Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon on the 18th, regarding the government's recent plan to use Yongsan Park as land for dwellings, said, "I attended the Cabinet meeting today and clearly conveyed to the president my opposition," adding, "At the very least, when it comes to damaging Yongsan Park, the government must not press ahead without sufficient social discussion and public consensus."
On social media that day, in a post titled "I will say what must be said to protect Seoul's future," Mayor Oh stated accordingly, "Yongsan Park is the last remaining large green space in the heart of Seoul."
He went on, "Just as major global cities have preserved central green spaces as city symbols and assets for future generations—like Central Park in New York, Hyde Park in London, and the Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris—Yongsan Park is likewise a precious space that must be protected for Seoul's future," adding, "That is why presidents from the Democratic Party in past administrations have also upheld the principle that Yongsan Park must not be carelessly damaged."
Mayor Oh also said, "Because Seoul is mountainous, the total park area may make its greenery appear sufficient," but added, "However, the walkable neighborhood park area that citizens can enjoy in daily life is only 5.7 square meters per person."
He continued, "As important as the number of dwellings is the quality of life for citizens," adding, "Even if additional dwellings are needed immediately, exhausting the share that should be enjoyed by future generations ultimately sacrifices the lives of future generations."
Mayor Oh also said he asked at the Cabinet meeting that day to first lift the regulations that are blocking efforts so the pace of redevelopment and reconstruction can be further accelerated. He said, "It is fortunate that the government's Aug. 13 measures partially reflect the suggestions the Seoul Metropolitan Government has been requesting regarding maintenance projects, but there is still a long way to go," adding, "Regulations that absolutely must be lifted still remain, including restrictions on transferring union member status, floor area ratio, and the ratio of rental dwellings."