Seoul's multi-core city vision adds four new metropolitan centers to its existing three, with Godeok-Gangil among the newly designated hubs
Area to be developed as a specialized AI and knowledge-industry zone, anchored by Godeok Biz Valley and the Godeok vehicle depot
Gangdong-gu said the designation of Godeok-Gangil as a "metropolitan center" under Seoul's newly announced G3 Seoul Plan has laid the groundwork for the area to emerge as a new economic and industrial hub in eastern Seoul.
The G3 Seoul Plan is the top-level strategic vision of the ninth elected Seoul city administration, aimed at elevating Seoul to the ranks of the world's three most competitive cities while improving residents' quality of life. The Seoul Metropolitan Government outlined a plan to build a multi-core urban structure by adding four new metropolitan centers to the existing three — the historic city center, Yeouido and Gangnam. The four newly designated metropolitan centers are Godeok-Gangil, Sangam-Susaek, Gasan-Guro and Changdong-Sanggye.
With the designation, the Godeok-Gangil area has been elevated to metropolitan-center status, on top of the existing district-level centers of Cheonho-Gildong and Amsa-Godeok, significantly raising Gangdong-gu's urban profile and development potential.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to develop Godeok-Gangil into a specialized zone centered on knowledge-based industries such as AI. The vision is to grow the area into an economic hub driving next-generation industries by linking it with key sites including Godeok Biz Valley and the Godeok vehicle depot. Stronger metropolitan connectivity with neighboring Greater Seoul cities such as Hanam and Seongnam is also expected to help expand the eastern Seoul economic zone.
The plan incorporates a core concept from Gangdong-gu's own "Gangdong Grand Design Urban Development Master Plan" — the development of a key gateway hub centered on Godeok Biz Valley and the Godeok vehicle depot.
High-density mixed-use redevelopment and the expansion of industrial and economic functions at major project sites — including Godeok Biz Valley, the Godeok vehicle depot and the Godeok civil servant apartment complex — are expected to accelerate as a result. Gangdong-gu said it plans to strengthen the foundation for a self-sufficient city that integrates employment, residential, cultural and transportation functions in line with the metropolitan-center designation.
The district said it intends to use the designation as a springboard to raise its standing as a central city for a population of 500,000 in the eastern metropolitan area, and will work closely with the Seoul Metropolitan Government during the forthcoming revision of the 2040 Seoul Urban Master Plan to develop a concrete vision for the Godeok-Gangil metropolitan center.
"The designation of Godeok-Gangil as a metropolitan center is a pivotal turning point for Gangdong-gu to emerge as a self-sufficient city leading the economy and industry of eastern Seoul," Gangdong-gu District Mayor Lee Su-hee said. "We will work closely with the Seoul Metropolitan Government to push forward key projects — including Godeok Biz Valley and the Godeok vehicle depot — with real momentum, and realize a 'Wannabe Gangdong' where jobs, culture and lifestyle come together as the life people want."
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