Seoul's urban spatial structure has historically followed a strategy of promoting “balanced development” by “dispersing” central areas. Since the 1970s, the development of Yeouido-Yeongdeungpo and Gangnam as urban centers was pursued to distribute core functions across three main hubs. In the 1990s, the concept of a “multi-core dispersed city” was formalized as Seoul’s official urban spatial structure, fostering growth in peripheral areas.
With the city’s growing international status, spatial restructuring projects are underway to enhance and expand the functions of Seoul’s main central areas. An overview of current large-scale development projects reveals a shared goal of upgrading and connecting the three main centers, structured around two development axes: the Han River waterfront axis and the north-south green axis, which connect the three centers longitudinally. The key will be linking regional centers within these areas, such as Sinchon-Hongdae, Mapo, Isu-Sadang, Seoul National University, Wangsimni, and Seongsu, while nurturing new hubs in a balanced manner.
Given that most residential areas within central zones are being redeveloped primarily through New Town projects, it is necessary to consider new hub development alongside residential area renewal. The connectivity between central areas should be approached from the perspective of green space expansion and connectivity, similar to what has been done in cities like Singapore, Paris, and Copenhagen. Efforts should be made to expand and link green spaces while providing leisure and cultural facilities to transform the central city into a high-density, mixed-use area that integrates living, working, and recreation.
In this context, it is important to review discussions on having a spatial structure with a single central city and examine the direction of reorganization projects necessary to achieve this vision. The Han River waterfront axis is already progressing through the Han River Renaissance 2.0 and surrounding redevelopment projects. The undergrounding of the Gyeongbu Railway has been accompanied by the announcement of the Yongsan depot development plan, with a design competition underway for the Seoul Station area. Plans for the undergrounding of the Gyeongbu Expressway are also being prepared following a feasibility study.
Considering the pace of these spatial reorganization projects, there is a need to further develop the vision for a central city and align the direction of individual projects. Additionally, it is necessary to redefine the concepts for peripheral hubs such as Chang-dong/Sanggye, Gasan/Daerim, Magok, Sangam, Jamsil, Cheonho/Gildong, and Cheongnyangni, and re-examine their development strategies.
The directions for the four axes currently being pursued as the framework for future central cities were reviewed as follows:
• Han River Axis: Strengthen as a leisure hub and enhance connectivity.
• North-South Green Axis: Connect Yongsan Park, Namsan, and the Han River, potentially adding a Greenway Bridge at Dongjak Bridge.
• Gyeongbu Railway Axis: Focus on connectivity between stations and planned parks.
• Gyeongbu Expressway Axis: Improve connections between Gangnam, the Han River, and central Seoul, reviewing Toegye-ro and Hannam-daero revitalization.