Public housing eyed for Seoul's Yongsan Park, including Children's Garden

South Korea's Minister of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport, Kim Hyun-mee, has revealed a plan to explore the possibility of constructing public housing within Yongsan Park, a significant urban redevelopment area in Seoul. This consideration notably includes the Yongsan Children's Garden, a space currently designated for public use.

The proposal is framed as part of the government's '8.13 Housing Supply Speed-Up Plan,' which aims to provide a substantial number of new housing units. The ministry previously announced plans to identify new development sites, including areas in Namyangju, Gangseo District, and Gwangju Station, with a goal of releasing an additional 73,000 units by the end of the year. Minister Kim indicated that these new sites are in the final stages of administrative procedures for public review.

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My judgment is that we must consider all possibilities for building public housing on appropriate sites within Yongsan Park, including the Yongsan Children's Garden.

However, the inclusion of the Yongsan Children's Garden and other parts of Yongsan Park for housing development is a contentious issue. The park, a former U.S. military base, is envisioned as a large public green space. Estimates suggest that housing for 4,000 to 5,000 units could be built on parts of the returned land, including areas near the former U.S. Embassy housing. The government is reportedly considering these units for young couples and newlyweds as a form of housing ladder.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government has expressed strong opposition to the plan, citing the need to protect green spaces and addressing local resident concerns. This conflict highlights a broader tension between the government's drive to increase housing supply and the city's commitment to preserving urban greenery and public recreational areas. Minister Kim also mentioned plans for the reorganization of the Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH) and the principle of relocating public institutions from Seoul.

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The Yongsan Children's Garden is not included in the 73,000 units announced yesterday, but it is a place that can be additionally considered, and I think it would be good to consider other sites within Yongsan Park together.