Politics · South Korea · 18 hrs ago
Construction begins on Seoul plan to transform Yongsan electronics district
Construction is due to begin this month in Zone 5 of the Yongsan electronics district in Seoul.
It is the first construction to start under the city’s plan for the area, which covers 11 special planning zones.
The district was once a major center for electronics sales, but online shopping, industrial changes and aging facilities reduced its activity.
Seoul wants to shift the area from electronics retail toward industries based on artificial intelligence and information and communications technology.
The plan includes pedestrian routes and bridges linking the district with Yongsan Station and nearby development areas, along with public facilities such as a startup support center and public parking.
Four zones have received building permits, and projects in several other zones have reached earlier planning stages.
The city says it will support work in the remaining zones and connect the redevelopment with the nearby Yongsan International Business District.
Construction is due to begin this month in Section 5 of Seoul’s Yongsan Electronics Market redevelopment.
The project aims to turn the district from an electronics retail hub into a centre for artificial intelligence and information and communications technology industries.
The redevelopment is part of a strategy announced by Seoul in June 2023 to link the market area with the Yongsan International Business District.
Plans include a 570-metre elevated public walkway, connections between development zones, public facilities and green spaces.
Four of the 11 special planning zones have received building permits, and work has advanced in four other zones.
- Who
- Seoul Metropolitan Government is leading the redevelopment.
- What
- Construction is due to begin in Section 5, part of a plan to redevelop the Yongsan Electronics Market area as an AI and ICT industry hub.
- When
- This month, according to the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s announcement on October 11, 2026.
- Where
- The Yongsan Electronics Market area in Seoul, South Korea.
- Why
- The city aims to renew the area, whose retail activity weakened amid online shopping, industry changes and ageing facilities, and connect it with the Yongsan International Business District.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Yongsan Electronics Market, once the centre of Korea's electronics industry, is now beginning a new leap as a future growth hub leading new AI and ICT industries.
We will actively support the development of individual zones so that this first construction leads to change across the entire area, and work with the Yongsan International Business District to create a future urban space where jobs, industry, green space and culture come together.
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon presented a vision to develop Yongsan as the Silicon Valley of Asia.
Seoul announced a strategy to link the Yongsan International Business District with the Yongsan Electronics Market area.
Seoul said construction in Section 5 would begin this month.
- Development zones
- 11 special planning zones
- Section 5
- Najin Market buildings 12 and 13
- Elevated walkway
- About 570 metres long
- Public parking
- 400 spaces planned
- Public contribution
- About 247 billion won in cash
- Permits
- Building permits completed for 4 zones
Sources
Related news
Lee says he will continue social media outreach and visits to local communities
South Korea’s interior minister orders inspection of regional investigation chief
South Korea parties trade accusations over lawmakers’ children
South Korea puts CPTPP membership application on hold this year
Policy reversals raise concerns about trust in South Korea’s government
South Korea faces criticism over rushed policies and repeated reversals
South Korea’s president says he will continue communicating through social media
South Korea’s ruling party divided over nominee for major crimes agency chief
Democrats question whether Han Dong-hoon interfered in inquiry involving daughter
Ceiling collapse at Daegu supermarket injures 36
South Korea opposition calls for unification minister to resign
