Full-Scale Development of Gwangwoon University Station Area Begins

Nowon-gu Resolves July 30 Conflict Between Hangun Union and Hyundai Industry at Gwangwoon University Station Through Active Mediation

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] Nowon-gu (Mayor Oh Seung-rok) announced that the development project of the Kwangwoon University Station area, which had faced difficulties due to the conflict between the Dockworkers' Union and Hyundai Development Company, has now been put back on track through the district’s active mediation.

The Dockworkers' Union, affiliated with the Seoul-Gyeonggi Dockworkers' General Labor Union, began a sit-in protest last November, demanding alternative workplaces and compensation for current employees from Hyundai Development Company, which was selected as the project developer when the Kwangwoon University Station area development plan reached the final stage.

This was because the logistics company withdrew due to the development project, putting the union and its members, who held the cargo handling supply rights, in a survival crisis due to unemployment.

Hyundai Development Company, designated as the developer for the Kwangwoon University Station area, stated that it could not accept the union’s excessive demands, leading to a breakdown in negotiations. In February, Korail Seoul Headquarters filed a complaint with the Nowon Police Station, claiming that the unauthorized occupation was obstructing normal business and property rights, escalating the conflict to its peak.

The district judged that the Kwangwoon University Station area development, which was finally achieved after more than 10 years of waiting including two failed attempts, could not be delayed again for any reason, and actively persuaded both parties to resolve the conflict.

Another reason for the district’s involvement was the significant damage to nearby residents caused by the long-term protests. For over 40 years, residents of Wolgye-dong have suffered greatly from dust generated by four cylindrical silos?each 40 meters high and 20 meters in diameter?used for cement facilities within Kwangwoon University Station.

In addition, residents have consistently raised complaints about noise from the Dockworkers' Union’s loudspeaker protests throughout the day and provocative banners installed along surrounding passageways with messages such as “Protect the workplace we have guarded for 70 years with our lives,” “Fight to the death,” and “Don’t drive us to death,” which are considered inappropriate for children’s education.

Moreover, concerns about a second Yongsan incident arose if high-altitude protests on top of the silos were to occur, making the resolution even more difficult, so the district devoted all efforts to playing the role of mediator.

The district held over 23 meetings with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the Dockworkers' Union, Hyundai Development Company, and Korail to narrow the differences between the parties.

The key agreements reached through persistent efforts included securing alternative workplaces for union members and withdrawing hiring demands, Korail’s withdrawal of the complaint, and Hyundai Development Company’s payment of consolation and compensation to union members.

Accordingly, on July 30, a signing ceremony for the agreement to implement the agreed terms was held at the logistics base site where the union had been conducting inspections. On this day, all banners posted at the protest site were also removed.

With the resolution of the conflict with the Dockworkers' Union, which had been an obstacle to the project, the district expects to proceed with the district unit plan and silo demolition within this year and to start construction as scheduled in the second half of next year.

Meanwhile, the Kwangwoon University Station area development is the largest development project in the northeastern region, creating a living infrastructure including a landmark mixed-use building up to 49 stories high on a 148,166㎡ site around Subway Line 1’s Kwangwoon University Station, a residential complex with 2,694 units, multipurpose sports facilities, and a library.

It is attracting attention as a new economic hub in the northeastern region, with completion targeted for 2026.

Mayor Oh Seung-rok said, “The resolution of this conflict is the result of cooperation that reflects the hearts of all parties involved?the heads of families who have supported their families’ livelihoods for over 40 years, companies that need to proceed with the project promptly, residents of Wolgye-dong who have long suffered inconveniences, and the district office that must resolve the situation. I sincerely thank both sides for their efforts to understand each other’s positions.”