Assemblyman Heo Jongsik Urges Measures for Dongincheon Private Station Left Neglected for 15 Years

Full Meeting of the Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee on the 1st, Won Hee-ryong "Preparing Solutions"

Democratic Party of Korea Representative Heo Jong-sik

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyesook] The disposal plan for the 'Dongincheon Private Railway Station,' which has been left abandoned as an eyesore for over 10 years, is expected to be actively discussed.

On the 1st, at the National Assembly Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee plenary meeting, Heo Jong-sik, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea representing Incheon Dong-gu Michuhol-gu Gap, urged Land, Infrastructure and Transport Minister Won Hee-ryong, saying, "Since 1987, the Dongincheon Private Railway Station, along with Seoul Station and Yeongdeungpo Station, was granted occupancy permission but has been neglected for 15 years, turning into a burden for the old downtown area," and called for the government to devise countermeasures.

In response, Minister Won replied, "We will do so."

Accordingly, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport plans to consult with related agencies such as the Korea Rail Network Authority to comprehensively review the disposal plan for the Dongincheon Private Railway Station.

The Dongincheon Private Railway Station is a six-story above-ground and three-story underground building that was used as Incheon Department Store but closed in 2001. After a shopping center opened there, it ceased operations in 2008 and has been abandoned since.

Originally, the government decided in December 2017 to revert the Dongincheon Private Railway Station, whose occupancy permit period (30 years) was expiring, to state ownership. However, due to the establishment of private rights such as retention rights and unresolved bankruptcy procedures of the private operator, it has become a nationwide example of failure in managing private railway stations.

In particular, the Korea Rail Network Authority, the managing entity, and administrative bodies such as Incheon City have been criticized for neglecting the situation and exacerbating the problem.

As the occupancy permit expiration approached in 2017 and contract renewal was uncertain, there was criticism that they failed to actively halt remodeling work and the leasing of stores, which further worsened the issue.

The Korea Rail Network Authority not only failed to earn occupancy fee revenue but also saw the arrears balloon, and the possibility of needing to invest a huge budget to secure ownership has increased.

The absence of a comprehensive government plan is also cited as a problem. Although LH is promoting a regeneration project called the 'Dongincheon Station 2030 Station Front Project' around Dongincheon Station, it does not include measures for the abandoned private railway station.

Assemblyman Heo emphasized, "The Dongincheon Private Railway Station clearly reveals the problems of utilizing national property," and added, "Resolving private rights through auction and transferring ownership to the state could prevent greater losses."

He continued, "Transforming the environment around the Gyeongin Line, including Dongincheon Station, Jemulpo Station, and Juan Station, is a key task to revitalize Incheon’s old downtown," and said, "I will actively serve as a bridge to gather wisdom from the government and Incheon City."

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