[2026 Audit] Ruling and Opposition Parties Poised for Showdown Over Housing Supply and Yongsan Park...Tesla Safety Under Scrutiny

Key Issues in the Upcoming Audit by the Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee
Disputes Over Methods for Increasing Housing Supply in the Seoul Metropolitan Area
Seoul City: "No Development in Yongsan Park or Greenbelt Zones"
Debate Expected Over Delays in Opening of the GTX-A Line
Tesla and BYD: Scrutiny Over Safety and After-Sales Service Systems

The upcoming audit by the National Assembly's Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee, set to begin on October 7, is expected to see fierce debate between the ruling and opposition parties regarding the government’s housing supply measures for the Seoul metropolitan area. Both the government, the ruling party, and even the opposition party recognize the need to increase housing supply, but there are significant differences regarding specific implementation methods. One of the key issues is further relaxing floor-area ratio (FAR) limits for private redevelopment projects.

Previously, an amendment to the Urban and Residential Environment Improvement Act, which would allow up to 1.3 times the current maximum FAR for certain public redevelopment projects, was introduced and is currently awaiting plenary session review. The opposition party argues that certain FAR benefits should also be extended to private reconstruction and redevelopment projects to enhance their viability. Given the chronic housing supply shortage in Seoul, their position is that direct incentives should be provided to ensure sufficient supply through private redevelopment initiatives. While the government and the ruling party had previously expressed strong opposition, their stance appears to have softened somewhat. The fact that the bill is not yet on the plenary session agenda also leaves room for further negotiations and final adjustments between the parties.

Seoul villa district as seen from Namsan, Seoul. 2025.06.27 Photo by Dongju Yoon

The debate over the development of Yongsan Park is also intensifying. According to current laws and the basic development plan, the main site of Yongsan Park, once returned, will be designated solely as parkland, while scattered adjacent parcels are to be developed. The presidential office has raised the idea of constructing housing only on already damaged areas within the main site, reasoning that these spaces are no longer functioning as green spaces and have already been developed in practice. The proposed goal is to use these areas for housing supply, particularly for young people and newlyweds. However, both the Seoul city government and the opposition party have firmly rejected this concept. Seoul Mayor Oh Sehoon suggested using Tancheon Water Reclamation Center as an alternative.

The opposition party may also raise issues regarding tightening of financial and tax regulations under the current Lee Jaemyung administration. Last year’s June 27 and October 15 policy packages significantly expanded regulated areas in the metropolitan region and reduced mortgage loan limits. The opposition has consistently argued that these measures have made it more difficult for young adults to purchase homes, effectively cutting off their path to homeownership.

Children's Garden area within Yongsan Park, Seoul. 2026.8.18 Photo by Jin-Hyung Kang

There may also be disputes regarding the background and causes of rising rent and lease prices. Some members of the ruling party believe that reckless acceleration of redevelopment projects by the Seoul city government has led to a surge in demolition and relocation demand, stimulating the lease market in certain areas. The ruling and opposition parties are also at odds over the relaxation of greenbelt restrictions. The government is reviewing additional designations of public housing sites in the metropolitan area, including some greenbelt zones. Seoul city, however, remains firmly opposed to any relaxation that would compromise greenbelt areas. Regardless of party affiliation, both ruling and opposition members are expected to urge the government to accelerate the delayed third-phase new city housing supply and major transportation initiatives.

The section of the metropolitan express railway (GTX)-A line at Samseong Station, which became a political flashpoint during the last local elections, is also likely to be a subject of contention. Construction remains halted as safety reviews continue on the affected section, which is delaying the opening schedule and increasing the compensation payments the government must provide to private operators. The government has decided to file a claim against the Seoul city government for reimbursement of losses resulting from project delays. The Seoul city government, having completed reinforcement in the rebar-deficient section, continues to urge the resumption of construction.

Underground Complex Development Construction Site on Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. 2025.04.23 Photo by Dongju Yoon

The project for the new Gadeokdo Airport is facing cost increase issues just before the start of preliminary land preparation work next month. Although the bidding has been completed, the main contract has yet to be signed, and the construction cost estimates have risen sharply over a few months. Project operators insist that these increased costs must be reflected in the contract. With project costs having already caused delays, regional political circles are calling for a swift agreement and rapid commencement of construction.

This year’s audit by the Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee has also summoned a large number of witnesses and references from the imported automobile sector. Seo Youngdeuk, CEO of Tesla Korea, Ding Haimao, CEO of BYD Korea, and Peter Anderson, CEO of MAN Truck & Bus Korea, will testify over October 7 and October 8. Key issues are expected to include the safety management system for Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature, inadequate domestic after-sales service, and excessive repair costs.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.