Seoul Mayor Vows to Protect Yongsan Park Amid Development Concerns

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon has pledged to defend Yongsan Park, the capital's final significant green space, against plans for apartment construction. "No matter what happens, Yongsan Park must be protected, and I will absolutely protect it," Oh declared at a political forum on real estate policy.

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No matter what happens, Yongsan Park must be protected, and I will absolutely protect it.

Oh expressed deep concern over moves to push for apartment development within the park, emphasizing that preserving Yongsan Park for leisure, relaxation, and ecological purposes is a legally established social consensus. He noted that Seoul's per capita green space is significantly lower than that of global cities like New York, London, and Paris. "This principle has been upheld by every past administration, regardless of political affiliation," Oh stated, criticizing the current government's approach.

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This principle has been upheld by every past administration, regardless of political affiliation.

The mayor accused the current administration of attempting to use the Yongsan Park issue to deflect responsibility for failing to control housing prices. He argued that sacrificing the park for short-term gains and undermining legal principles would erode public trust. "It is clear self-contradiction to tighten urban redevelopment while seeking solutions from green assets like Yongsan Park," he added, criticizing the government's perceived ideological approach to housing.

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It is clear self-contradiction to tighten urban redevelopment while seeking solutions from green assets like Yongsan Park.

Lawmakers from the ruling party also voiced strong opposition. Bae Hyun-jin described the government's policies as "extremely flimsy and cunning," suggesting they effectively tell Seoul residents to leave the city. Cho Eun-hee criticized the proposed tax reforms, calling them "filial piety taxes" (a reference to a traditional practice of abandoning elders), and argued that urban redevelopment should be prioritized before building on Yongsan Park. Kim Jae-sup expressed personal frustration with rising housing costs, stating his dislike for President Lee Jae-myung has intensified.

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The government's policies are extremely flimsy and cunning.