By Kim Bo-eun
The U.S. Embassy in South Korea has not paid rent for using its site since 1980, a ruling party lawmaker claimed Thursday, citing data from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Rep. Shim Jae-kwon of the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) said the South Korean government owns the site of the U.S. Embassy in central Seoul.
The amount of rent over the past 38 years exceeds 90 billion won ($79 million).
The lawmaker insisted that operations of the United States Agency for International Development-Korea (USAID-Korea), and its predecessor United States Operations Mission (USOM) have long since come to an end, and this removes legal grounds for free use of the embassy building.
The foreign ministry stated in 2008 that it is discussing the matter with the U.S.
The lawmaker noted the countries signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in 2005 regarding the relocation of the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, and signed an implementation agreement of the MOU in 2011, but no tangible efforts or progress have been made on the matter since.
Shim pointed out that the foreign ministry, which is in charge of managing the site, has failed to carry out its duty.
The lawmaker also referred to the fact that South Korea has either paid to own or rent the sites of its embassy and consulates in the U.S.
He said South Korea spent over $20 million to obtain ownership of the embassy and consulate sites, and pays over $4 million each year on rent for other consulates sites.
“Because the relocation of the U.S. Embassy is expected to take a considerable amount of time, its occupation of state-owned land is expected to continue,” he said.
“The foreign ministry must calculate the outstanding rental fees before the relocation takes place.”