Conflict Over Construction of Large Logistics Centers Expands in Namyangju and Uijeongbu

Local Governments, 'Legal and Economic Revitalization' vs Local Residents, 'Environmental Pollution and Strong Opposition'
Regional National Assembly Members and Basic Councilors Also Join Residents' Opposition

[Asia Economy Reporter Ra Young-cheol] In Namyangju and Uijeongbu cities in Gyeonggi Province, conflicts are escalating from local governments and residents to regional political circles over the attraction of logistics centers.

The Joint Countermeasure Alliance against Logistics Center Construction is protesting against the construction of the Byeollae logistics center. [Gongdae-yeon]

Namyangju City approved a large warehouse facility with two basement floors, seven above-ground floors, and an area of 49,106㎡ (height 87m) on two plots in Byeollae-dong, applied for by Korea Asset Trust in May last year, and the construction notification has already been completed.

Residents in the area immediately opposed, citing serious traffic problems and air pollution, and formed the 'Joint Countermeasure Coalition to Block Logistics Centers' (hereafter, Gongdae-yeon), holding daily protests against the project.

Gongdae-yeon stated, "When Line 4's Byeolgaram Station opens in March, traffic volume will increase, and if this facility is established, severe traffic congestion caused by hundreds of large freight trucks entering and exiting daily and environmental pollution such as scattered dust are expected," strongly urging the cancellation of the permit.

Regarding Mayor Cho Gwang-han's remark that "the permit's effect can be suspended by residents' court injunction application," Gongdae-yeon criticized, "As a mayor, it only looks like cowardice trying to step back," and added, "If there is a legal dispute, do not argue with or lecture the citizens, but fight with the implementing company," sharpening their stance.

Kim Han-jung, a Democratic Party lawmaker representing Namyangju B, shared the residents' position, calling for the cancellation of the permit for the mega logistics center being promoted near residential areas and schools in Byeollae-dong.

Kim pointed out, "It is a 'mega logistics center disguised as a simple warehouse' equipped with a loading dock not allowed in the housing district," and said, "It is a facility that should never have been permitted and is a clear administrative error."

Jokwanghan, Mayor of Namyangju City (left in photo), and Kim Han-jung, Member of the National Assembly (Democratic Party) [Namyangju City]

He also urged Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum to "actively improve the system or take corrective measures by the central government against the illegal and unlawful administrative acts of local governments."

However, Mayor Cho stated, "I deeply empathize with the residents' concerns and have been seeking active measures," but added, "The warehouse site planned to be built in the Byeollae housing district is an urban support site (venture industrial complex), and according to the Enforcement Decree of the Building Act, warehouses excluding loading docks, logistics terminals, and delivery facilities are allowed to be installed," indicating that canceling the permit is not easy.

Regarding lawmaker Kim, he rebutted, "If the law is problematic, the National Assembly should amend it; it is not right to criticize the officials and administration applying the law," and warned, "Do not sow discord between citizens and officials with political propaganda statements without accurate fact-checking."

In response, lawmaker Kim counterattacked, "Since the Namyangju Civil Complaint Mediation Committee also recommended permit cancellation, just follow that recommendation. There is a limit to politics. As the mayor of 720,000 residents, please maintain dignity in your words and actions."

Former Namyangju Deputy Mayor Choi Hyun-duk, from the same party, criticized via SNS, "Mayor Cho, who initially denied knowing as it was a director's decision, is now making a fuss about reviewing permit cancellation as public sentiment boils, but the excavation work on site is proceeding as planned. Citizens' complaints and dissatisfaction are leading to administrative distrust."

E-commerce Smart Logistics Complex Bird's-eye View [Uijeongbu-si]

Meanwhile, in Uijeongbu City, residents and city council members are clashing with the local government over the 'Smart Logistics Center Promotion Project' planned within the Gosan-dong Complex Cultural Convergence District.

According to the city, Koreight Asset Management plans to build a logistics warehouse with two basement floors and five above-ground floors (total floor area 100,000㎡) on a 29,000㎡ site within the complex cultural convergence district in Gosan-dong by July next year.

Originally, a smart farm was to be established on the site, but after the project was canceled, Koreight Asset Management obtained a building permit for the logistics warehouse in November last year.

Nearby residents are opposing, saying, "The logistics warehouse site is only about 200 meters from an elementary school, raising concerns about safety, traffic, and environmental damage."

The 'Gosan New Town Union,' composed of Gosan-dong residents, submitted a 'Request for Public Interest Audit' regarding violations of related laws and a '330-resident signature petition' to block the logistics center to the Board of Audit and Inspection on the 8th.

However, the city is optimistic that the smart logistics center, promoted as part of the government's e-commerce logistics complex, will create jobs and provide high-quality logistics services.

An Byeong-yong, Mayor of Uijeongbu (left in photo), and Lim Ho-seok, Uijeongbu City Council member [Uijeongbu City]

Mayor Ahn Byung-yong expressed a strong will to proceed, saying, "Following the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's recommendation, if the smart logistics center is built in the complex cultural convergence district, it will be used as a storage place for various special equipment needed by the cultural content production industry planned to be attracted within the complex, serving as a corporate support facility and a new growth engine."

However, he explained, "Although the building permit was granted according to relevant regulations and there were no legal defects in the procedure, it is true that the process of holding explanatory meetings or gaining residents' understanding was insufficient."

In response, City Councilor Lim Ho-seok recently pointed out in a five-minute speech at a temporary session, "If the logistics center is established, large vehicle traffic will increase, and environmental problems due to exhaust fumes will become serious."

He added, "Research shows that apartment prices around logistics centers can drop by up to about 7%," emphasizing, "If necessary, we must correct this even by mobilizing 'public authority.' Please remember that administrative responsibility remains subject to review even after time passes."

Meanwhile, it is known that large logistics complexes are also being promoted on the unreleased U.S. military sites Camp Stanley and Camp Red Cloud in Uijeongbu, so conflicts with residents are expected to continue.

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