Seoul and Ministry Clash Over Green Belt Release in New Real Estate Measures

Conflicting interpretations have emerged between the South Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and Seoul city officials regarding the "August 13 Real Estate Measures," specifically concerning the significant release of the Green Belt for housing development. The government announced plans to ease development restrictions on the Green Belt to boost housing supply.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport stated that designating the entire Seoul Green Belt and surrounding areas as a "land transaction permit zone" was a practical procedural step, implying that an agreement on its release had already been reached with local governments. Minister Kim Yun-deok suggested that the designation allowed for inferences about the Green Belt's inclusion in new housing sites, adding that preparations were complete and agreements finalized, with only administrative procedures pending.

However, Seoul city officials presented a different view. A city representative told Hankyoreh that while practical discussions had occurred, an agreement on releasing the Green Belt had not been reached. Myung No-joon, acting head of the housing division, stressed the need for sufficient consultation on details not yet finalized, such as Green Belt release, the Yongsan International Business District development, and the selection of urban public housing project sites.

The Green Belt release is a key point of contention. While the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport holds the authority to designate public housing zones and approve district plans, which can include Green Belt release, the process requires coordination with Seoul city for infrastructure and surrounding development plans. The government's announced supply sites also require further agreement with the city and the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education regarding land use and facility development.