Ahn Hyeong-ju, Gwangju Seo-gu Council Member: "Seochang Hyangto Cultural Village Development, Many Challenges to Solve"

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Shin Dong-ho] Ahn Hyeong-ju, a member of the Gwangju Metropolitan City Seo-gu Council, and local residents raised several issues regarding the 'Seochang Local Culture Village Development Project,' which is being promoted with a budget of tens of billions of won, including insufficient reflection of residents' opinions.

On the 27th, Councilor Ahn revealed that during the recent administrative audit, he pointed out, "It is regrettable that the project, which involves a large budget of 3 billion won, is being carried out without incorporating residents' opinions."

He added, "Although national funds (750 million won) and city funds (375 million won) were allocated respectively in 2022, the project has not progressed at all. A residents' briefing session was held on November 15, but the issue of the Noeul Observatory site remains unresolved, and it is absurd to proceed with the project without a basic plan."

In response, a Seo-gu official stated, "Originally, the Noeul Observatory was planned to utilize the site of Nanumnuri Theme Park (Seochang-dong 1044-17), but since it is a conservation management area and approval was not granted by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the Yeongsan River Basin Environmental Office, the site will be used for the construction of a dementia nursing home."

Councilor Ahn also said, "The site for the public dementia-specialized complex nursing facility was purchased with the purpose of building a nursing facility, but it is questionable whether the project can proceed and whether the Seochang area character theme road development project can generate external tourism demand." He added, "To shed the stigma of being the so-called 'Nojam City Gwangju,' the relevant departments need to conduct in-depth research and consideration on cultural policies as well as trends."

Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Shin Dong-ho bless4ya@asiae.co.kr

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