국무회의서 날 세운 오세훈-이 대통령…“‘닥공’에도 원칙” “정책 흔들려는 시도”

Seoul and the government clashed over the use of City Hall Park and the expansion of green belts after President Yoon Suk-yeol and Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon expressed differing views on housing supply methods during a National Assembly session on August 18. The government proposed exempting public housing land from the green belt regulation when developing it, signaling its determination to proceed with its existing plans.

Oh Se-hoon, addressing the National Assembly after President Yoon's speech, expressed his opposition to apartment supply in the Ulsan Park district. He stated that Seoul's green belt area per capita is only 5.7 square meters, and increasing housing supply should not compromise future generations' well-being. He emphasized the need not to sacrifice future generations' lives by depleting existing urban green spaces.

Oh Se-hoon also called for a review of the government's overall housing policy, including tax incentives and rental restrictions. Responding to Oh Se-hoon's remarks, President Yoon questioned whether the government had confirmed which municipalities were involved in large-scale redevelopment and individual building projects, and whether additional public building permits were available.

The president warned against increasing housing supply at the expense of rising property values. The government's proposal to construct public housing in the Ulsan Park district and eliminate green belts sparked a reaction from President Yoon and the National Assembly's approval of the "Public Housing District Establishment Project" to select project sites exempt from green belt regulations.

The 1·29 Housing Supply Action Plan includes such projects, with predetermined green belt areas, such as golf courses and racetracks, being allowed to proceed at a faster pace. Oh Se-hoon met with National Assembly member Kwong Young-seok after the National Assembly session to express Seoul's commitment to not contribute to any development projects in Ulsan Park.

The special law protects the former U.S. military base land from being used for non-park purposes. The government and Seoul City continue to engage in public debates to reach a consensus. Oh Se-hoon plans to meet again with Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Deputy Minister Kim Yun-dok on August 20 to discuss housing supply measures.