Dobong-gu pushes for Seoul Arena tourism zone designation

Dobong-gu held its first party-government consultation meeting of the ninth elected term Tuesday at the district office, bringing together the local chapters of the Democratic Party of Korea for the Dobong-gap and Dobong-eul constituencies to discuss ways to boost the local economy around Seoul Arena and address key district issues, the district announced Wednesday.

The district shared its five-point vision for the Dobong transformation — covering the Changdong economic engine, future transportation and residential innovation, public site development and spatial innovation, education and smart welfare, and resident sovereignty and innovative administration — and discussed cooperation on 15 priority projects, including securing national and city government funding and improving relevant systems.

The party and district government agreed to make the promotion of cultural and tourism industries centered on Seoul Arena, along with the revitalization of the Changdong economy, a core priority, and to work together to spread the economic benefits across all of Dobong-gu. To that end, they agreed to jointly pursue designation of a "Seoul Arena tourism zone" and to expand accommodation, transportation and tourism information infrastructure, as well as tourism content, ahead of the arena's opening.

Seoul Arena, under construction in Changdong, Dobong-gu, will be the largest performance facility in northeastern Seoul, housing an 18,000-seat concert hall, a movie theater and popular music support facilities. It is scheduled to be completed in the first half of next year.

"Seoul Arena is a new growth engine that will transform Dobong's industry, jobs, culture and tourism," Dobong-gu District Mayor Kim Dong-wook said. "We will work closely with the party to ensure that all residents feel the results of the Dobong transformation, and we will push forward key projects with momentum."