Seoul Mayor, Minister to Hold Third Meeting on Yongsan Park Housing Dispute

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon and Land, Infrastructure and Transport Minister Kim Hyun-mee are set to hold their third meeting this week to negotiate the development of Yongsan Park. The core of their disagreement lies in the proposal to build housing within the park's designated area. Seoul City is currently coordinating the exact date for the discussion, which was proposed by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport for the 25th.

During their previous two meetings, the officials confirmed significant differences in their positions. The Ministry advocates for utilizing parts of the Yongsan Park site, which they argue have already been compromised in terms of park and green space functions, to supply housing for young adults and newlyweds. This approach aims to address Seoul's housing shortage.

Seoul City, however, opposes the plan, asserting that areas with existing structures are designated as future parkland. They argue that building housing would undermine the long-term vision for Yongsan Park as a comprehensive green space. The city's stance emphasizes preserving the integrity of the park's main area for public use and ecological benefit, rather than sacrificing it for immediate housing needs. The discussions are crucial for shaping the future of a significant urban development project in the heart of Seoul.