Of its various Newtown Initiatives, Gyeonggi Province has now disclosed the blueprints for Bucheon (Gogang, Wonmi, and Sosa), which was the first provincial area designated as a target for redevelopment, and Guri (Inchang and Sutaek), which was the second provincial area designated as a target for redevelopment.

Gyeonggi Province disclosed the Newtown Vision at the Korea Small Business Center at 10:00 A.M. on January 28, and announced individual development plans for 2 cities and 4 regions. According to the plans, the Gogang area of Bucheon will be developed as an eco-friendly zone, and the Sosa area will be developed into a zone with boardwalks. The Wonmi area will become a growth base, and Inchang and Sutaek in Guri will be developed as eco-friendly zones in the future.

The construction of Gogang Newtown in Bucheon, which will occupy an area of about 1.77 million in Gogang-dong and Wonjong-dong, Ojeong-gu, Bucheon, will be completed in 2020. The Gogang area, which was designated as an eco-city pilot project by the Korean Ministry of Environment, will feature eco-friendly living spaces with favorable natural environments.

This area offers diverse natural and historical resources, and is in high demand as a residential city adjacent to Seoul, Magok, and Incheon. Wonjong Station, which is to be completed by 2016, is expected to fuel the development of this area. Professor Jeong Chang-moo of Seoul National University, who is in charge of the overall Gogang area development plan, said, “Two large-sized parks, including an Open Park and a Pre-Historic Park, will be built in the area. The area will be developed as an eco-friendly residential area where environmental, educational, and industrial interests are harmonized.”

The construction of Sosa Newtown in Bucheon, which will occupy an area of approximately 2.50 million in Sosabon-dong, Sosa-gu, Bucheon, will also be completed in 2020. The vision for Sosa area is ‘a city with favorable living environments and pleasant walks’. Gyeongin Yetgil and Goaean Hoaejuro in Sosa area will be developed into boardwalks, and pedestrian passages will be built throughout the entire city to create a safe and dynamic environment for pedestrians. The area will also be developed into a self-sufficient city where local residents can reside in comfort and policies are formulated that respond to the decreasing birth rate and an aging population.

The construction of Wonmi Newtown in Bucheon, which will occupy an area of about 2.13 million in Wonmi, Chuneui, Simgok, and Sosa-dong of Bucheon, will be completed in 2020. As ChunEui Station of Subway Number 7 will be located in the Wonmi area, the station will be the center of the area. Cultural facilities will be built mainly in Jungangno, and residential buildings will be constructed mainly in Wonmiro. Green spaces connecting Wonmisan (Mountain) and Jungang Park will be developed, and themed streets including Chuneui Cultural Street, Demonstration Street, and Film & Animation Street will be built.

Inchang and Sutaek Newtown in Guri, which will occupy an area of about 2.07 million will be constructed in Inchang-dong, Sutaek-dong, and Gyomun-dong of Guri. This area was the gateway to Seoul which connected the northeastern part of Gyeonggi Province and Gangwon Province, but the status of this area has weakened due to rapid development of the adjacent areas. To respond to this, the province established an urban development plan for an eco-friendly future city with a rich living environment in order to revive the ideal of an eco-friendly urban center. The plan includes active efforts to attract businesses through proximity to Seoul, and a plan to build a large commercial complex near the subway station. The green belt, Wangsuk Stream and Han River will be developed into leisure areas that will serve as the foundation for the eco-friendly city.

Officials from the Newtown Project Team said, “It is difficult to talk about the big picture, as detailed schedules for each area differ, but the redevelopment plan will be publicly announced in April. According to the schedule, construction will begin at the end of 2009.” The announced redevelopment plan will be fixed after public inspection and hearings.