Gwangyang-si, Any Favoritism in the Rural Village Development Project Funded with Billions of Public Taxes?

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Hyung-kwon] In the area of Bonggang-myeon, Gwangyang City, known as the ‘Bonggang Bongdang District,’ the construction of country houses is in full swing. According to Gwangyang City, the land development project was a joint venture between Gwangyang City and the land association, with 840 million KRW in national funds and 360 million KRW in city funds invested. Gwangyang City directly carried out the construction and handed it over to the association.

According to data provided by Gwangyang City, the site for the country village development project is 20,133㎡, and the land purchase cost was 180 million KRW. The current market price is about 4 billion KRW, meaning the land purchased for 180 million KRW has increased in value by more than 22 times. This has raised suspicions that Gwangyang City gave enormous ‘privileges’ to 21 association members using taxpayers’ money.

Although Gwangyang City had set limits to participate only in projects with development conditions, infrastructure, land purchase, and other public interests, it exceeded the project scope and directly carried out the construction of the complex. From the perspective of individuals or corporations trying to develop and sell country house sites, obtaining permits is difficult, but in this case, Gwangyang City took the lead and developed the land using public funds.

A Gwangyang City official claimed, “Infrastructure projects and land development projects are the same,” but the basic project plan clearly distinguishes the responsibilities of Gwangyang City and the association.

Furthermore, Gwangyang City stated, “The country village development project is a policy to attract urban residents to rural areas. We secured national funds by applying to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and developed the land ourselves.”

Looking at the progress of the country village development project, the land development project has been underway since 2009. In February 2010, Gwangyang City and the Bonggang Bongdang District Promotion Committee drafted the basic plan for village maintenance and redevelopment (country village development), and in May 2012, Gwangyang City approved the establishment of the village maintenance association, accelerating the project.

Meanwhile, during Asia Economy’s investigation, it was pointed out that a 40㎡ prefabricated panel building was completed within the country village site, which does not align with the original purpose of the country village development. However, a Gwangyang City official responded that “it does not matter” because there are no specific regulations.

However, there are criticisms that the country village development site remains vacant land, and the land cannot be transferred. It is alleged that the prefabricated building was constructed to easily dismantle it later as a trick to transfer the land.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.