[Opinion] Seong Chang-hyun, Yongsan District Mayor, 'Three Proposals to Complete the Yongsan Map'

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] ◆Three Proposals to Complete the Yongsan Map

Sung Chang-hyun, Mayor of Yongsan District, Seoul

The center of the world, now the Yongsan era. This was the slogan launched with the start of the 5th elected term in 2010. It embodies the determination to develop Yongsan-gu, which was relatively underdeveloped despite being the center of Seoul, into an international city standing shoulder to shoulder with the world's leading cities. Over the past 10 years, fulfilling that dream together with the residents, the name "Yongsan" now evokes a complete transformation.

Setting aside real estate logic, development is currently underway or being prepared at 35 sites within the Yongsan area to improve the quality of life for residents. From Yongsan Park to the International Business District (the former railroad maintenance depot site), major national projects that will change the Yongsan map have never stopped, even if progress has been slow.

The biggest issue that will change the Yongsan map is Yongsan Park. First, I urge the relocation of remaining facilities so that Yongsan Park can become a national unification park representing not only Korea but the world. The 150 housing units for U.S. Embassy staff will also be relocated outside the park, with Yongsan-gu acting as a mediator.

Now it is the turn of the Dragon Hill Hotel. It is unacceptable for the U.S. military to operate a hotel within a national park for any reason, given public sentiment. During my second elected term as mayor, I played a decisive role in reclaiming the current Yongsan-gu Office site, which was used as the Arirang taxi site, from the U.S. military. We are already experienced in this.

As this forbidden land returns to us after about 120 years, we must be cautious in creating the park. Direction over speed is a phrase I always emphasize. Local governments adjacent to the area are strong in details. This is why the voice of Yongsan-gu, the local government responsible for the park, must be more actively reflected. The greatest achievement is that the Yongsan Park Development Promotion Committee has been established directly under the Prime Minister.

Second, regarding the redevelopment of the former International Business District, I propose designating the railroad maintenance depot site as a central commercial area so that it can be developed as a mini new town while maintaining its core. The Yongsan railroad maintenance depot site (about 510,000㎡), which will make a significant mark on the Yongsan map as much as Yongsan Park, drew renewed attention when the central government announced in May that it would develop a mini new town with 8,000 households. It is very meaningful that the central government has directly taken charge of a project that was previously abandoned due to limitations of private-led development.

From Yongsan-gu’s perspective, if the maintenance depot site is designated as a central commercial district, tax revenue will increase due to the rise in the number of households, and additional public contributions for height relaxation can also be expected. The attraction of a convention center and a large hospital will also be realized sooner. Furthermore, revitalization of the local commercial district and harmonious balanced development with surrounding areas will become possible.

The final proposal is the long-standing wish of Yongsan-gu: the undergrounding of the Gyeongbu Line. Yongsan-gu, where Seoul Station and Yongsan Station are located, is the center of railway transportation. The nationwide KTX departs from and returns to Yongsan. Once the North-South railway connection is established, Yongsan will undoubtedly elevate its status as the gateway to Eurasia and a world-class city. Therefore, even if it costs more, it is necessary to look ahead and develop it properly.

Although the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has shown a cautious stance on undergrounding the existing railway line due to project costs, I believe that if the railway is undergrounded and the upper land is developed, the project costs can be sufficiently managed.

I will continue to make proposals to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport in cooperation with the Seoul Metropolitan Government. As the head of the local government for 10 years, I have focused on prioritizing and finding solutions to local issues. One thing is clear: if you look for ways with a positive mindset of "we can do it," the answer will appear. To rewrite the value of Yongsan-gu, the center of Seoul, the capital of the Republic of Korea, and to complete the Yongsan map, I will devote all my efforts until the day my term ends to ensure these three proposals are accepted.