The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has expressed its intention to explore housing supply options utilizing parts of Yongsan Park, while the Seoul City government reaffirmed its cautious stance against housing development that would damage the park.
On August 14, Seoul City spokesperson Lee Min-kyung issued a statement emphasizing, "Our position remains unchanged that supplying housing by damaging Yongsan Park, the last large urban green space in Seoul, requires extreme caution."
Earlier that day, Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Kim Yoon-deok revealed that he is considering using not only the Yongsan Children's Garden but the entire Yongsan Park for housing supply. He stated, "We will consult with relevant agencies and strive to supply as many houses as possible, while also addressing pollution, purification issues, U.S. military consultations, and legal procedures."
In response, Seoul City emphasized that Yongsan Park is not merely an idle space but a national asset that must be preserved for the well-being of citizens in the face of climate change and for future generations.
Seoul City explained, "The fundamental purpose of the 'Special Act on the Creation of Yongsan Park' is to preserve Yongsan Park as much as possible for public leisure, rest, and natural ecological space."
While acknowledging the necessity of expanding housing supply, the city stressed that any discussion regarding the use of Yongsan Park should be preceded by sufficient social dialogue and consensus.
Seoul City reiterated, "This is not a matter that should be pursued without adequate social discussion and consensus just to meet immediate supply goals."
As a result, even if discussions occur between the Ministry and Seoul City regarding the use of parts of Yongsan Park for housing supply, the divergence in their positions on park preservation and housing supply is expected to continue for the foreseeable future.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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