The South Korean government’s announcement of the deactivation of 131 square miles (339 square kilometers) of military facility protection zones frees up an area roughly half the size of Seoul for development, marking a significant shift in urban and real estate dynamics.

However, it simultaneously ushers in concerns over potential speculation, reckless development and the implications for national security and environmental sustainability.

THE PLAN

The establishment of military facility protection zones, as designated by the South Korean Minister of National Defense, safeguards military bases and operations, covering approximately 8% of the country’s territory. Despite their importance for national security, these