Seoul's city government has recently encountered significant delays in several of its major projects, including the new resource recovery facility in the Mapo district and the construction of the Garden of Thanks at Gwanghwamun Plaza. These setbacks are attributed to accusations of procedural violations and a failure to adhere to administrative guidelines. Residents around the proposed incineration site have successfully argued that proper protocols for community consent were not followed, leading to courts siding with the residents and the city abandoning its appeal after repeated losses.

Another notable project, the Garden of Thanks at Gwanghwamun Plaza, has also been halted due to similar procedural issues. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport mandated a construction stop, stating that the city had neglected the necessary changes to the urban planning facilities and the mandated announcement processes. Furthermore, the Namsan Gondola project, aimed at enhancing accessibility for transportation-impaired individuals, has faced a setback as well. The Administrative Court ruled that the city’s plans to convert parts of a natural park to facilitate the gondola's construction did not meet the required legal standards, further complicating the city’s developmental strategies.

These repeated challenges have sparked increased debate over the legality of the city administration's processes and policy implementations. Experts emphasize that bypassing established legal frameworks could undermine the efficacy of otherwise well-meaning projects, as highlighted by an unnamed public administration professor who expressed concerns about the potential ineffectiveness of policies that fail to follow due process.