[2020 National Audit] Opposition to Housing Supply at Taereung Golf Course, Seoul City "In Negotiation"

Seo Jeong-hyeop, Acting Mayor of Seoul, on Administrative Capital Relocation: "Will Listen to Citizens' Opinions"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Onyu Lim] Following the August 4 housing supply measures, Seoul City has expressed its intention to make efforts for consultation amid strong opposition from local residents regarding Taereung Golf Course, Yongsan Camp Kim, and other sites.

On the 20th, Lee Jong-bae, a member of the National Assembly Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee from the People Power Party, questioned Acting Mayor Seo Jeong-hyeop at the Seoul City Hall during the Seoul City audit, saying, "The August 4 measures include Taereung Golf Course, Yongsan Camp Kim, and Sangam DMC, but opposition from district mayors and local residents continues," and inquired about Seoul City's future plans.

In response, Acting Mayor Seo said, "Before the announcement of the measures, there was insufficient consultation with district mayors and local residents," adding, "Since the announcement, efforts have been made to consult with district offices and residents." He continued, "Consultations are currently underway, and I believe they will go well."

According to the August 4 measures, Seoul City will supply a total of 110,000 housing units through 20,000 units of public redevelopment, 30,000 units by discovering and complexifying idle sites, 50,000 units of public-participation high-density reconstruction, and 10,000 units by high-density development and deregulation of planned development sites.

On the same day, Assemblyman Lee also asked about Seoul City's stance on relocating the administrative capital to Sejong City. Earlier, Kim Tae-nyeon, the floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, proposed the "completion of the administrative capital" in his party negotiation group representative speech in July. Recently, party leader Lee Nak-yeon also mentioned, "The administrative capital relocation proposed by our party is at a concrete stage," and "Several preparations are underway, including relocating the National Assembly functions to Sejong City."

Regarding this, Acting Mayor Seo responded, "The issue of relocating the capital will be judged after hearing citizens' opinions," and added, "If an appropriate discussion process is necessary, we will gather and present citizens' opinions."

Assemblyman Lee also claimed that during the nine years of former Mayor Park Won-soon's administration, the city became underdeveloped and lost competitiveness. In response, Acting Mayor Seo rebutted, "I find it difficult to agree with your statement," and said, "Over the past nine years, through various projects, Seoul has developed into a people-centered city that improves the quality of life for its citizens."

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