Yeosu City Holds 'Citizen Communication Meeting on Gyeongdo Development'

Published 04 Mar.2022 16:28(KST)

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Yeosu City Holds 'Citizen Communication Meeting on Gyeongdo Development'

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seon-sik] Yeosu City in Jeollanam-do announced on the 3rd that it held a consensus communication meeting regarding Gyeongdo development at the city hall conference room.

Presided over by Yeosu Mayor Kwon Oh-bong, the meeting was attended by officials from Jeollanam-do, Gwangyang Bay Area Free Economic Zone Authority, Mirae Asset Consulting, GR Development Co., Ltd., as well as members of Yeosu City Council, Yeosu Residents' Autonomy Council, Federation of Community Leaders, civic groups, journalists, and representatives of nearby residents.

During the approximately three-hour meeting, heated discussions took place on four topics related to Gyeongdo development: landscape issues, traffic and environment, residential-type lodging facilities (residence hotels), and the construction of a connecting bridge.

First, there was an opinion that Gyeongdo development is an important project that will determine Yeosu's future and that construction should proceed quickly for continuous tourism development.

On the other hand, some expressed concerns that the construction of tower-type residences would spoil the landscape and negatively impact the old downtown commercial district.

Instead of unnecessary debates over residential-type lodging facilities, there was also a suggestion to secure a promise from Mirae Asset to reinvest the profits generated from Gyeongdo development back into Yeosu and to discuss how to carry out such reinvestment.

Yeosu City stated that the meeting was not a place for pros and cons, but was arranged to resolve citizens' questions and ensure smooth project progress, as Gyeongdo development is a large-scale investment project welcomed by everyone.

The meeting was broadcast live on YouTube channel ‘Yeosu Story,’ attracting many viewers and comments from citizens.

Various opinions were expressed, such as “Yeosu is my hometown. We must not miss the chance to come back to Yeosu,” “We need to listen to the citizens' opinions...,” and “They will make a lot of money from real estate investment, so we must secure a promise to reinvest the profits.”

Meanwhile, Mirae Asset dismissed concerns about speculation raised by some, stating at the meeting that long-term lodging facilities to prepare for the off-season are a global trend in tourist resorts.

They also clearly expressed their intention to continue coexistence with the local community through priority participation of Yeosu-based companies and equipment, priority employment of local talent, priority entry of local businesses, and reinvestment of development profits.

Yeosu Mayor Kwon Oh-bong said, “Gyeongdo development is an important project that opens a new future for Yeosu, and as mayor, I was truly pleased and felt a great responsibility when the investment decision was made.” He added, “The Gyeongdo connecting bridge, which has been a long-cherished wish of the citizens, has secured private investment and is now at the stage of a preliminary feasibility study. If the city council budget is not passed by March, it could be difficult. It must succeed this time.”