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A walkway around Deoksu Palace in central Seoul will be fully restored by the end of this year, according to the Seoul Metropolitan Government.
The 170-meter-long section of the total 1.1-kilometer-long walkway is interrupted by the British Embassy in Korea and has been since 1884 when the mission purchased land near the palace.
According to the city government's plan submitted to the Seoul Metropolitan Council the restoration is expected to begin in May this year. The sidewalk will be between 3 and 6 meters wide.
The city council approved the project last month, including funding of 2.8 billion won. A city government official said on condition of anonimity that the timetable can change depending on the pace of talks with the embassy.
The city and the embassy are currently discussing details of the plan and conditions under which the land can be used.
"It is expected that the area, when completed, will serve as a venue for entertainment and culture," the plan said. "The trail is expected to be used to feature aspects of British and Korean culture, making the venue a truly unique resource."
Choi Pan-sul, a city council member, also said, "When completed, the walk around the wall will become a valuable asset which will contribute to the brand of Korea. Also, I hope this will deepen ties between Korea and Great Britain."
Security of the embassy is on top of the agenda, said the official. He refused to disclose details of the negotiations.
The dialogue between the embassy and the city government began in 2014.
In November 2014, Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon and former British Ambassador Scott Wightman discussed the restoration, and in May last year, the two signed an agreement for cooperation.
One of the capital's five palaces along with Gyeongbok, Gyeonghui, Changdeok and Changgyeong palaces, Deoksu was damaged during the Japanese invasion (1592-98) and during colonial occupation (1910-45).
Deoksu Palace and its sidewalks have become famous for its nearby residences and embassies and foreign missionaries in Jeong-dong.
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