'100,000-Signature Campaign Urges Kukkiwon Relocation to Dobong-gu'

Dobong-gu Launches 100,000 Signature Campaign to Attract Kukkiwon to Former Chemical Unit Site
‘Kukkiwon Dobong-gu Relocation Promotion Committee’ Inauguration Ceremony Held on 25th
Aiming for Over 100,000 Resident Signatures by Next Month... District to Convey Intent to Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism

Dobong-gu (District Mayor Oh Eon-seok) is launching a signature campaign involving 100,000 participants to urge the relocation of Kukkiwon to the former site of the Chemical Unit in Dobong-dong, Dobong-gu (around 438 Dobong-dong).

On July 25, the district announced that it will hold the inauguration ceremony of the 'Kukkiwon Dobong-gu Relocation Promotion Committee' and officially start the signature campaign. The committee consists of a total of 22 civilian members.

With the Promotion Committee at the core, the district plans to collect signatures from more than 100,000 residents by next month and convey the district's intention to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Oh Eon-seok, Mayor of Dobong-gu, stated, "Considering Dobong-gu’s natural environment of Baesanimsu and accessibility to Incheon International Airport, it is the optimal location to host Kukkiwon," adding, "The Seoul Metropolitan Government shares the same position as the district. We will work together with the city to promptly resolve the remaining issues with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism."

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon responded during the 319th regular session of the Seoul Metropolitan Council in June last year, stating, "It was recently decided to relocate Kukkiwon to the former Chemical Unit site in Dobong-gu."

The Chemical Unit in Dobong-dong has been used as a chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) training ground in the hills of Dobong-dong for over 30 years since its establishment in 1986. Nearby residents have suffered from exposure to various chemical substances, odors, and noise. The garrison and training grounds have been restricted from development due to urban planning designations such as national park and greenbelt zones. Following residents' demands for relocation over several years, the unit was moved to Namyangju in 2016, and the site currently remains vacant.