Seoul City Announces 71 Enactments and Amendments Including Revised Ordinance on 'Use and Management of Gwanghwamun Square'

Will the 'Sewol Ferry Memorial Space,' temporarily relocated to the City Council, be reinstalled?

The Sewol Ferry Memorial Space has left Gwanghwamun Square after seven years. On the 6th, construction workers were busy moving around the restricted area of the square. The dismantling work was completed yesterday (the 5th). Earlier last month, the Seoul Metropolitan Government notified the demolition for the square's restructuring project, which was met with opposition from the bereaved families. However, an agreement was reached to relocate the exhibits and records to a temporary space at the Seoul City Council. The dismantled building framework and other materials will be stored in Ansan until a plan for their use is found. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] A Seoul city ordinance enabling the reinstallation of the 'Sewol Ferry Memorial Space,' temporarily relocated to the Seoul Metropolitan Council due to the Gwanghwamun Square restructuring project, has been promulgated.

On the 30th, Seoul City announced the promulgation of 71 newly established and revised ordinances, including the 'Ordinance on the Use and Management of Gwanghwamun Square.' This ordinance was approved at the 302nd temporary session of the City Council held on the 10th.

The ordinance related to Gwanghwamun Square added a clause stating, "The mayor may install exhibition halls, statues, and auxiliary sculptures within Gwanghwamun Square where citizens can remember historical facts such as democratization and the enhancement of safety awareness."

The revised ordinance is interpreted to include the insertion of the 'enhancement of safety awareness' part, allowing the installation of facilities related to the Sewol Ferry disaster. However, to actually reinstall the Sewol Ferry Memorial Space, separate procedures such as review and approval by the Open Square Operation Citizens' Committee must be followed in addition to the ordinance.

The newly established and revised ordinances also include an extension of the Seoul City Inter-Korean Cooperation Promotion Team's duration by one year. The team's expiration date, originally set for October 31, has been extended until next year.

Additionally, the 'Basic Ordinance on Gender Equality,' which provides the basis for establishing a committee to review workplace sexual harassment and sexual violence cases in Seoul City, was promulgated. Also promulgated was the 'Ordinance on Financial Support for Village Buses and Safety Operation Standards,' which introduces buses with improved structures to ensure convenient and safe use for transportation-vulnerable groups.

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