hotels, and commercial facilities. This development approach, which consolidates various urban functions on previously unused land, is becoming more widespread.
In South Korea, a new spatial innovation zone system, including urban innovation zones and mixed-use zones, will be introduced in 2024. In March, the Seoul City government announced plans to develop 325 transit-oriented sites into spaces that combine jobs, housing, and cultural and recreational activities, accelerating the push for live-work-play mixed-use developments.
Seong-su Transitions from Commercial Area to Mixed-Use Hub
In Seong-su, the need for enhanced office and lodging functions is becoming evident through visible mixed-use development projects. In July, the Seoul City government approved the architectural review for the 'Seong-su-dong 1-ga 683 Mixed-Use Development Project' on the former Sam-pyo Ready-Mix Concrete site.
The Sam-pyo Global Landmark (SGL) project will feature an 81-story residential tower and a 53-story mixed-use building, including 403 residential units, 61 officetels, and 130 hotel rooms, along with office, commercial, and cultural facilities. The lower levels will include publicly accessible shared spaces, and a pedestrian and green corridor connecting Seoul Forest, the Han River, and Mt. Eungbong will be developed. Construction is set to begin in 2027, with completion targeted for 2032.
An industry insider noted, "Recent global landmarks are increasingly judged not just by their height or appearance but by how well they integrate various functions such as living, working, lodging, and culture. As the number of businesses and tourists in Seong-su continues to grow, the need for mixed-use developments to enhance urban functions will become even more critical."
The Sam-pyo Global Landmark (SGL) project will feature an 81-story residential tower and a 53-story mixed-use building, including 403 residential units, 61 officetels, and 130 hotel rooms, along with office, commercial, and cultural facilities. The lower levels will include publicly accessible shared spaces, and a pedestrian and green corridor connecting Seoul Forest, the Han River, and Mt. Eungbong will be developed. Construction is set to begin in 2027, with completion targeted for 2032.
An industry insider noted, "Recent global landmarks are increasingly judged not just by their height or appearance but by how well they integrate various functions such as living, working, lodging, and culture. As the number of businesses and tourists in Seong-su continues to grow, the need for mixed-use developments to enhance urban functions will become even more critical."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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