Kwon Young-se, a lawmaker representing Yongsan, met with Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon on August 18 at Seoul City Hall to discuss the government's housing supply policy utilizing Yongsan Park.
Before the meeting, Kwon told reporters, "Yongsan Park should become a landmark of South Korea," adding, "The idea of dismantling Yongsan Park to build apartments is something even a military government would not consider."
Mayor Oh also stated, "As national income increases, green spaces and park areas must be secured," emphasizing that incorporating apartments into Yongsan Park through amendments to related laws cannot be a policy chosen at the discretion of a single administration. He noted that without public discourse, it would be difficult to gain the agreement of Yongsan residents and Seoul citizens.
After their 30-minute private meeting, Kwon spoke to reporters again, suggesting alternative sites such as the National Defense Financial Management Agency site, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs parking lot, and the Bank of Korea staff housing in Huam-dong. He expressed his anger at the lack of effort to explore alternatives, stating, "The plan to utilize Yongsan Park must be withdrawn."
Meanwhile, Mayor Oh is scheduled to meet with Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Kim Yoon-deok on August 20. He explained, "It will take years just to clean up contaminated soil, which must be addressed in our relationship with the U.S. military," adding that he would listen to the government's position before making a judgment.
Before the meeting, Kwon told reporters, "Yongsan Park should become a landmark of South Korea," adding, "The idea of dismantling Yongsan Park to build apartments is something even a military government would not consider."
Mayor Oh also stated, "As national income increases, green spaces and park areas must be secured," emphasizing that incorporating apartments into Yongsan Park through amendments to related laws cannot be a policy chosen at the discretion of a single administration. He noted that without public discourse, it would be difficult to gain the agreement of Yongsan residents and Seoul citizens.
After their 30-minute private meeting, Kwon spoke to reporters again, suggesting alternative sites such as the National Defense Financial Management Agency site, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs parking lot, and the Bank of Korea staff housing in Huam-dong. He expressed his anger at the lack of effort to explore alternatives, stating, "The plan to utilize Yongsan Park must be withdrawn."
Meanwhile, Mayor Oh is scheduled to meet with Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Kim Yoon-deok on August 20. He explained, "It will take years just to clean up contaminated soil, which must be addressed in our relationship with the U.S. military," adding that he would listen to the government's position before making a judgment.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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