Government Withdraws Housing Supply Plan for 'Gwacheon Office Idle Land' Amid Resident Opposition

Government Withdraws Housing Development on Idle Land at Government Gwacheon Complex
Plans to Supply 4,300 Units, More Than Initially Planned, at Alternative Site

View near the Government Gwacheon Complex Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Jiwon] The government has withdrawn its plan to supply 4,000 housing units on the idle land of the Government Gwacheon Complex. The government took a step back in response to residents' opposition, who argued that housing should not be built in spaces meant for Gwacheon citizens. However, the government decided to supply 4,300 units, more than originally planned, on alternative sites.

On the 4th, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced, "The government has decided not to develop the idle land of the Government Gwacheon Complex as initially announced." It added, "We plan to supply about 3,000 units by converting the use of self-sufficient land in areas such as Gwacheon Gwacheon District, and over 1,300 units on other alternative sites, changing the plan to supply more than 4,300 units, exceeding the original target."

Last year on August 4, the government announced a plan to increase housing supply in the Seoul metropolitan area and surrounding regions by utilizing national and public land, including the Government Gwacheon Complex. According to this plan, the government intended to supply 4,000 units on the idle land of the Government Gwacheon Complex.

However, opposition grew mainly among Gwacheon residents. Residents demanded the plan be withdrawn, saying, "Public housing should not be built on green spaces," and "The mayor sold out Gwacheon." In response, Kim Jongcheon, the mayor of Gwacheon, also met with Song Young-gil, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, demanding alternatives, stating that "the idle land around the complex is like the heart of Gwacheon citizens."

The government, after consultations with the ruling party, devised a plan to coexist with Gwacheon City. Under the principle that alternative plans could be considered if the government proposed substitute housing units exceeding the previously announced amount in favorable locations while prioritizing uninterrupted housing supply, negotiations were held.

Specific plans will be prepared through consultations with local governments. The Ministry of Land said, "Through the plan change, we expect to supply more housing units faster than originally planned with the active cooperation of Gwacheon City while coexisting with the region," and "going forward, the government will do its best to ensure that the housing supply plan promised to the public through the plan prepared with Gwacheon City proceeds without any setbacks."

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