PHOTOS: Once a Seoul landmark, Sewoon Plaza faces urban redevelopment controversy

SEOUL, June 17 (AJU PRESS) - Sewoon Plaza, located in Seoul's Jongno, is South Korea's first mixed-use residential and commercial complex. Completed in 1968, Sewoon Plaza was once a landmark of the capital city, serving as the only place in the country where people could find various electronic products and specialized books.

Although it has experienced decline and deterioration over the years, numerous workshops that supply electronic components and offer custom orders still thrive in and around Sewoon Plaza.

As the redevelopment of the nearby Cheonggyecheon area progresses, some have raised concerns that the current Sewoon Plaza, a result of former Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon's urban regeneration project, may be an obstacle. However, the merchants in Sewoon Plaza and its surrounding areas continue to operate their businesses resolutely.

Photo taken on June 14 2024 shows the Sewoon Plaza a mixed-use residential and commercial complex located in Jongno Seoul AJU PRESS Park Jong-hyeok — This photo shows Sewoon Plaza, Korea’s first mixed-use residential and commercial complex, in Jongno, Seoul, on June 14, 2024. AJU PRESS Park Jong-hyeok

High-rise apartments loom behind Sewoon Plaza contrasting the historic landmark with surrounding urban development AJU PRESS Park Jong-hyeok — High-rise apartments are seen behind the run-down Sewoon Plaza in Jongno, Seoul, on June 14, 2024. AJU PRESS Park Jong-hyeok

Citizens stroll through the old downtown area surrounding Sewoon Plaza AJU PRESS Park Jong-hyeok — Citizens walk through the old downtown area surrounding Sewoon Plaza in Jongno, Seoul, on June 14, 2024. AJU PRESS Park Jong-hyeok

During former Seoul Mayor Park Won-soons tenure Sewoon Plaza was branded as a Makercity through an urban regeneration project AJU PRESS Park Jong-hyeok — This photo shows the signboard of Sewoon Plaza in Jongno, Seoul, on June 14, 2024. The complex was rebranded as Makercity through an urban regeneration project initiated by former Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon. AJU PRESS Park Jong-hyeok

Park Jong-hyeok qkrwhdgur2164@ajupress.com