Apgujeong Zone 2 clears integrated review for first time, paving way for 2,381-unit Han River complex

Apgujeong Zone 2 has become the first of the Apgujeong reconstruction zones to clear the integrated review process, confirming its transformation into a 2,381-unit complex along the Han River. With the nearby Sinbanpo 16 complex also set to break ground next year, landmark residential developments across Gangnam are moving into high gear.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government said Friday that Zone 2 of the Apgujeong reconstruction area in Gangnam-gu — currently the Hyundai 9, 11 and 12 complexes — received conditional approval at the 13th Integrated Urban Renewal Review Committee meeting held Thursday.

The city designated Apgujeong Zone 2, with Hyundai E&C as contractor, as a special architectural zone and called for improved public access to the Han River and Jamwon Hangang Park to the north. Under the plan, a public pedestrian pathway will run through the complex, along with publicly accessible facilities including a senior center, a daycare center and a small library.

"It is significant that this is the first conditional approval among the Zone 2 through 5 reconstruction projects in Apgujeong, marking passage through a key gateway," said Choi Jin-seok, head of the Seoul Metropolitan Government's housing bureau. "We will do our utmost to support the administrative procedures so that residents can enjoy improved living conditions and citizens can access spaces along the Han River."

All Apgujeong reconstruction zones except Zones 1 and 6 have secured contractors following association establishment approvals, fueling strong expectations for the projects. Hyundai E&C, which won the construction contract for Zone 2 last year, secured contracts for Zones 3 and 5 in the first half of this year, amassing orders worth 10 trillion won ($6.43 billion) across the Apgujeong area. Rival Samsung C&T also won the Zone 4 contract and announced it would introduce a new brand, "Cullinan Apgujeong," for the development.

Reconstruction projects across Gangnam are showing meaningful progress at various stages of development.

Sinbanpo 16 in Seocho-gu also received conditional approval at the integrated review on Thursday, clearing the way for its redevelopment into a residential complex of up to 34 stories with Daewoo Engineering & Construction as contractor. The complex faces the Han River directly and is planned as an open, fence-free development that blends with the riverfront. The project will yield four buildings with 468 units — including 68 public housing units — with ground-breaking targeted for June next year and completion set for 2031.

The Eunma apartment reconstruction project in Daechi-dong, Gangnam-gu, also received project implementation plan approval on the same day. The complex is set to be rebuilt as a residential development of up to 49 stories across 29 buildings with 5,850 units, becoming the first private urban renewal project to receive a transit-oriented area floor-area-ratio bonus. The plan includes 909 public rental units and 195 publicly sold units.

Meanwhile, the 13th Integrated Urban Renewal Review Committee passed a modified conditional approval for the Samik Mansion apartment complex in Myeongil-dong, Gangdong-gu, which is slated for reconstruction into a 9,990-unit development. The Oryu Market redevelopment project in Guro-gu also cleared the integrated review with conditional approval, giving fresh momentum to plans for a mixed-use complex of up to 29 stories with 230 units.