The Seoul Metropolitan Government has decided to abandon its plan to build a skyscraper that was planned to be over 100 stories tall as part of the Sangam DMC Landmark project in Mapo-gu, Sangam-dong. After four bidding rounds yielded no applicants by May 2024, a city official announced on 7 July 2024 that the project will be changed due to rising construction costs and funding difficulties.
Originally proposed in 2002 to serve as a landmark for northwest Seoul, the 37,262 square meter site and DMC project aimed to build a 133-story skyscraper. However, funding issues led to its cancellation in 2012, leaving the site vacant for 12 years. Efforts to revive the project in 2021 showed little interest from developers/bidders even after easing conditions.
Seoul now plans to explore alternatives like cultural and sports facilities, such as a performance hall or a stadium, inspired by landmarks like the Sphere in Las Vegas and will do a feasibility study to review potential outcomes. This shift will involve revising designated uses and selecting a new preferred bidder, potentially delaying the project further.
The city also plans to develop surrounding areas, including several parks and the proposed Seoul Ring Ferris wheel and a gondola connecting Haneul Park and Noeul Park. Residents expressed frustration over the prolonged vacancy of the core DMC site.