Minho Choi Urges Establishment of Public Forum to Gather Opinions on Resuming Sejong Weir Operation

Expresses Regret Over Sejong Weir Becoming a Tool for Political Controversy at Briefing
Proposes One-Year Trial Operation and Other Measures to the Ministry of Environment

Minho Choi, Mayor of Sejong City, pointed out issues with the Ministry of Environment’s unilateral decision-making process regarding Sejong Weir and officially proposed the establishment of a public forum to gather balanced opinions. On the 15th, he held a briefing, urging the resumption and systematic management of Sejong Weir, and explained the necessity of restarting its operation. He also proposed a one-year trial operation to the government.

Minho Choi, Mayor of Sejong Special Self-Governing City, held a briefing on the 15th to explain the necessity of operating Sejong Weir.

Mayor Choi criticized, “It undermines the values of democracy to overturn government policy by listening only to environmental groups while excluding the opinions of Sejong citizens, who are directly affected by whether Sejong Weir operates.” He added, “It is deeply regrettable that the government announced a major policy direction in front of environmental groups without even a single public hearing or process of public discussion. Policy decisions should not be made solely based on the opinions of certain environmental groups; instead, the government must gather citizens’ views and make decisions with a balanced perspective.” He further emphasized, “The Minister of Environment must also clarify what is meant by 're-naturalization'-whether it refers to demolishing the weir or simply not operating it. This needs to be made explicit.”

He expressed strong regret over the refusal to operate the weir flexibly, especially since Sejong Weir is a movable weir that can store water during dry seasons and adjust water levels during flood seasons or severe algal blooms. He stressed that operating Sejong Weir is essential for responding to climate crises such as droughts, and voiced concern that the recent severe drought in Gangneung City serves as a warning for Sejong City.

In fact, in August, farmers near the Geum River requested that Sejong City address the shortage of agricultural water and come up with countermeasures.

According to the city’s survey data, groundwater levels in Geumnam-myeon, an area affected by the Sejong Weir’s water level (about 2 km from the weir), have dropped by about 1 meter in recent years: -2.4m in 2020, -2.6m in 2021, -3.1m in 2022, and -3.4m in 2023. Meanwhile, the number of groundwater permits and reports for securing additional agricultural water increased by 16% in Bugang-myeon and 30% in Geumnam-myeon over the six years since the weir was opened in 2018.

Mayor Choi stated, “Sejong Weir, which was constructed at a cost of 128.7 billion won for construction and 3 billion won for repairs according to the national plan, has been left unused and neglected amid political controversy, and environmental groups are even calling for its demolition. I hope the Ministry of Environment will respond to our proposal as soon as possible.”

Meanwhile, under current law, the city plans to review and pursue proper notifications, compensation charges, and legal action against illegally installed river facilities through due process.

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