'Dark Zone' Neglected Apartment Complex in Gimhae Mugae District... Gimhae City and Association Shifting Responsibility

No Streetlights Near Apartment Complex Pose Safety Threat
Residents "No Response to Complaints for 5 Months Since Moving In Last October"

In front of Samjeong Green Core complex within the Mugae Urban Development District in Gimhae-si, Gyeongnam, the area is plunged into darkness at night due to the absence of streetlights. Photo by Sanghyun Lee lsh2055@

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Sang-hyun] In the Mugye Urban Development District in Gimhae-si, Gyeongnam, where construction has been ongoing for 17 years since it began in December 2004, complaints demanding environmental maintenance have recently surged.

As of the 2nd, the Mugye Green Core Apartment complex, home to about 700 residents, is plunged into darkness at night. Although streetlights are installed within the complex, there are no streetlights at all for about 300 meters from the edge of the complex to the nearest bus stop.

To make matters worse, sidewalks are left neglected with intertwined street trees, plant stems, various wastes, and stones, threatening pedestrian safety. The roadway is also illegally occupied by forklifts, construction equipment, and large freight vehicles. Even the traffic lights do not function properly, raising concerns about potential major accidents.

Since the start of occupancy at Green Core Apartments in October last year, residents have demanded environmental improvements, but five months later, there is no sign of resolution, residents complain.

Resident A of Green Core said, "What the residents want is nothing special. We just want to live in a safe and clean environment," adding, "It is frustrating that the city and the association keep shifting responsibility to each other without presenting effective solutions."

The sidewalks within the Mugye Urban Development District are not maintained and are blocked by plant stems, various waste materials, and stones. Photo by Sanghyun Lee lsh2055@

In response, a Gimhae city official explained, "In principle, the urban development district is private property owned by the association, so the city cannot take direct action," adding, "We are currently in continuous talks with the association to resolve the issues."

He continued, "Although the association promised to take measures, nothing has been done even after the deadline passed," and "We are looking for more effective solutions, but realistically, there is no proper way to intervene in a privately developed district."

Attempts to contact the association for their position were met with a response that answers must come directly from the association head. However, the association head is currently avoiding external contact.

City Councilor Joo Jeong-young of the relevant district (Juchon-myeon, Jinlye-myeon, Chilsan Seobu-dong, Jangyu 1-dong) said, "I am aware of the local complaints," explaining, "The fundamental cause of the Mugye district problem is the abnormally delayed Jangyu Passenger Terminal project and internal issues within the association."

Councilor Joo added, "Regarding the Jangyu Terminal issue, the project has recently gained momentum after the developer changed the plan from a mixed-use complex with a 5-story shopping mall and a 15-story officetel to only a 5-story shopping mall," and "Once the project proceeds in earnest, we will strive to prioritize environmental improvements in the surrounding area."

He continued, "I understand that communication among association members is difficult due to internal problems," and "The association plans to resolve internal issues through a general meeting soon, so I expect them to take a responsible attitude and work toward solving the problems."

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