In a packed auditorium on the 6th, Dongjak District Mayor Park Ilha officially launched a transformative roadmap for 2026, signaling a year where massive urban development meets high-end resident welfare.

The "2026 New Year’s Meeting," attended by over 500 officials and residents, served as the stage for Mayor Park to announce that Dongjak is no longer just a residential hub, but a burgeoning global destination.

The Crown Jewel: Banpocheon Park Golf Upgrade

Among the most anticipated cultural and sports announcements is the comprehensive upgrade of the Banpocheon Park Golf Course. Recognizing the surging popularity of park golf among both seniors and younger generations, the district aims to transform the facility into a premium sports landmark.

"Park golf" is a specific format of the sport, distinct from traditional golf, typically played with fewer clubs (one club and ball) on shorter, dedicated courses within a park setting. 

The upgrade is part of a larger push to modernize leisure spaces, which includes:

• Establishing premium sports facilities in Noryangjin.
• Building a state-of-the-art 1,900-seat performance hall.
• Creating specialized experiential learning spaces for English, Mathematics, and Science.

A District Reimagined: 2.73 Million Square Meters of Growth

Mayor Park highlighted that large-scale development projects covering a staggering 2.73 million square meters are now fully underway. This "New Dongjak" initiative includes:

• Han River Skyscrapers: The attraction of a high-rise complex shopping mall designed to maximize Han River views.
• Noryangjin Transformation: The redevelopment of the former district office site and the construction of high-end apartment complexes throughout the area.
• Infrastructure Overhaul: Easing congestion through the expansion of the Sangdo Tunnel and the start of construction on the Isu-Gwacheon complex tunnel.

"New Filial Piety" and Youth Welfare

While the skyline changes, Mayor Park emphasized that the district’s heart remains with its people. The new "New Filial Piety Series" will introduce "Filial Piety Cards" and dedicated "Filial Piety Restaurants" to support the elderly. Simultaneously, the district is doubling down on youth support by expanding affordable housing and creating public sector jobs.

"This year, we will clearly demonstrate Dongjak’s transformation into a city that attracts attention not just in Seoul, but around the world," Mayor Park Ilha stated during his address.

With the "MacGyver Center" expanding its reach and deep drainage tunnels being bored under Dorimcheon for climate safety, Dongjak's 2026 strategy appears to be a balanced blend of ambitious vertical growth and grassroots community care.

"New Filial Piety" and Youth Welfare

While the skyline changes, Mayor Park emphasized that the district’s heart remains with its people. The new "New Filial Piety Series" will introduce "Filial Piety Cards" and dedicated "Filial Piety Restaurants" to support the elderly. Simultaneously, the district is doubling down on youth support by expanding affordable housing and creating public sector jobs.

"This year, we will clearly demonstrate Dongjak’s transformation into a city that attracts attention not just in Seoul, but around the world," Mayor Park Ilha stated during his address.

With the "MacGyver Center" expanding its reach and deep drainage tunnels being bored under Dorimcheon for climate safety, Dongjak's 2026 strategy appears to be a balanced blend of ambitious vertical growth and grassroots community care.