Seoul: Land Minister Kim Yun-duk announced that the government is contemplating the use of certain sections of Yongsan Park, which have already lost some of their function as green spaces, for limited housing development.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim addressed concerns during a parliamentary committee meeting at the National Assembly, clarifying that the government does not intend to transform the entire central Seoul park into a large-scale public housing project. Yongsan Park, largely situated on land previously occupied by the U.S. military, covers approximately 3 million square meters, equivalent to about 420 soccer fields.

Minister Kim emphasized that the government is not planning to bulldoze the park's green areas for housing purposes. Instead, the focus is on evaluating sites within or around the park that have already been developed or repurposed, such as former officers' residences, military housing, and the previous location of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration.

In terms of potentially utilizing greenbelt areas, Kim stated that the government is considering sections that have significantly reduced environmental value, while ensuring the preservation of vital green spaces. He also mentioned plans to discuss the proposal with Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, who has publicly opposed the development of central Seoul's green areas for housing.

The government's housing initiative aims to provide over 230,000 additional homes in the Seoul metropolitan region by accelerating development on public land, relaxing some greenbelt restrictions, and fostering private-sector involvement.