[Seoul's Future] Woo Hyung-chan, Vice Chairman, "We Must Leap to a Global Mega City Through Yongsan"

Asia Economy 'Seoul's Future Forum - The Future of Yongsan' Congratulatory Address

"A pleasant and dignified space is a key element of urban competitiveness. I hope Yongsan becomes an attractive living space and takes a leap forward as a ‘global megacity.’"

Woo Hyeong-chan, Vice Chairman of the Seoul Metropolitan Council, is delivering a congratulatory speech at the "2024 Seoul Future Forum: The Future of Yongsan" held at the Press Center in Jung-gu, Seoul on the 26th. Photo by Kang Jin-hyeong aymsdream@

On the 26th, Woo Hyung-chan, Vice Chairman of the Seoul Metropolitan Council, said in a congratulatory speech at the '2024 Seoul Future Forum' held at the Press Center in Jung-gu, Seoul, under the theme of 'The Future of Yongsan,' "Yongsan is a land of possibilities in every aspect, and it is time to draw the future of Seoul together as if sketching a preliminary drawing on a sketchbook."

Vice Chairman Woo said, "With Namsan behind it, the tectonic shift of Yongsan, a prime location embracing the Han River, is beginning. The Yongsan US military base has returned to the citizens, and a new ‘Yongsan era’ has opened with the relocation of the presidential office."

He continued, "Yongsan is advancing as an ‘integrated downtown’ that includes the core functions of the three major downtown areas (Gwanghwamun, Yeoui, and Gangnam), as well as a ‘global hub’ embracing the cultures and races of various countries, serving as a transportation center connecting the metropolitan area and local regions."

Vice Chairman Woo emphasized, "Nowhere else in the world can you find a 500,000㎡ land in the center of a major city left as a blank slate, and in every aspect, Yongsan is a 'land of possibilities.'"

He added, "Seoul City is outlining a ‘compact city’ where 24-hour live-work-play (work, residence, leisure) is possible through the development of the ‘Yongsan International Business District.’ We must simultaneously promote large and small projects such as the development of Yongsan Park, railway undergrounding, and renovation of old residential areas to elevate Seoul to a ‘global top 5 city.’"

He said, "I hope the ‘Seoul Future Forum’ will draw an even clearer ‘Yongsan Map (龍山輿地圖),’ and the Seoul Metropolitan Council will also lend its strength by providing legislative and financial support so that Yongsan can become the ‘finishing touch’ of Seoul."