Democratic Party's Go Young-jin: "Low Possibility of Greenbelt Release... Urban Development Including Yongsan Depot"

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Cheol-eung] Ko Yong-jin, the ruling party whip of the National Assembly's Planning and Finance Committee from the Democratic Party of Korea, stated that the possibility of lifting the Greenbelt (development-restricted zone) is not high and suggested housing supply through high-density urban development.

On the 20th, Ko appeared on MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' and responded to a question about whether the lifting of the Greenbelt was considered but unlikely to be realized by saying, "I think so."

He said, "Personally, I am opposed to lifting the Greenbelt, and even if it is inevitable, it should be a last resort," adding, "As historical experience shows, it tends to attract speculative demand and it is difficult to see effects such as stabilized housing prices and sufficient supply."

He continued, "Above all, the issue is how Seoul will look ahead for the next 100 years. Once it is demolished, restoration is impossible, and there are various problems," emphasizing, "It also violates the principle of balanced national development. It is something that must never be done recklessly."

Regarding the statement by Kim Sang-jo, Chief of the Blue House Policy Office, who said that "opinions between the ruling party and government have been organized" concerning the Greenbelt lifting, Ko said, "He spoke with a nuance that was somewhat ahead of the actual discussion," interpreting it as an expression of willingness to supply housing.

Ko said, "Seoul City has the authority to lift the Greenbelt and clearly opposed it just a few days ago. They opposed it during Mayor Park's administration and still oppose it now," adding, "Given the unclear circumstances, I think it is premature to say that this has been settled."

He proposed high-density urban development as an alternative to lifting the Greenbelt. Ko said, "There has been talk about the Yongsan base site, and I think that could be a good alternative," adding, "About 50% of the areas where New Town or redevelopment has been lifted are adjacent to station areas. Redeveloping those parts again or accelerating reconstruction, and for complexes with management disposition plans, speeding up the remaining administrative procedures to send a signal that housing supply will be quick?if such comprehensive measures are taken, I think the housing supply issue can be resolved."

He mentioned that these are matters being discussed among the ruling party, government, and the Blue House. Regarding the utilization plan for the Taereung military golf course, he said, "The Ministry of National Defense is strongly opposed, and it is a Greenbelt," adding, "There needs to be sufficient discussion on whether it is appropriate to lift the Greenbelt just because it is a government facility."

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