"Are We Just Spectators?" Sea Cable Car Opposition Shouts, Revealed... Suyeong-gu Orders Mobilization of Pro-Government Groups Amid COVID-19

‘Gwangalli Haesang Cable Car’ Project, First Official Opposition in Suyeong-gu with Rally Mobilizing 32 Government-Related Organizations

Busan Nam-gu Council Passes Resolution Supporting the Project, Local Media Survey Shows Majority in Favor

Aerial view of Busan Gwangalli Marine Cable Car.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yong-woo] Why is Suyeong-gu coming out now?

Suyeong-gu in Busan is leading an opposition movement against the Gwangalli Marine Cable Car project, which is being promoted as a private development project, citing concerns that it will spoil the scenery, sparking controversy.

On the 10th, Suyeong-gu formed the "Citizens' Committee for the Resolute Opposition to the Marine Cable Car Project" and plans to hold a rally on the 17th.

This project is entirely a private investment project, and overall issues were scheduled to be decided after hearing opinions when the project implementer proposed the project to Busan City on May 11.

The cable car plan has platforms traveling between Haeundae-gu and Nam-gu. Both district offices are keenly collecting public opinion and listening to residents' feedback.

However, Suyeong-gu, the district responsible for the scenery, suddenly took 'forceful action,' arguing that the marine section in front of Gwangalli Bay would spoil the view.

The project implementer, Busan Blue Coast, said, "We are investing over 600 billion won to present Busan's landmark to the world, and this is a social contribution project that donates a fixed portion of the income to Busan," adding, "We are puzzled by Suyeong-gu citing scenic damage as a reason, as a more beautiful night view will unfold in front of Suyeong-gu's sea, complementing the beautiful scenery of Gwangandaegyo Bridge."

The marine cable car project connecting Haeundae-gu and Nam-gu in Busan is being re-promoted after five years.

According to data surveyed by a local Busan media outlet, support for the project is generally stronger than opposition in Haeundae-gu, Nam-gu, and Suyeong-gu.

However, in Haeundae-gu, where the platform is being constructed, many residents of Marine City near the cable car's departure and arrival points oppose it due to privacy concerns.

The project implementer plans to persuade residents by applying an automatic window blurring system when passing near apartments to address these concerns.

Nam-gu, where the other platform is located, is the most enthusiastic about the project. Although concerns about reckless development in Igidae Park were raised, earlier this year, the Nam-gu Council adopted a resolution urging the attraction of the marine cable car.

The intention is to attract world-class tourist resources to revive Korea's second-largest city, which is falling behind even Incheon.

Only Suyeong-gu, which overlooks the marine section passing behind Gwangandaegyo Bridge from the land, has officially opposed the project.

After forming the 'Citizens' Committee for Opposition,' some criticize this as a repetition of old-fashioned administration using government-affiliated organizations.

On the 10th, Suyeong-gu formed the "Citizens' Committee for the Resolute Opposition to the Gwangalli Marine Cable Car Project."

The committee, composed of about 30 local organizations including the Suyeong-gu Sports Council, Suyeong-gu Senior Citizens Association, and Suyeong-gu Youth Union, held an emergency meeting chaired by Suyeong-gu Mayor Kang Sung-tae.

Co-representatives and a secretary-general were also elected. They plan to hold a citizens' rally at Gwangalli Beach on the 17th, reading a resolution opposing the marine cable car, conducting signature campaigns, and delivering encouragement speeches by the mayor to intensify opposition activities.

They also plan to hang opposition banners in the district and deliver Suyeong-gu's opposition opinions to Busan City and the City Council.

Recently, Busan City classified the marine cable car as the only "conflict-type" project while prioritizing 12 long-term stalled projects.

At the same time, it requested opinion consultations from Haeundae-gu, Nam-gu, and Suyeong-gu, which are affected by the project.

Although environmental groups have raised opposition, Suyeong-gu is the first local government to officially oppose, arguing that the marine cable car will not benefit the area.

A Suyeong-gu official said, "Haeundae-gu and Nam-gu benefit from tourism revenue derived from the departure and arrival points, but Suyeong-gu only watches the cable car passing over the sea," adding, "If the cable car passes behind Gwangandaegyo Bridge, it will only spoil the natural scenery and bring no practical benefits."

The project implementer and supporters have a completely different stance.

A Busan Blue Coast official said, "When Gwangandaegyo Bridge was built, there were many concerns about natural scenery damage, but it has become a famous spot in Suyeong-gu attracting domestic and international tourists with fireworks festivals and night views."

They also said, "The practical benefits Suyeong-gu will gain from the birth of the world's largest-scale tourism masterpiece will exceed expectations."

Suyeong-gu anticipated that opposition from the district office would not be seen as residents' opinions and would lack justification, so on the 10th, it held an emergency meeting and chose to support opposition activities through 32 government-affiliated organizations.

This has drawn criticism for mobilizing government-affiliated organizations to sway public opinion.

It is argued that voluntarily expressing and gathering opinions on local issues is participatory democracy, but using government-affiliated organizations led by local governments to achieve goals distorts the 'real public opinion' and is a regression of democracy.

Many also view negatively the planned rally involving about 30 organizations' members gathering at a time when COVID-19 has not ended.

While Busan City is consulting and listening to opinions from related agencies, questions arise whether a rally is necessary when Suyeong-gu's opinions can be conveyed through normal procedures.

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