Gwangju City Council Member Jo Seokho Calls for Complete Reconsideration of Ilgok-dong Detention Center

Location Near Residential Areas and Schools Raises Residents' Anxiety
Mayor Kang Gijung Urged to Clarify Position and Take Active Measures

Joo Seokho, Gwangju City Council Member.

As the Ministry of Justice is planning to build a new detention center in Ilgok-dong, Buk-gu, Gwangju, there have been calls for the city of Gwangju to actively intervene and reconsider the proposed site.

On the 31st, during the 331st temporary session of the Gwangju City Council, council member Cho Seokho (representing Maegok, Samgak, Yongbong, and Ilgok, Democratic Party of Korea) expressed serious concerns about the new Gwangju Detention Center project in Ilgok-dong during a five-minute free speech session, and strongly urged a complete reconsideration of the proposed site.

Cho pointed out, "The construction of the new Gwangju Detention Center is a project aimed at alleviating overcrowding of inmates in the Honam region, but the currently selected site in Ilgok-dong, Buk-gu, is only 180 meters away from a large apartment complex, and within 1 kilometer there are numerous kindergartens, daycare centers, elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as Uchi Park. It is a densely populated residential and educational area."

Cadastral Map of the Planned New Gwangju Detention Center Site.

Cho said, "News that a detention center will be built in a residential and educational hub has left residents and students anxious and unable to sleep," and emphasized, "The safety of Gwangju citizens and the educational environment must be given top priority."

He also pointed out the city's stance during the project's progress and demanded a clear position from Gwangju Mayor Kang Gijung. He stated, "Please clarify whether the Ministry of Justice is unilaterally pushing the project or if the city of Gwangju is also in agreement," and requested, "Please completely reconsider the proposed site for the new detention center, which could seriously impact the safety and educational environment of the 28,000 residents of Ilgok-dong."

Meanwhile, Cho added, "Please listen to the citizens' opinions and promptly consult with the Ministry of Justice to alleviate their concerns," and continued, "As Gwangju marks 30 years of local autonomy and is a leading city in decentralization, I hope to see principled and active administration."

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