Wondering what secrets lie beneath our feet here at Yongsan Park? For almost 120 years, this land was off-limits to South Korean civilians. It was a walled compound in the heart of Seoul. But now, it is transforming into a public park. Officials say that Yongsan Park will become Seoul’s new face.
Imagine Seoul needing a green lung. Yongsan Park will provide the largest leisure space in Seoul for citizens. It is like New York City’s Central Park, but with a unique history.
Let’s step back in time. In 1904, Japan established a military facility here during its colonial occupation of Korea. Not many Korean people know that the Japanese were here. Especially the younger ones don’t know this history of Yongsan Park. From the 1950s until 2018, this base became the headquarters of U.S. Forces Korea and the United Nations Command. They relocated to Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek.
Some visitors have long wanted a chance to see this compound’s history firsthand. Choi Ha-yeon, a 74-year-old, said that he’d been near the base many times. But he had never been allowed to set foot inside until recently. He hopes the government preserves some of the historical sites within Yongsan Park.
The ministry has set up suggestion mailboxes around the site. They are looking to get visitors’ feedback about the park’s development.
The plans for a handover from the U.S. military to South Korea date back to 2003. The American forces would move to a new base in Pyeongtaek. This transfer was expected to be completed in 2008. Delays and construction issues pushed the final relocation back by a decade.
In 2012, a master plan for the park’s design was chosen. It was created by Netherlands-based firm West 8. Only a small portion of the base’s land has been turned over so far. The Korean government and developers haven’t been able to conduct a full survey yet.
In early June, the United States handed over a parcel of land. This was its third transfer of the year. South Korea has so far received about 30% of the garrison’s roughly 500 acres.
Jang said it will take seven years from the final handover for Yongsan Park to be completed. A timetable is in place with the U.S. military to complete the process. However, it hasn’t been released publicly yet.
Interest in the future of Yongsan Park has picked up. South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol moved his presidential office next to the Yongsan site.
During the pilot opening, guests could visit a field near the president’s office. They could pose for photos with a ceremonial vehicle and a defense helicopter.
Of course, the project isn’t without controversy. Some protesters warn of high levels of contaminants. Benzene was discovered in groundwater after decades of oil leaks. Seoul has been cleaning the area since the early 2000s. Officials say there are presently no safety concerns.
Most visitors on the pilot tour have high hopes for the future of Yongsan Park. They see it as an opportunity to transform a symbol of military occupation and war. They want it to become a signature green space for Seoul.
The negative history makes this place more amazing. When they open this up, it will be an iconic park for Seoul.
Many of the older, dark-colored brick buildings on the base are former Japanese army buildings. They are used by U.S. forces now. The Eighth Army headquarters building is a prime example.
The garrison consists of two main parts. These are Main Post and South Post. Itaewon-ro divides them. It is a four-lane city boulevard.
Brian Allgood Army Community Hospital was located here. It was named after Colonel Allgood. He served as the commander at this hospital. In September 2019, the hospital relocated to Camp Humphreys.
Seoul American High School is on Yongsan Garrison. It has a reputation for being one of the leading academic schools.
Since 2004, the government has tried to clean up high levels of benzene. These were found in areas near the Yongsan base.
As countless USFK personnel and Korean civilians have lived and worked on post, Yongsan Garrison has had a far-reaching influence on Korea’s society and development. Historians are archiving Yongsan’s history. They are tracing its influence in areas like music, art, cuisine, and medicine. This is part of the Yongsan Legacy project. The goal is so it won’t be forgotten after physical traces have disappeared. Yongsan Park represents a unique blend of history and hope for the future.