Goyu-jeong and Lee Eun-hae Grab Collars... "Women's Prison Too Small, Fights Every Day"

The Only Women-Only Prison in Korea, Cheongju Prison
Occupancy Rate at 131% Leading to Frequent Violence
New Construction Considered in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi... Residents Say "No"

The only women's prison in the country, Cheongju Women's Prison, is experiencing frequent fights among inmates as its capacity has been exceeded. In response, the government is planning to build a new prison in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, but local residents in Hwaseong have opposed the plan, citing various concerns.

According to a recent SBS report, there are currently 800 inmates at Cheongju Women's Prison. While general prisons also have spaces for female inmates, this is the only prison exclusively for women. High-profile criminals such as Lee Eun-hae from the so-called "Valley Murder Case" and Ko Yoo-jeong from the "Jeju Ex-Husband Murder Case" are all incarcerated here.

In particular, the report explained that in a space of about 6 pyeong (approximately 19.8 square meters), after excluding the bathroom and lockers, there is virtually no remaining space, yet 13 inmates are currently housed in a facility designed for 6. The nationwide female inmate occupancy rate in prisons is 124% based on capacity, with Cheongju Women's Prison reaching as high as 131%.

A correctional officer at the prison stated, "Since the capacity limit has been exceeded, there is even a 'good sleeping spot rotation,' and violence occurs frequently." The officer added, "Even if we want to install additional lockers, the sleeping space is so limited that it is not feasible."

As a result, the correctional officers' nerves are inevitably on edge.

In an interview with SBS, Lee Gyu-seong, the warden of Cheongju Women's Prison, said, "When conflicts among inmates increase, the staff inevitably become tense as well," adding, "If that tension continues, it becomes a direct source of stress."

Difficulties in Establishing a New Women's Prison... Residents "Strongly Oppose"

Ko Yu-jeong, who was sentenced to life imprisonment in the first trial on charges of murdering her ex-husband, is coming out of the Jeju District Court to board the prison transport vehicle.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

Regarding the overcrowding issue at Cheongju Women's Prison, the National Human Rights Commission recommended last year that the government address the overcrowding of female inmates. The Ministry of Justice's priority is to build a new prison in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province. However, residents are opposing the plan, claiming that no public hearings have been held.

Lee Yang-seop, the head of the opposition committee against the additional prison construction, expressed, "Learning about the plan to build Hwaseong Women's Prison through the news, conducted through secretive administration, I cannot help but feel dismayed and angry."

Near the area where the prison is to be built, banners have been hung with phrases such as "Strong Opposition to the Correctional Facility Town in Mado-myeon," "Mado-myeon is Not a Gathering Place for Noxious Facilities," and "Mado-myeon Residents Cannot Live in Anxiety."

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Justice stated that it will proceed with consultations with residents to ensure smooth progress.