Seoul Mayor Proposes Tancheon Site Over Yongsan Park, Urges Government Withdrawal

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon has proposed developing the Tancheon Water Recycling Center site for public housing and an AI/R&D complex, presenting it as a viable alternative to the government's Yongsan Park plans. Oh urged the government to "withdraw" its "hastily planned" approach to the Yongsan project, suggesting the Tancheon site could accommodate over 10,000 housing units and a significant R&D hub, thereby centralizing Seoul's industrial functions and addressing youth housing needs.

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The government's recent policy approach of hastily touching the Yongsan Park should be withdrawn.

Oh emphasized that the Tancheon proposal is not a last-minute idea, stating that a master plan was completed two years ago and is currently under review by private developers. He noted that the Tancheon site offers greater capacity and a superior living environment compared to the land designated for Yongsan Park. The mayor is scheduled to discuss these plans with the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport on August 26, following an initial meeting that reportedly only confirmed their differing stances.

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It is by no means a hastily made proposal.

In addition to the Yongsan Park debate, Mayor Oh criticized the ruling party's proposal to transfer redevelopment and reconstruction authority for projects under 500 units to district chiefs. He dismissed it as an "impulsive election promise" that misleads the public, arguing that crucial decisions like project implementation and management are already under district chief authority. Oh also commented on internal party matters, suggesting that the current moment requires leadership focused on "synergy through integration" and described disciplinary actions against party members as "the lowest form of politics."

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It seems like an impulsive election promise that only comes out during election campaigns.