靑, '그린벨트 해제 검토' 재확인…"논란 푸는 게 정부 역할"<br /><br />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.<br />Arirang's Kim Jae-hee has this report.<br />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.<br />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.<br />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.<br />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.<br />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.<br />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.<br />"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."<br />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.<br />Kim Jae-hee, Arirang News.<br />
