The first ‘Korean-style white zone’ without urban planning regulations was selected in June

Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, spatial innovation zone selection briefing session

No restrictions on use, loose volume/building-to-land ratio
Creation of special convergence urban development zone
A representative example of Singapore Marina Bay
Introduction of 3 types including urban innovation and mixed use
Contest for local governments until May 17th
Yongsan Railway Maintenance Depot No. 1 candidate site mentioned

The ‘Korean-style white zone (unregulated area)’ project site, where land use restrictions are removed and floor area ratio and building-to-land ratio are freely determined by local governments, will be selected in June. It is expected that it will be possible to build a high-density complex like Singapore’s Marina Bay on the site of the Yongsan railway maintenance depot in Seoul.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport held an information session at the Sejong Government Complex on the 16th to select candidate sites for the spatial innovation zone leading project for 17 metropolitan cities and provinces across the country.

Candidate sites for spatial innovation zones are selected based on areas with high potential as a base that can lead changes in the existing city center and areas with a high possibility of realization due to the presence of business operators, financial resources, and development demands.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport requested the participating local governments to actively identify idle land resulting from the relocation and compressed layout of metropolitan transportation complex transfer bases, public buildings and terminals, etc. as candidate sites for leading projects.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport plans to select candidate sites for lead projects in June after consulting with experts on areas submitted by local governments by the 17th of next month. We plan to support the final selected lead project site to ensure smooth progress through urban planning committee deliberation and business plan consulting.

The spatial innovation zone was introduced in response to criticism that it is difficult to creatively utilize urban space in the current urban planning system, which strictly regulates land use and density, and will be implemented from August 7. It is a special zone that allows for convergence and complex urban development by loosening regulations on the permitted use of land for buildings and the building-to-land ratio and floor area ratio. Singapore’s Marina Bay is considered a successful example of transformation from an old port hinterland to a complex of residential, tourism, and international business.

The spatial innovation zone is divided into three categories, urban innovation zone, mixed-use zone, and three-dimensional complex zone, depending on the degree of deregulation.

The urban innovation zone is a ‘white zone’ that can be developed freely without restrictions on land use and density in areas where innovative space creation within the city is needed. It is expected that high-density development projects containing various facilities such as offices, hotels, residences, hospitals, and parks will be activated on idle land in the city center. The Yongsan Railroad Maintenance Depot is being discussed as the first site for the urban innovation zone.

A mixed-use area is an area where facilities for various purposes can be installed without changing the use area. Areas that are old and in need of change, but may be suitable for gradual conversion rather than full-scale redevelopment, may be the target site. Apartments and commercial facilities can be built in areas designated as industrial areas, such as Seongsu-dong, Seoul.

The multi-dimensional urban planning facility area is an area where restrictions on the use and density of urban infrastructure sites are relaxed to within two times. Restrictions on the installation of various facilities will be lifted so that urban planning facilities such as sports facilities, parks, and terminals can be used as convergence bases.

Lee Sang-joo, head of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Urban Affairs, said, “Recent demographic, social and industrial changes require the creation of a new complex to ensure the city’s competitiveness,” and added, “We can lead urban change by completely easing existing regulations.” “We will continue to consult with local governments to create a creative and innovative space.”

Reporter Baek So-yong [email protected]

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