Controversy Erupts Over Massive Landscaping Stones Installed at New Seoul Apartment Complex

A newly constructed apartment complex in Seoul has sparked controversy following the installation of massive landscaping stones without the consent of many residents. The installation began on May 23 in the apartment complex located in the Imun-dong area of Dongdaemun-gu, where existing trees and landscaping were removed to make way for these large stones. Photos circulating online show the stones prominently displaying the apartment's name in large lettering. Heavy machinery, including trucks and excavators, was used to transport and position the stones.

A post on the workplace community platform Blind has gained significant attention, with the author claiming that the apartment association's president and close associates acted unilaterally in bringing the unsightly stones without notifying or obtaining approval from the members. The post alleges that each stone costs around 60 million KRW, with over 20 more stones expected to be installed, totaling a contract of 1.8 billion KRW for 30 stones.

This issue has spread beyond Blind, igniting discussions across various social media platforms and online communities. The apartment complex has become the top trending search on real estate app HoGaengNoNo, with approximately 2,700 related posts. Reactions from netizens have varied, with some questioning the necessity of such prominent stones, while others expressed that they do not mind the new additions.

According to Yonhap News, the redevelopment association responsible for the landscaping plans to present a proposal at a meeting on May 28 to decide on the installation of over 30 stones worth around 2 billion KRW. However, some stones have already been placed, leading to divided opinions among residents. One resident expressed frustration, stating, "They removed well-maintained landscaping to install these stones," while others have reacted strongly against the installation, likening it to outdated designs from the 1980s.

Some members of the association have raised questions about the rationale behind the stone installation, but the redevelopment association maintains that there are members who appreciate the stones, asserting that the installation is not problematic.