This project challenges the “destruction for progress” mindset by exploring alternative urban typologies beyond the development-centric paradigm. Sacred Soil advocates for ecological and cultural remediation of the formerly US-occupied Yongsan Garrison, now transitioning to Korean government control for public use despite residual soil contamination concerns. Additionally, it addresses the rising incidence of lonely deaths in Korea, where individuals die without family or loved ones to mourn them.

Sacred Soil proposes a transformative approach for handling lonely deaths through a dedicated soil remediation facility functioning as a funerary yard. This intervention not only addresses environmental issues but also redefines spaces for collective memory and mourning. By integrating ecological and cultural remediation, the project offers a holistic solution to historical, environmental, and social challenges, fostering compassion for lonely deaths in Korea and promoting a sustainable, empathetic cultural landscape.