A Suburban Mixed-Use Development on the Former Suwon KT&G Factory Site

Suwon, located in Gyeonggi Province adjacent to Seoul, is renowned for its natural landscapes and rich historical heritage. It is home to Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site, along with numerous other significant landmarks from the Joseon Dynasty. The project involves the redevelopment of the former KT&G (Korea Tobacco & Ginseng Corporation) factory site, situated next to Hwaseo Station, a key transport hub in Suwon. Based on Nikken Sekkei’s 2015 master plan, the expansive 26-hectare site has been transformed into a suburban mixed-use development. The plan features a large public park covering nearly half of the site, alongside 2,600 residential units and a diverse array of cultural, commercial, and office spaces. The final commercial facility was completed by the end of 2023, and the entire development officially opened in January 2024. With this transformation, the former factory site has evolved into a vibrant, green centerpiece for Suwon, fostering a new identity as a civic space embraced by the community.

Establishing a Regional Green Hub: A Vast Urban Green Corridor

A defining feature of this project is the creation of a large-scale green corridor that integrates the site seamlessly with its surrounding landscape. By extending the regional green axis from Sukji Mountain in the south across the site and connecting it to Seohocheon Stream in the north, the project unifies previously fragmented green spaces, forming a continuous and expansive Regional Green Hub. This green corridor not only preserves open views from the mountains but also establishes a natural wind path, allowing fresh air to flow through the site. Additionally, the introduction of an environmentally friendly pedestrian promenade (Ollegil) links Sukji Mountain to Seohocheon Stream, enhancing walkability within the area. At the heart of the plan is Daeyupyeong Park, an 11-hectare central park composed of diverse spaces of differing scales. Designed to accommodate residents, office workers, and visitors to the mixed-use development, the park offers a dynamic and inclusive public space, reinforcing the site's role as a vital green infrastructure within the city.

A New Urban Center in Suwon: A Transit-Oriented Commercial and Cultural Complex Integrated with Hwaseo Station

The project aims to create a second major urban center in Suwo -complementing the areas around Suwon Station and Hwaseong Fortress - by introducing a commercial and cultural complex directly connected to Hwaseo Station, alongside a central park. This strategy fosters a dynamic and engaging urban environment while advancing a transit-oriented development (TOD) model that reduces reliance on automobiles. The master plan prioritizes public transportation, ensuring seamless pedestrian connectivity from the station through the commercial mall, central park, and residential areas. This pedestrian-focused network extends beyond the immediate station vicinity, naturally integrating with the surrounding cityscape. Additionally, primary vehicular routes have been placed underground to maintain continuity in the park, while a carefully planned network of parking facilities ensures that the ground level remains a pedestrian-first urban environment.

Transforming the City's DNA: A Design That Enhances Social and Environmental Value

In this project, Nikken Sekkei has integrated the urban and natural contexts seamlessly, creating spaces that address contemporary needs while contributing to the creation of an urban environment that is both cherished by the community and socially significant.

Project Overview

Project name: Master Plan for the Redevelopment of the Former Suwon KT&G Factory Site (Including Suwon Starfield and Daeyupyeong Park)

Purpose: Residential - Approximately 2,600 units (Planned population: ~6,500) 50%; Non-residential: 50% (Mixed-use functions including offices, commercial, and cultural facilities)

Location (city, prefecture): Jangan District and Paldal District, Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea

Site area: Approximately 30.6 ha (including 3.9 ha of Sukji Mountain)

Total floor area: Approximately 950,000 m² (Above-ground: ~600,000 m², Underground: ~350,000 m²)

Eave height / maximum height: Approximately 150 m

Main structure:RC, SRC

Completion month/year: December 2023

Credits

Client name (English): KT&G CORPORATION

Lead architect: Nikken Sekkei (Master Plan), Tomoon Architects & Engineers (Residential Section), Haeahn Architecture (Commercial Section)

Main scope: Nikken Sekkei (Master Plan)

Photo credit 1: 24graph