Seoul 'Central Park' plan faces pressure from housing supply crunch

Society Seoul 'Central Park' plan faces pressure from housing supply crunch

Central government push to build residences at former US base sparks division

Land formerly used for a U.S, military base in Seoul is at the center of a dispute over how the vast tract of property should be utilized: as a park or for housing. (Photo by Kim Jaewon)

SEOUL -- For decades after the end of World War II, the U.S, military's Yongsan Garrison occupied about 80% of a leafy swath of prime Seoul real estate. The sprawling base was used as a command headquarters and to provide housing for some of the thousands of American soldiers and diplomats stationed in South Korea.