Yoon Suk-yeol, the presidential candidate of the main opposition People Power Party, presented plans to "rebuild" Seoul on Sunday, pledging to reorganize city areas and relocate trains and motorways underground as part of his "rebuild" initiative.

Yoon presented four vision pillars and nine detailed pledges for Seoul during a press briefing, including plans to build over 500,000 new houses and to promote the city as a global hub for finance and startup enterprises.

According to Yoon, "I will make Seoul more refreshing by relocating railroads and highways that are currently placed on the surface to the underground and by providing faster and more comfortable transportation services."

This plan includes the relocation of 19 stations from Dangjeong Station in Gyeonggi Province to Seoul Station, 19 stations from Guro Station to Dowon Station, and 11 stations from Cheongnyangni Station to Dobongsan Station. The stations from Dangjeong Station to Seoul Station are located in the Gyeonggi Province.

Yoon's plan calls for the rerouting of portions of the Gyeongbu Expressway from Yangjae Interchange to Hannam Interchange underground as part of an overall effort to enhance traffic flow on the heavily congested motorway.

The candidate stated that areas, where railroads and highways have been eliminated, would be changed into residential and commercial spaces, as well as parks. According to Yoon's campaign team, the project is estimated to generate approximately 200,000 new jobs.

In addition, the presidential nominee would expand the DX Line to include districts in northern Seoul. The DX Line is a metro line that runs from Gangnam Station in Seoul to Gwanggyo Station in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province. It is currently under construction.

In addition, the presidential candidate outlined ambitions to transform Seoul into a financial center and a haven for start-up businesses.

Specifically, Yoon advocated that Yeouido, a Seoul district in which important financial institutions are located, be designated as a special financial district and that an Asia stock market be established there.

Yoon stated that Geumcheon-gu in southwestern Seoul would be designated as "K-Startup County" and developed into a startup hub for young entrepreneurs. He also stated that he will develop a state-led system to foster unicorn companies, which are those with a market capitalization of more than $1 billion.

Aside from the plans for city reconstruction, Yoon has also promised to implement "science-based" social distancing restrictions as part of a broader effort to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, which would be in stark contrast to the policies of the current administration.

"It is not as though COVID-19 becomes more active after 9 p.m. when the clock strikes nine. People's chances of getting sick are reduced when they wear masks, so it (doesn't make sense) to use the vaccine pass at places like libraries and grocery stores where they buy books and commodities," Yoon added, alluding to the government's prohibition on shops opening after 9 p.m.

"Preventive actions against the COVID-19 pandemic should be based on scientific evidence, and they should be proportionate in their approach."

The vaccine pass system, which requires confirmation of vaccination for entry into indoor locations where masks are worn at all times and individuals do not speak much, such as libraries, museums, theaters, and religious facilities, would be eliminated, according to the presidential hopeful.

According to Yoon, if interior locations such as restaurants, cafes, and karaoke rooms meet the exact ventilation conditions that the candidate wishes to provide later, social distancing measures will be relaxed as well.