Seoul Mayor Proposes Relocating Water Center for Youth Housing Near Yongsan Park

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon has officially proposed relocating the Cheongtan Water Reclamation Center and establishing a youth-focused industrial and housing complex as alternative solutions for housing supply near Yongsan Park. The city is also seeking an increase in redevelopment zoning ratios, potentially up to 1.2 times the legal maximum, a proposal the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport appears to be considering positively.

Following a 50-minute meeting with Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Kim Hyun-mee, Oh briefed reporters that while a final decision was not reached, he felt opinions were converging. The two officials agreed to meet again in about a week to continue discussions. Mayor Oh reiterated Seoul's stance on preserving the entire Yongsan Park site, emphasizing its necessity for historical context, ecological value, and urban structure.

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The entire Yongsan Park site must be preserved. Given its historical context, ecological value, and urban spatial structure, such a green space in the heart of the city is essential. Seoul cannot concede on this.

As an alternative, Seoul suggested relocating the Cheongtan Water Reclamation Center and utilizing the vacated site for a physical AI-specialized industrial complex and a residential area primarily for young people. This proposal, formally presented to Minister Kim, was met with a commitment to review it. Seoul's master plan for the Cheongtan Water Reclamation Center and the confluence of Yangjaecheon and Cheongtan Stream was established in May 2024, with a current private investment suitability review for the relocation expected to conclude by year-end. The exact relocation site, however, remains undisclosed.

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We felt that opinions have narrowed on various aspects.

The city plans to fund the relocation by leveraging the nearby Dongbu Road Management Office and SETEC sites, valued at approximately 5.5 trillion won. Seoul intends to inject about 500 billion won as initial capital, attracting private investment to facilitate both the facility relocation and housing construction. Mayor Oh stated that the negotiation is predicated on the water reclamation center's move, adding that the relocation would actually improve the surrounding residential environment by mitigating current odor concerns.

Discussions also covered easing regulations for redevelopment projects. Seoul's request to raise redevelopment zoning ratios to 1.2 times the legal limit is reportedly being viewed favorably by the ministry. This adjustment could significantly increase the number of new housing units, potentially adding 43,000 units to the 87,000 projected net increase from projects slated to begin by 2031, bringing the total to 130,000 units. Mayor Oh expressed anticipation for a comprehensive agreement at their next meeting.

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The negotiation is based on the premise of relocating the water reclamation center.