Seoul's Yongsan-gu plans to roll out an "Integrated Streetscape Urban Spot Project" along Yongni-dan-gil (Han River-daero 148 to Han River-daero 52-gil 41), a major commercial strip in the district, by the end of this year, district mayor Kim Gyeong-dae announced.
Launched alongside the start of the ninth elected-term administration, the project aims to enhance the sense of place and spatial value of the commercial district while strengthening the city's long-term competitiveness.
At its core, the project seeks to build a brand identity unique to Yongni-dan-gil and translate it into a cohesive streetscape. The district selected Yongni-dan-gil as the first pilot site for creating an urban anchor that reflects local identity and character, with plans to gradually expand the integrated streetscape initiative to other neighborhoods in phases.
Yongni-dan-gil has grown into a popular destination where diverse cultures and commercial activity converge, drawing a growing number of visitors. In 2024 and 2025, a pedestrian-environment improvement project upgraded basic infrastructure in the area, but comprehensive streetscape management and spatial design that capture the street's distinct character remained an unfinished task.
In response, the district plans to bring the entire public realm — street scenery, public fixtures, the pedestrian environment and rest areas — under a unified design framework, weaving Yongni-dan-gil's own brand identity throughout the space to create a differentiated integrated streetscape.
The project will be driven by residents, merchants and visitors working together. The participation group is called "Yongni-dan," a community dedicated to shaping positive change along Yongni-dan-gil. The group will convene three times at Ttanjit Seojae (7 Han River-daero 48-gil) within the street. The first session, held June 23, introduced the project, shared local issues and gathered a wide range of opinions on the street's problems and directions for improvement.
The second and third sessions, scheduled for July 15 and Aug. 25, will refine the proposals put forward by residents, merchants and visitors, set priorities and identify actionable design directions. The ideas gathered will go through expert consultation and design review before being developed into a unified streetscape design specific to Yongni-dan-gil, after which detailed design work and the fabrication and installation of fixtures will proceed in sequence. Once the project is complete, a satisfaction survey and follow-up inspection will assess its impact and inform future integrated streetscape initiatives.
Residents, merchants and visitors who wish to participate can apply by scanning the QR code on promotional materials.
"A city's competitiveness begins with its own identity and sense of place," district mayor Kim said. "We will work with residents to build an identity and integrated streetscape unique to Yongni-dan-gil, raise the spatial value of the area, and consistently create urban spaces that reflect the history, culture and character of each neighborhood."
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