Controversy Over Unauthorized Damage to a Greenbelt Area in Gwangju Region

Landowner Explains "Only Cut a Few Bamboo Trees Due to Root Issues"

Seo-gu Issues 'Restoration Order'... Considering Legal Action After Two Administrative Orders

An unauthorized damage occurred in a greenbelt area in Seo-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City, and the local autonomous district issued an administrative order for restoration to the original state.

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] A local government that received a complaint about illegal damage to the greenbelt (development restriction zone) confirmed the fact through an on-site inspection and issued an order to restore the area to its original state.

According to Seo-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City on the 17th, Yongdu-dong San 99-1 was designated as a greenbelt (total area of about 100,000㎡) in 1979, restricting development.

However, recently, a complaint was received by Seo-gu, the local autonomous district in charge, that damage such as tree cutting was occurring in this area.

Seo-gu visited the site, confirmed the fact, and issued an administrative order earlier this month to "immediately stop development activities and restore the area to its original state."

Typically, a restoration period of about one month is given, and if not complied with, another administrative order is issued. If no action is taken afterward, a report for prosecution is made.

If farming was conducted before the area was designated as a greenbelt, it is allowed to continue farming while maintaining that state, but expanding farmland or similar activities are prohibited.

The party responsible for damaging the greenbelt in question reportedly explained that they cut a few bamboo trees because the roots of bamboo next to the farmland had extended into the field.

However, the "Special Measures Act on the Designation and Management of Development Restriction Zones" explicitly states that "bamboo trees" within the development restriction zone must not be damaged, and bamboo is included.

Since bamboo is classified as grass, it effectively prohibits damaging "all trees," confirming that the actions taken in this area were illegal.

A Seo-gu official said, "As a result of the on-site investigation, the area illegally damaged in this zone was confirmed to be about 1,900㎡," adding, "Cutting or planting trees within the greenbelt without permission is illegal and must all be restored to their original state."

Meanwhile, in the development restriction zone, unless in exceptional cases approved by the head of the local government, building construction and change of use, landform alteration, installation of structures, and bamboo tree cutting are prohibited.

Violations such as construction, change of use, or installation of structures for profit or habitual purposes in this zone are punishable by a fine of up to 30 million won or imprisonment for up to three years.

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