Kim Yoon-deok, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and Oh Se-hoon, the Mayor of Seoul, will meet again on August 26 to discuss housing supply plans utilizing Yongsan Park. This second meeting comes a week after their initial discussion on August 20, where they only confirmed their differing positions. Attention is focused on whether the government and the city can find common ground on expanding housing supply in downtown Seoul.
According to the government and Seoul City, the two officials will convene at a location in Seoul on the morning of August 26 to discuss housing supply options using part of Yongsan Park and the broader issue of increasing housing supply in the city.
This meeting follows their first encounter on August 20, during which they exchanged views on supplying housing for young people and newlyweds in part of Yongsan Park, but did not reach a clear agreement.
After the initial meeting, Minister Kim told reporters, “We confirmed our different positions and agreed to meet again next week to continue the discussion.”
The main point of contention is how to utilize Yongsan Park. The Ministry of Land believes that limited housing supply is possible by using areas that have already been damaged or previously designated for residential use. Given the lack of capacity for new supply in downtown Seoul, they suggest considering public housing for young people and newlyweds.
In contrast, Mayor Oh opposes housing supply, arguing that the green space and park functions of Yongsan Park must be preserved. He believes that utilizing even a portion of the park for housing could undermine the purpose of creating the park, which serves as a large green space in the heart of Seoul.
Both the government and Seoul City agree on the necessity of expanding housing supply in the city. However, there is a clear divergence in their proposed solutions. The government is open to the possibility of utilizing part of Yongsan Park and expanding public-led supply, while Seoul City emphasizes increasing supply through easing regulations on private redevelopment and reconstruction projects.
Additionally, this upcoming meeting may also address revitalizing urban redevelopment projects, utilizing idle land in the city, and housing supply options for young people and newlyweds. To alleviate concerns about housing shortages in Seoul, cooperation from the city on urban planning and permitting is essential, as the city faces limitations in accelerating redevelopment projects without the government's financial and regulatory authority.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.