Yoon Duk-kun, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and Oh Se-hoon, the Mayor of Seoul, discussed expanding housing supply in Seoul by utilizing parts of Yongsan Park, but they only reaffirmed their significant differences in stance. The two sides also discussed the use of damaged greenbelt areas and easing regulations for private redevelopment, but they could not reach a conclusion and agreed to meet again next week.
After about an hour of discussions at the Dalgaebi Conference House in Jung-gu, Seoul, Yoon told reporters, "We exchanged many opinions on the housing issue, but confirmed our differences in position. A significant portion of misunderstandings surrounding our thoughts has been resolved, and we agreed to meet again next week."
The main point of contention during the meeting was the proposal to use parts of Yongsan Park for housing supply. Yoon reportedly suggested a limited supply of housing for youth, newlyweds, and multi-child families, focusing on areas that have already been damaged or where existing buildings are located, rather than developing the entire park.
In contrast, Oh maintained his existing position of principled opposition to using Yongsan Park land for housing.
Yoon stated, "Preserving Yongsan Park and supplying housing to youth and newlyweds are not mutually exclusive; we should seek a way to reconcile both objectives."
However, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport clarified that no specific development targets or supply volumes have been determined regarding the use of Yongsan Park. Yoon mentioned that while he cited areas already used for residential purposes, such as military housing, he did not specify particular locations, adding that the discussion would take place during forums or public deliberation committees.
When asked whether they would proceed with public deliberation even if the Seoul city government continued to oppose the plan, Yoon avoided a direct answer, stating, "We need to discuss this again next week before reaching a conclusion." He also noted that the timing of the return of the land, soil contamination cleanup costs, and cost-sharing methods have not yet been specifically reviewed.
The proposal to utilize damaged greenbelt areas for housing supply was also on the agenda. Yoon conveyed the need to limit the use of greenbelt areas that have already been damaged, such as those with vinyl greenhouses. However, he denied interpretations that the Seoul city government had agreed to some releases, stating, "We did not engage in specific discussions on that matter."
The two sides also failed to reach a conclusion on easing regulations to promote private redevelopment. Oh reportedly requested that the government accept the regulatory improvements proposed by the Seoul city government, such as increasing the floor area ratio for private redevelopment projects.
Yoon expressed understanding of Seoul's position that easing the floor area ratio could enhance project viability and expand housing supply, but he also raised concerns that it could potentially stimulate real estate prices. He remarked, "Having confirmed our respective positions, we need to listen to more opinions and internally coordinate our views."
Disagreements also persisted regarding the scale of housing supply in the Yongsan International Business District. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport holds the position that housing supply should be expanded to around 10,000 units, while the Seoul city government has proposed around 8,000 units based on existing plans. Yoon stated, "We discussed the Yongsan International Business District, but we have not reached a conclusion yet. I believe we need to come to some resolution in next week's meeting."
Regarding the nature of the next meeting, Yoon described it as a gathering in a very friendly atmosphere aimed at reaching a positive conclusion, emphasizing the need to convey a hopeful message to the citizens of Seoul and the metropolitan area, especially to youth and newlyweds.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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