SACRED SOIL

This project advocates for the ecological and cultural remediation of the formerly foreign-occupied US Army Yongsan Garrison, a site now being returned to the Korean government for public use despite ongoing concerns of residual soil contamination. Simultaneously, there is a growing concern about the increasing prevalence of lonely deaths among Koreans, a phenomenon where individuals pass away without any family or loved ones to claim their bodies or mourn their passing.

"Sacred Soil" seeks to address both challenges by reprogramming the approach the Korean government uses to handle lonely deaths. Our project envisions the establishment of a dedicated soil remediation and testing facility that operates as a funerary yard. This 3-building intervention aims not only to remediate environmental issues but also redefine traditional spaces for collective memory production and collective mourning. By integrating ecological and cultural operations, our project provides a holistic approach to historical, environmental, and social challenges, fostering compassion for lonely deaths in Korea and paving the way for a more sustainable and empathetic cultural landscape.