Land Minister: Considering Housing Supply Across Entire Yongsan Park; Meeting Seoul Mayor on 20th

Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Kim Yoon-deok stated today (August 14) that the government is reviewing plans to utilize not only the Yongsan Children's Garden but also the entire Yongsan Park for housing supply.

During a press conference at the Government Complex Sejong marking his first anniversary in office, Minister Kim responded to a question regarding housing supply using the Yongsan Children's Garden by saying, "Referring to it as the Children's Garden is a narrow concept, and we are looking at the entire Yongsan Park."

He continued, "We are considering building homes by overcoming issues such as contamination and consultations with U.S. forces across large and small plots of land in Yongsan," emphasizing that, "The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport is reviewing all possibilities open for housing supply."

He added, "To actually supply housing in Yongsan Park, consultations are required with the National Assembly, the Seoul Metropolitan Government, Yongsan District, and U.S. forces, alongside resolving legal issues," and noted, "We will make efforts and consult to supply housing."

Regarding differences with the Seoul Metropolitan Government over housing supply, such as Yongsan Park, the Yongsan International Business District, and the lifting of development restriction zones (greenbelts) within Seoul, Minister Kim emphasized his stance on finding common ground through negotiations.

Addressing Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon's negative stance on the government's greenbelt lifting policy, Minister Kim said, "I view this as Mayor Oh Se-hoon's principled stance," and added, "I am scheduled to meet with Mayor Oh on Thursday (the 20th), so dialogue will be necessary."

He stated, "Only when the Ministry of Land and the Seoul city government join hands can we narrow our differences and proceed with housing supply, which in turn benefits the public," and affirmed, "We will cooperate as much as possible with the Seoul Metropolitan Government."

However, explaining that Seoul's consent is not a legal mandatory requirement for designating public housing districts, he made it clear that the government's housing supply policy should not come to a halt simply due to consultations with Seoul.

Minister Kim remarked, "We should not say, 'We have the authority so we will exercise it, and even if our views differ from Seoul, we will go our own way,'" while also stating, "At the same time, the government must not show incompetence by failing to do anything just because Seoul opposes it."

(Photo provided by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.