Hahn Byung-do: Yongsan Park Utilization Must Be Discussed From Perspective of Housing for Future Generations

Regarding the government's recent hint at utilizing the Yongsan Park site for housing supply, Democratic Party Floor Leader Hahn Byung-do stated today, "The utilization plan for the Yongsan Park site must be calmly discussed from the perspective of providing high-quality, affordable housing that future generations can manage in locations close to their workplaces."

During a policy coordination meeting held at the National Assembly today, Floor Leader Hahn emphasized, "The Democratic Party will place top priority on housing supply for future generations, including young adults and newlyweds."

Regarding the Special Act on Yongsan Park enacted under the Roh Moo-hyun administration in 2007, he said, "While the legislative intent of the law should be respected, discussing better ways to utilize the site should not be blocked."

He explained, "At the time [of the enactment of the special act], turning the entire site into a park was a national consensus. However, nearly 20 years have passed since then, and the housing realities for young adults and newlyweds, as well as Seoul's housing demand and population structure, have changed significantly."

The Special Act on the Establishment of Yongsan Park mandates that the entire main site of the Yongsan U.S. military base returned by the United States must be developed as a park, and prohibits changing its use for purposes other than a park.

To supply housing in Yongsan Park, the Special Act on the Establishment of Yongsan Park must be amended.

Directing his remarks at Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, Floor Leader Hahn pointed out, "What on earth is the reason for opposing even reviewing the utilization of park sites that struggle to function properly as green spaces? There is no need to pick a fight from the review stage by calling it reckless development."

He urged, "Finding a way together to preserve green spaces while creating opportunities for youth would be a responsible approach. Mayor Oh and the People Power Party, please change your standard for viewing Yongsan to the lives of the youth."

(Photo: Yonhap News)
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