[Opinion] Seong Jang-hyun, Yongsan District Mayor, 'Welcomes' the Return of Yongsan US Military Base with 300,000 Residents

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Return of Yongsan US Military Base, 'Welcomed' Together with 300,000 Residents

Seong Jang-hyun, Mayor of Yongsan District

Four scattered sites, including the sports field adjacent to the National Museum of Korea and the softball stadium on the southeast side of the base, will be returned. We sincerely welcome the return of the Yongsan base, which had been stalled despite the 2004 Korea-US agreement on the relocation of the US military base, together with 300,000 Yongsan residents.

As the head of Yongsan District and one of its residents, I feel deeply moved. The current site of the Yongsan District Office was the Arirang Taxi site 20 years ago. The US military received the land from our government for military purposes but actually leased it to a taxi company. As the mayor during the second term of the civilian government, I was firmly convinced that since it was not used for its original purpose, the land should be returned by the US military.

At that time, it was unimaginable for a local government in Korea to secure property rights against the US military. Everyone shook their heads, saying it was 'absolutely impossible.' However, we could not give up. No one can resist persuasion made with sincerity. Thanks to persistent efforts, this issue was adopted as a SOFA agenda item (No. 3140). Ultimately, it became the first case in constitutional history where a local government negotiated with the US military to reclaim land.

From the 9th-floor office of the Yongsan District Office, the largest part of the view is the Yongsan US military base. For this reason, there were many hardships to endure. We could not build tall buildings nearby because the base should not be overlooked, and since the base was in the middle of the area, people had to go around it. This land, which greatly affected the lives of Yongsan residents, is now practically returning to our hands after 138 years since the Imo Incident.

We have persistently advocated for the relocation of remaining facilities within the park to create a complete Yongsan Park. The ROK-US Combined Forces Command, which was scheduled to remain, was decided to relocate to Pyeongtaek last year thanks to our persistent efforts. The 150-unit US Embassy staff housing was also relocated outside the park to the special planning zone of Asia Apartments in Hangangno 3-ga, with Yongsan District acting as a mediator.

In August, the 5-unit officer housing complex, which was opened first, had its external walls removed in cooperation with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport so that it could properly welcome citizens, and as the responsible local government, we are making every effort to support its operation following the official opening.

Moreover, we conducted a survey on residents' opinions regarding the creation of Yongsan Park, and since October, we have been conducting the 'Historical and Cultural Walking Tour' of the open facilities in Yongsan Park.

Now, we must focus on the relocation of the Dragon Hill Hotel. Of course, since the retention was decided according to the Korea-US agreement, discussions on relocation must be cautious. The operation of a US military hotel within a national park is unacceptable under any circumstances in terms of public sentiment.

We are experienced. As mentioned earlier, we resolved the return of the current Yongsan District Office site and the relocation of the US Embassy housing. Although there were many limitations as a local government because it is a national project, together with the strong support of Yongsan residents, we will raise our voices until the Dragon Hill Hotel is completely relocated.

Yongsan Park, which will be developed as a national park representing the Republic of Korea. Direction is more important than speed. To properly preserve the symbolism of Yongsan Park and to create a park that is not shameful to future generations, we, Yongsan District, will fulfill our role properly.

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