Yongsan-gu to Expand Environmental Budget to 57.1 Billion KRW by 2025... Establishes 5-Year Environmental Plan

District Establishes 2021-2025 Environmental Conservation Plan... Top-Level District Environmental Policy Plan... Introduction of Basic Concept, Environmental Vision, Sectoral Plans, and Implementation Measures... District Environmental Budget 36.9 Billion KRW in 2021, Expanding to 57.1 Billion KRW by 2025

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Yongsan-gu (Mayor Seongjang Hyun) has established a five-year environmental conservation plan (2021?2025) as the highest-level plan for the district's environmental policy.

This is in accordance with Article 19 of the Framework Act on Environmental Policy (Establishment of Environmental Plans by Cities, Counties, and Districts).

The plan is divided into four parts: basic concept, environmental vision, sectoral plans, and implementation measures. It analyzes local environmental conditions, sets environmental conservation goals and directions, and includes sector-specific project plans and funding procurement methods to achieve these goals.

The district's biggest environmental issue is the creation of Yongsan Park. The government plans to utilize the site of the U.S. military Yongsan base to create a 3 million square meter national park by 2027.

The district, together with Seoul City, is overseeing the development of the surrounding park area, which spans 8.35 million square meters.

Residents were found to be relatively satisfied (29%) with the environmental level of Yongsan-gu. In a survey conducted from September to October last year with 716 residents, 5% were very satisfied, 24% satisfied, 51% neutral, 17% dissatisfied, and 3% very dissatisfied.

The main issues perceived by residents included pollution caused by waste (household garbage, industrial waste) at 31.9%, destruction of natural environment and ecosystems due to development at 25.1%, and air pollution from vehicle exhaust and fine dust at 23.5%.

As solutions to these problems, the survey results ranked voluntary resident participation and practice (25.7%), strengthening environmental education and publicity (24%), tightening environmental administrative regulations (19.6%), expanding environmental budgets (15.1%), and establishing eco-friendly development plans (14.8%).

Based on these local conditions and residents' opinions, the district has established sectoral plans including ▲air environment conservation and noise and vibration management ▲indoor air quality management ▲energy management ▲water quality conservation ▲soil and groundwater conservation ▲water supply and sewage management ▲waste management.

In particular, the district plans to strengthen guidance and inspections on vehicle emissions, air quality, noise and vibration, and dust-emitting business sites to reduce fine dust.

Additionally, when pollutant concentrations in the air exceed certain standards, advisories and warnings will be issued to encourage residents' cooperation in environmental conservation.

Regarding indoor air quality management, managers of multi-use facilities are requested to measure and report indoor air quality once a year and maintain continuous management, with measurement data recommended to be posted in places easily visible to users.

Energy management is also a focus area for the district. Under the public sector greenhouse gas target management system, energy usage at public buildings is inspected semiannually. Efforts are also being made to promote renewable energy such as solar mini power plants. The energy-saving program "Eco Mileage," which anyone can participate in, will continue to be promoted.

Furthermore, the district has established an environmental monitoring network to supervise wastewater discharging businesses. District officials and resident voluntary environmental monitoring teams conduct joint inspections of vulnerable areas once every quarter. Technical support will also be provided to small businesses vulnerable to environmental management.

In addition, the district plans to continuously expand parks and vacant lands to conserve soil and groundwater. The use of soil pavement materials that allow rainwater infiltration and sewage pipe facilities will also be reviewed.

As of 2021, the district's environmental budget is approximately 36.9 billion KRW. To ensure smooth project implementation, the district plans to increase the related budget to 57.1 billion KRW by 2025.

Seongjang Hyun, Mayor of Yongsan-gu, said, "Residents' awareness and demands regarding environmental conservation are growing day by day," and added, "From using eco-friendly products to saving energy in public buildings, the district will take the lead in practicing environmental conservation."

He also urged, "One step by ten people is more important than ten steps by one person," and asked for residents' active interest and cooperation.