Seoul Metropolitan Council Proposes Ordinance to Preserve the 'Sewol Ferry Memory Space'

[Asia Economy Reporter Park So-yeon] A bill has been proposed to allow the installation of exhibition halls with historical content, such as the 'Sewol Ferry Memory Space,' in Gwanghwamun Square.

On the 26th, Lee Hyun-chan, a member of the Seoul Metropolitan Council from the Democratic Party of Korea and chair of the Administration and Autonomy Committee, announced that he had officially proposed the "Partial Amendment to the Ordinance on the Use and Management of Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul."

This ordinance includes provisions allowing the installation of exhibition halls, statues, and auxiliary sculptures within Gwanghwamun Square so that citizens can remember historical facts related to democratization and the enhancement of safety awareness.

Chairman Lee Hyun-chan explained, "Gwanghwamun Square holds deep historical and locational significance for South Korea, including events such as candlelight rallies and the June 10 Democratic Uprising," adding, "The amendment was proposed to establish clear legal grounds for preserving the Sewol Ferry Memory Space."

Seoul City notified the 4.16 Sewol Ferry Disaster Families Association on the 5th that the Sewol Ferry Memory Space would be dismantled as part of the Gwanghwamun Square restructuring project. The city attempted to carry out the demolition on the same day, but it was prevented due to a sit-in protest by the families of the Sewol victims and others opposing the removal.

The city maintains its position to develop Gwanghwamun Square as an open plaza without any structures, while the families of the Sewol victims and others are demanding, "Even if not in Gwanghwamun Square, please prepare an alternative location within Seoul where citizens can pass by and remember the Sewol Ferry disaster."