[LETTERS TO THE EDITOR]Turn U.S. base into park

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[LETTERS TO THE EDITOR]Turn U.S. base into park

Published: 25 Jan. 2004, 22:39

The planned move of the U.S. forces out of Seoul’s Yongsan base is one of the main topics of discussion in Korea these days. According to news reports, the Korean government plans to pay all the costs of moving the base to Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi province, and to sell the base site to cover the expenses.
But I think it is desirable to transform the site, which is geographically and historically important to Korea, into a national park. I think the grief of Koreans should be incorporated in the site as the area clearly reflects the sorrow of the national division of South and North.
If the Yongsan base site is sold to a jaebeol, or conglomerate, and used for apartment construction or other commercial ventures, the government will face nationwide opposition.

by Byeon Young-wook