51 Million Pyeong of Private Land in Sobaeksan National Park Removed from Park Zone... Yeongju City 'Welcomes'

35 Years of Inconvenience Due to Building Restrictions

Recently, the Ministry of Environment announced the '3rd National Park Plan,' which resulted in the removal of 1.705㎢ (approximately 510,000 pyeong) of the Sobaeksan National Park area located in Yeongju City.

According to Yeongju City in Gyeongbuk Province, during the process of adjusting the park plan every 10 years in accordance with the Natural Parks Act, the Ministry of Environment initially planned to revoke 0.19㎢, but the removal area was significantly expanded following persistent demands from Yeongju City and local residents.

A rural village located within Sobaeksan National Park.

This outcome reflects the long-standing wishes of residents, achieved through the joint efforts of the public and private sectors. It is very welcome news for local residents and landowners who have experienced inconveniences in daily life and infringements on property rights due to various development restrictions.

Since 2019, Yeongju City has been collecting residents' opinions through public hearings such as the Ju-Youngmin public hearing to resolve inconveniences experienced by residents within the park area and to actively respond to agricultural income and population decline. In particular, the city made multifaceted efforts, including continuous consultations with related government agencies such as the National Assembly and the Ministry of Environment.

According to the Ministry of Environment's announcement (No. 2023-85), 1.705㎢ of privately owned farmland (including actual farmland) in the Yeongju area of Sobaeksan National Park has been removed from the park area.

To maintain residents' livelihoods, the park village district was expanded by 0.37㎢ in four locations: Daemigol, Dalbatgol, Duregol, and Yeonhwadong. Marak-ri was newly designated with 0.184㎢, increasing the total area from 0.155㎢ to 0.554㎢, a significant expansion of 0.399㎢. The park cultural heritage district for preserving temple cultural assets was expanded by 0.035㎢ to a total of 1.045㎢ across six locations.

Yeongju City expects that this result will greatly reduce the regulations, inconveniences, and related complaints that residents have experienced while living within the park for a long time.

Mayor Park Nam-seo stated, “We welcome this revised plan, which reflects all the proposals presented by Yeongju City,” adding, “This decision allows us to protect nature and recognize the national park’s positive role in attracting tourists, while resolving the long-standing property rights issues faced by residents.”

The announcement of the changes to the Sobaeksan National Park area and plan (Ministry of Environment Announcement No. 2023-85), which was promulgated on May 1, will take effect from the 22nd of this month.

Out of Yeongju City's total area of 670.1㎢, Sobaeksan National Park covers 164.73㎢, accounting for 24.6%. Designated in 1987, Sobaeksan National Park is the region’s premier tourist resource. As a central figure in regional tourism, the city is committed to developing tourism content with utmost dedication.

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