District removes illegal structures standing for 50 to 60 years at 23 sites; builds 'Gangbuk model' using AI CCTV and drones to prevent recurrence
Seoul's Gangbuk-gu has been recognized for resolving decades of illegal encroachments on streams and valleys and restoring public access to waterways.
The district won the top prize from the Good Local Government Council at the 2026 Good Local Governance Policy Competition, held Friday at the National Assembly's Sarangjae hall, for its "Gangbuk-style stream and valley cleanup" policy.
Organized by the Good Local Government Council, the competition drew 37 local governments that shared outstanding regional policies and explored ways to advance local autonomy.
Gangbuk-gu launched the cleanup after restaurants and other businesses had long occupied streamside sites along Insuчeon, erecting flat platforms and temporary structures that blocked residents from using the area.
Starting in 2024, the district held merchant briefings and conducted about 80 on-site visits to encourage voluntary removal. As a result, all 19 illegal facilities along Insuчeon were cleared by February last year without resorting to administrative forced removal.
This year, the district formed a joint task force led by the deputy district mayor to expand the cleanup to all streams and valleys within its boundaries.
As of last September, 424 of 434 illegal structures at the 23 targeted sites had been cleared — a removal rate of 97.7 percent.
Gangbuk-gu went beyond simply tearing down illegal structures, placing equal emphasis on preventing their return.
To that end, the district built what it calls the "Gangbuk five-point management model," covering: fencing and tree planting to deter illegal occupation; closure of unlicensed businesses to cut off illegal operations; round-the-clock monitoring via AI CCTV; drone-based mapping of stream spatial data; and creation of public recreational spaces.
Residents are already seeing tangible changes in the landscape.
Along the cleared stretch of Insuчeon, the district has laid a 1.74-kilometer healing deck road connecting to the Bukhansan Dullegil trail network. Access paths to the stream and rest areas have also been expanded so all residents can enjoy nature close to home.
Going forward, Gangbuk-gu plans to strengthen its permanent monitoring system and develop gardens and rest areas on cleared vacant land, transforming its streams and valleys into eco-friendly spaces centered on residents.
"This award carries great meaning because it recognizes our efforts to resolve long-standing illegal encroachments on streams and valleys and return those spaces to all residents," Gangbuk-gu District Mayor Jeong Chang-su said. "Through systematic management and continuous environmental improvement, we will build waterways where every resident can enjoy nature up close."
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