Seoul City Confirms 'Park' for Songhyeon-dong Korean Air Site... Promotes 'Cultural Park' Project

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Yuri] The Seoul Metropolitan Government has set a policy to designate the Korean Air site in Songhyeon-dong, Jongno-gu as a 'cultural park' under urban planning facilities within this year. This is expected to inevitably disrupt Korean Air's plan to make self-help efforts through the sale of the Songhyeon-dong site. If the site is designated as a cultural park, it can only be used as a park, making private sale virtually impossible.

On the 28th, Seoul announced that it submitted a consultation on the park designation plan for the Korean Air site in Songhyeon-dong to the 7th Urban and Architectural Joint Committee held on the 27th. Through the 'Bukchon District Unit Plan Amendment,' Seoul sought advice on designating the Korean Air site in Songhyeon-dong, currently the 'former U.S. Ambassador's Staff Residence Special Planning Zone,' as a 'cultural park' and abolishing the special planning zone.

The Urban and Architectural Committee expressed strong support for prompt park designation and acquisition for public use. However, it stated that the park creation should reflect layers of history and be decided after sufficient discussion with citizens.

Seoul plans to accelerate the parkification of the Songhyeon-dong site by reflecting these advisory opinions. A Seoul city official said, "We plan to proceed with related procedures such as public inspection notices next month and designate this site as a cultural park within this year."

The costs will be covered by the city’s finances. The city plans to conduct negotiated compensation through appraisal and proceed with expropriation procedures if negotiations fail.

The Songhyeon-dong site, known as the last prime land in Jongno, Seoul, is located in the heart of the city but has repeatedly failed development due to its proximity to Gyeongbokgung Palace and schools. Seoul has advocated for the parkification of this land. Recently, efforts have been made to prepare a basic development plan for the Songhyeon-dong site’s parkification. Korean Air, the landowner, is currently promoting the private sale of this site as a self-help measure for business normalization.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.