The initiative, set to begin next month and slated for completion by late 2026, aims to breathe new life into the aging commercial hub through a series of urban renewal projects and infrastructure upgrades.
The Dongdaemun area, which emerged in the 1990s as the country’s premier destination for fashion wholesale and retail, has seen a steep decline, buffeted by shifting consumer habits and the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic.
As part of the revitalization effort, city officials plan to introduce green corridors connecting the DDP with nearby Hullyeon Park and other scattered green spaces. The plan also envisions new residential developments to counteract the effects of urban hollowing.
The redesign seeks to address the district’s fragmented architecture, creating a more seamless pedestrian experience between the landmark plaza and surrounding commercial areas.
“We are committed to laying the groundwork for new industries while transforming this district into one of downtown Seoul’s premier landmarks,” said Cho Nam-jun, head of the city’s Urban Planning Bureau.
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