(EDITORIAL from Korea Herald on Aug. 20)

The government in Seoul has announced plans to construct over 230,000 housing units across the metropolitan area, including the Yongsan Park site. This decision has sparked a debate on whether to preserve the park or turn it into a rental housing complex. The controversy stems from differing opinions on whether the green space in central Seoul should be preserved or reduced in order to accommodate more housing.

The Special Act on the Creation of Yongsan Park, enacted in 2007, prohibits the government from altering the site's use for anything other than a park. This law was established to maintain the park as a public asset for future generations. However, some argue that expanding housing options in the area is crucial, especially given the city's growing population and the need for affordable housing.

Opponents of the plan maintain that Yongsan Park should be left untouched to retain its natural beauty and ecological significance. They believe that converting such a large portion of the park into rental apartments would irreversibly damage the area and deprive future generations of a valuable green space.

The government and ruling party are currently reviewing this proposal, and it is scheduled to be discussed during a meeting between the land ministry and the Seoul Metropolitan Government on Thursday. The ruling party is also considering passing a bill to amend the special act at a plenary session of the National Assembly on the same day. However, given the irreversible nature of the proposed development, many residents believe that this decision should be preceded by a broader public debate and social consensus.