Seoul: Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon announced his firm opposition to the government's proposal to construct apartments in Yongsan Park after a meeting with Land Minister Kim Yun-duk. The discussions, which took place at Seoul City Hall, concluded without a consensus on the contentious issue.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the meeting aimed to address several ongoing matters, but the two officials could not reconcile their views on the proposed development in the central Seoul park. Mayor Oh expressed his inability to support the plan, emphasizing the importance of preserving Yongsan Park as a green space and national asset for future generations. He strongly conveyed that agreeing to such a development would tarnish his legacy as a leader in the city.

The proposal, which is under review by the government and ruling party, seeks to build rental apartments for young people as part of a broader initiative to increase housing availability in the capital. Despite the potential benefits, the Seoul city government remains steadfast in its opposition, citing the park's legal designation as a state-owned property intended for public leisure and environmental preservation.

Mayor Oh highlighted the significance of Yongsan Park, describing it as vital to the quality of life and leisure for Seoul's residents. He pointed out that the park forms a crucial part of the green axis stretching from Mount Namsan to the Han River. While he acknowledged the need for housing, he firmly rejected the idea of converting any portion of the park for residential purposes.

In an attempt to find common ground, Mayor Oh proposed an alternative solution that involves utilizing state-owned lands surrounding Yongsan Park for housing development. He suggested the former sites of U.S. military Camp Kim, Gyeongridan, and a foreign ministry parking lot as potential locations for new housing projects.