靑, '그린벨트 해제 검토' 재확인…"논란 푸는 게 정부 역할"

With real-estate prices in Seoul going through the roof, the nation's top office reaffirmed... that it may let development on the city's greenbelt to solve the housing shortage.
Arirang's Kim Jae-hee has this report.
The Blue House has reaffirmed its stance toward lifting the ban on construction in greenbelt areas in Seoul, in an effort to stabilize the country's overheated real estate market.
The Presidential Chief of Staff for Policy, Kim Sang-jo said on Friday, that the Democratic Party has already commented on the issue of opening up greenbelt zones in Seoul.
The idea has met strong disapproval from the Seoul Metropolitan Government, but Kim stressed that the government's role is to resolve conflict, showing no signs of giving in.
The lifting of greenbelt restrictions is seen as an answer to the soaring house prices and the shortage of housing in the densely populated capital area.
The combined area of Seoul's greenbelt is around 150 square kilometers, nearly a quarter of the area of Seoul, although much of the greenbelt is mountainous.
If restrictions are lifted, reports suggest the greenbelt areas of Seocho-gu and Gangnam-gu districts would be the first areas developed. On top of lifting the greenbelt, the government might also decide to develop military-owned land and golf courses. Despite the Moon administration's efforts, some say that lifting greenbelt restrictions won't be enough to tame the overheated real estate market.
"Even if restrictions on the greenbelt area are lifted, additional measures will likely be needed to enable a continuous supply of new apartments in the Seoul metropolitan area."
The idea also faces objections from environmentalists, and some are voicing concern that the lifting of greenbelt restrictions could further fuel speculation in nearby regions.
Kim Jae-hee, Arirang News.