Dongincheon Private Station Shopping Mall Video Bicycle Racing Track to Cease Operations by Year-End... Station Demolition After Eviction Lawsuit

Korea Rail Network Authority Files Eviction Lawsuits Against Two Construction Companies as 'Lien Holders'
After Lawsuits, Operator Bidding Planned... Private Station Demolition Scheduled for 2025
Assemblyman Heo Jong-sik: "Safety Measures Must Be Prioritized Until Demolition"

The Korea Sports Promotion Foundation, which has been operating a virtual cycling velodrome at the private Dongincheon Station of the Gyeongin Line for over 20 years, has decided to cease operations by the end of this year. Accordingly, once the eviction lawsuit against the lienholder occupying the private station is concluded, the private station is expected to be demolished.

According to data received by Heo Jong-sik, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea representing Incheon Dong-gu and Michuhol-gu Gap, the Korea Sports Promotion Foundation, which operates the virtual cycling velodrome on the 4th and 5th floors of the private station, will end its business on December 31 and vacate by the end of February next year.

The Korea Sports Promotion Foundation began operating the velodrome in 2002. Despite the shopping mall business being suspended in 2009 and the occupancy period ending in 2017, it has continued operations until now.

Although Dongincheon Station Co., Ltd. set a mortgage on the registry after losing a deposit of 7.8 billion KRW for the velodrome, it is believed that the government’s decision to demolish the facility made legal action against the Korea Rail Network Authority burdensome. While the deposit will not be refunded, the foundation appears to have been conscious of criticism that it had been reaping benefits alone, accumulating approximately 160 billion KRW in net profit over 20 years.

Dongincheon Private Station
Photo by Yonhap News

With the termination of the velodrome operation, the demolition of the private station can proceed one step further. Previously, following the demolition decision by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport’s Railway Industry Committee in December last year, the Korea Rail Network Authority has begun procedures for demolition and complex redevelopment. It has initiated administrative enforcement warnings and eviction requests against Dongincheon Station and lienholders (H Construction, C Construction), followed by injunctions to prohibit transfer of real estate possession, and is currently conducting eviction lawsuits.

The Korea Rail Network Authority anticipates a final ruling around February next year. Once the lawsuit concludes, it plans to invite new business operators and promote complex redevelopment after demolition in 2025.

Meanwhile, there are calls to prioritize the expansion of safety facilities at Dongincheon Station and the private station until demolition. This is due to insufficient safety facilities such as CCTV and emergency bells in the underground passage within the station, which could lead to security issues.

Representative Heo stated, "The decision to demolish the private station does not mean the problems are resolved. Given the recent knife attack incidents and growing public anxiety, before establishing the complex redevelopment plan, the Korea Rail Network Authority, Korea Railroad Corporation, and Incheon City should take the lead in preparing measures to ensure the safety of Dongincheon Station users and nearby residents."

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