Sangam to become leisure hub like Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island: Seoul mayor

Sangam-dong in western Seoul is set to transform into a family-friendly entertainment hub. Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon revealed his plan to develop the western Seoul area as he visited Yas Island, located in northern Abu Dhabi.

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, second from right, speaks while looking around Yas Island in Abu Dhabi on Thursday during his weeklong trip to the United Arab Emirates. [SEOUL METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT]

Sangam-dong in western Seoul is set to transform into a family-friendly entertainment hub, similar to Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon revealed his plan to develop the western Seoul area as he visited Yas Island, located in northern Abu Dhabi, on Thursday during his weeklong trip to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

"I will revitalize the Sangam area, the gateway of western Seoul, into a vibrant and attractive space representing the capital by incorporating various references observed during this trip and drawing from other domestic cases," Oh said.

According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, around 11,000 people visit Yas Island daily.

Previously a desert island, the area transformed into a 25-square-kilometer (6,177-acre) entertainment area, featuring renowned theme parks like Ferrari World and the largest indoor sky diving flight chamber, CLYMB. Last year, around 340 million people visited, of which family visitors account for 60 percent.

The mayor emphasized that Sangam is the ideal area to transform into a leisure space for families due to its ample empty spaces and greenery, including Haneul and Noeul parks. He aims to transform Sangam into an "eco, fun and creative city."

A rendered image of the Ferris wheel to be built in Sangam-dong, western Seoul, tentatively named Seoul Twin Eye [SEOUL METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT]

The highlight of the transformation will be the Ferris wheel, tentatively named Seoul Twin Eye, to be constructed in Pyeongwha Park. The mayor unveiled the project in March last year. The Ferris wheel, capable of holding up to 1,440 people, is expected to begin construction as early as 2026.

The Mapo Agricultural and Fisheries Market will also undergo redevelopment to become a more open area showcasing various aspects of Korean culture, such as food. The Oil Tank Culture Park, an oil tank depot that transformed into a park in 2017, will become a space offering media art experiences by the second half of 2025.

Parts of Sangam-dong will also be connected together by creating pathways from Noeul Park to Haneul Park and from Gangbyeonbuk-ro to Hangang Park.

A rendered image of DMC landmark tower to be built in Sangam-dong, Mapo District, in western Seoul [SEOUL METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT]

Large unused lands, including the Sangam DMC landmark site and the Seobu License Examination Center, will also undergo development to bring in facilities for creative industries.

Additionally, accessibility to the area will be enhanced by introducing new transportation options such as zip lines, monorails and moving walkways, the Seoul mayor said.

On Friday, Oh also visited the Saadiyat Cultural District, home to the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the upcoming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, which could serve as another reference for the Sangam transformation plan. The district is part of Abu Dhabi’s major project to boost tourism and transform the capital into a city of culture.

BY CHO JUNG-WOO [cho.jungwoo1@joongang.co.kr]