Public Opinion Survey of 1,000 Seoul Citizens
Gap Between Support and Opposition Narrowed Compared to July's Citizen Feedback
More 'Agree' Among Those in Their 70s
The opinions of Seoul citizens were sharply divided over the Seoul Metropolitan Government's plan to create a national symbolic space in Gwanghwamun, which had sparked controversy due to the proposed construction of a flagpole over 100 meters tall for the Taegeukgi. Although the majority agreed with the creation of the space, the gap between supporters and opponents has narrowed compared to the public opinion collected last July.
On the 5th, Seoul City announced the results of a public opinion survey commissioned to Hangil Research, conducted from the 30th of last month to the 2nd of this month, targeting 1,000 adults aged 18 and over residing in Seoul regarding the creation of a national symbolic space around Sejong-ro. The survey showed that 49.5% responded that they 'agree,' 42.6% responded that they 'disagree,' and 7.9% were 'unsure' or did not respond.
The age group with the highest rate of agreement for the creation of the national symbolic space was those in their 70s (63.2%). This was followed by those in their 60s (52.0%), 18 to 20-year-olds (51.5%), and those in their 30s (51.3%). Notably, the proportion of respondents who answered that they 'strongly agree' with the creation of the national symbolic space was higher among younger generations, with 28.7% of those in their 30s and 25.7% of those aged 18 to 20 expressing strong agreement.
On the other hand, the highest rate of disagreement was found among those in their 40s (57.9%), followed by those in their 50s (48.6%). Among the 40s age group, 40.6% responded that they 'strongly disagree,' showing a significant majority.
This survey result shows a more intense division between support and opposition compared to the earlier public opinion collection by Seoul City. From July 15 for one month, Seoul City gathered citizens' opinions, resulting in 59.0% support and 40.2% opposition, a difference of about 18.8 percentage points. In this recent survey, the gap narrowed to 6.9 percentage points.
Regarding a question predicting foreigners' favorability toward the national symbolic space, 50.4% responded that it would 'improve,' while 42.1% said it would 'not improve.' When asked about the need for efforts by the government and local authorities to remember the sacrifices and dedication of young people from the 22 countries that participated in the Korean War, 79.2% responded that such efforts are 'necessary,' while only 14.8% opposed.
Seoul City plans to develop the Gwanghwamun Plaza area around Sejong-ro as a space honoring the sacrifices of the countries that participated in the Korean War. Although the plan to build a Taegeukgi flagpole was initially announced, following criticism of 'excessive nationalism,' the city shifted its direction to create a national symbolic space honoring the dedication of UN veterans after gathering citizens' opinions. Details of the symbolic structures and design will be determined through a design competition scheduled to begin in September.
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