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| Seoul will build an underground complex connecting 12 subway stations in downtown areas. / Graphic by Cho Sang-won |
By Lee Jin-a
Seoul will develop a sprawling underground complex downtown by building a 400-meter passage to link two squares stretching for 4.5 kilometers.
Between 2020 and 2025, Seoul City will build the underground passage linking Seoul City Hall to Gwanghwamun subway station. People will be able to walk underground through 12 subway stations and 30 surrounding shopping and business areas.
Seoul hopes the complex will increase pedestrian traffic and business.
"Although there have been cases of individual buildings being connected to underground pedestrian passageways, this is the first time that dozens of skyscrapers will be connected," a city official said.
Private enterprise first proposed the project with a plan to reconstruct buildings in the area.
The project will cost an estimated 1 trillion won ($905 million).
