국토장관 “용산공원 전체 주택 공급 검토…어린이정원 포함”

Korea's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Secretary Kim Yoon-deok has stated that all possibilities must be examined and reviewed for the construction of public housing within the entire Yong Su Park, including the Children's Park. During a press briefing at the presidential office on the day after announcing the '8·13 Rapid Housing Supply Plan', Kim said this on the follow-up supply measures to the latter.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has announced three new candidate areas for development constraints totaling 73,000 units: Nam Yong Ju Si and Eum Chae Park in Seoul, and Gwang Ju Station Area in Gyeonggi Province. Kim clarified that the 73,000 additional units are in areas where preliminary administrative procedures for land reclamation have been completed.

He believes that the Yong Su Children's Park, which is part of the military base return land, may not be included in the 7,300 units but should be reviewed alongside other areas within the park. The park, spanning 30 million square meters, could potentially accommodate 4,000 to 5,000 units if used for public housing. The government is considering plans to build public rental housing in this and other returned lands, such as the US Embassy, for the housing needs of young adults and newlyweds.

However, Seoul City opposes the construction of housing within Yong Su Park due to concerns over green space preservation and local resident requests. Kim also announced that the Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH) will present its innovation plan at the end of September, and that the ministry plans to separate and strengthen organizations related to housing supply, housing and welfare, and land consolidation.

The ministry will pursue 'transfer to the Innovation City' principle for second-party transfers, unless there are special circumstances, and will promote 'aggregation and concentration' to attract anchor enterprises and research institutions, creating synergy effects. Finally, President's directive to aim for "zero remaining public offices" (except for special circumstances) applies to both public and administrative offices, with all institutions being targeted for transfer.