[2022 National Audit] Temporary Opening of Yongsan Park Delayed to Next Year? Rep. Choi In-ho Calls It a "Show for Show's Sake"

A security robot guarding the front yard of the Yongsan Park Presidential Office in Seoul on the 10th, when the Yongsan Park site near the presidential office was opened to the general public for a trial. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Min-young] Although the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced plans to temporarily open the Yongsan Park returned site in September, concerns have been raised that even opening it within this year is practically impossible. Critics argue that the temporary opening of Yongsan Park was hastily pushed forward following the relocation of the Presidential Office without proper consideration of detailed plans.

According to materials received by Rep. Choi In-ho of the Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee from the Ministry on the 6th, the service contract for installing event spaces and exhibition/promotion halls for the temporary opening of the Yongsan Park returned site (the section from the south side of the Presidential Office to the Sports Field) will end on December 30 of this year.

This service contract relates to remodeling existing buildings within the returned site, such as the General’s Quarters, which were opened on a trial basis in June, into exhibition/promotion halls, information centers, and restrooms. Considering that temporary opening is possible only after the remodeling service contract is completed, it is argued that temporarily opening the Yongsan Park returned site within this year is difficult.

The Ministry had announced in June, when the Yongsan Park returned site was opened on a trial basis, that it would temporarily open the site in September, but if this claim is accurate, the opening is likely to be postponed until next year.

Rep. Choi In-ho pointed out, "This shows that the temporary opening of Yongsan Park was hastily pushed forward following the relocation of the Presidential Office without proper consideration of detailed plans," adding, "There are also criticisms that the current administration’s rushed policy implementation is a 'showy viewing event'."