“Relocation of Seoul City Hall May be Considered”

Rep. Kim Han-gill of the Uri Party, chairman of the special committee for the development of the Seoul metropolitan area, announced on Wednesday, March 16, “The relocation of the City Hall building may be considered in the course of discussing the overall measures to develop Seoul.”

In the luncheon meeting with reporters held that day, Chairman Kim said, “In such a situation where district offices are being built to a large degree, the current Seoul City Hall is too cramped.”

Kim pointed out, on the premise that it is his opinion, “With the relocation of the Culture and Tourism Ministry, located in Sejongno, it is necessary to consider building a skyscraper in its place for the Asia head office of a worldwide multinational corporation or a major international organization.”

He said, “I proposed to the presidential committee on balanced national development that they should consider attracting many financial companies to the area from Sejongno to Myeong-dong and construct a ‘financial belt.’”

Kim added a prediction, saying, “A policy management committee, such as the special committee to set measures for the development of the Seoul metropolitan area, will be established soon in the Prime Minister’s office, and a closer cooperation system between the government and party will be made.”

In-Jik Cho cij1999@donga.com