Lee to expand redesign of Seoul center

A presidential architectural commission yesterday unveiled new plans to redesign downtown Seoul with a variety of cultural charms, green landscape and historic monuments.

The committee also outlined its visions of environmentally-friendly residential towns across the country and adorning the surroundings of the four major rivers - to be restored this year - with parks, convenient facilities and upscale homes.

The Presidential Commission on Architecture Policy reported the plans to President Lee Myung-bak during its first general meeting at Cheong Wa Dae.

The panel, launched in December, is formulating a master plan to build a landmark space symbolic of the nation`s history, culture and future at the heart of Seoul.

Last year, the government began revamping the central Gwanghwamun street into a public plaza and a new showcase of Korean arts and culture. The construction will be complete in June.

The commission yesterday proposed extending the project to cover a nearly 7-kilometer stretch leading to a park in the Han River.

Main spots include Gyeongbok Palace, Cheonggye Stream, City Hall, Sungryemun, Seoul Station and Nodeul Island in the Han River.

The street will be complete with public squares, a new national history museum, a national modern art museum, a new large performing arts center and other cultural facilities.

The streets will have more green space and easier access to other cultural heritage and tourist spots, the commission said.

Detailed plans and a time table will be further discussed later, they said.

By Hwang Jang-jin



(jjhwang@heraldm.com)