Kim Du-gwan, Democratic Party Candidate, "Undergrounding of Transmission Lines Needed in Residential and School Areas of Yangsan City"

Democratic Party of Korea candidate for Yangsan City District 2, Kim Du-gwan, is pointing out the seriousness of the transmission lines in residential areas. (Photo by Kim Du-gwan Campaign Office)

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kang Woo-kwon] Kim Du-gwan, the Democratic Party of Korea candidate for Yangsan-si Eul, announced on the 23rd that "we will improve the residential environment and urban aesthetics through the undergrounding project of transmission towers passing through the Wongsang area and utility poles in the Yangju-dong area."

The transmission towers crossing the Wongsang area of Yangsan-si, Gyeongnam, were constructed in 1980 to transmit electricity generated from the Ulsan Thermal Power Plant and the Busan Gori Nuclear Power Plant. These towers pass through apartment complexes and are installed just 5 meters away from commercial areas, leading residents to consistently demand undergrounding projects, which have repeatedly failed.

In addition to the transmission lines in the Wongsang area, Seo-i Village in Yangju-dong was developed as a new town concept, but since the utility poles have not been undergrounded, residents have continuously raised complaints about the weak urban aesthetics and residential environment.

Yangsan-si ranks ninth nationwide in the number of transmission facilities and fifth nationwide excluding Seoul and metropolitan cities. Because of this, urban aesthetics are damaged, and there are many restrictions on future urban development.

Rep. Kim stated, "The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that long-term exposure to electromagnetic waves doubles the incidence rate of childhood leukemia," adding, "Although there are claims that the electromagnetic wave levels from transmission lines are low and have little effect, we must be cautious not only about high levels of exposure but also chronic exposure to electromagnetic waves."

He continued, "According to Yangsan City's service results, the cost for undergrounding transmission and distribution lines is expected to exceed 1.6 trillion won, and even if Korea Electric Power Corporation bears 50% of the cost, it will inevitably impose a huge financial burden on the city," promising, "We will prioritize undergrounding transmission and distribution lines, especially in residential areas, schools, and tourist areas."

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