Will Gwangju Byeokjin-dong Be Released from the 'Military Facility Ammunition Depot Protection Zone'?

Assemblyman Ahn Hyeong-ju, 'Resident Support Ordinance' Passes Standing Committee
Protected Area Designated in 1976... Expectation of Resolution After 48 Years

Ahn Hyeong-ju, a member of the Gwangju Seo-gu Council (Sangmu 2-dong, Seochang-dong, Geumho 1·2-dong, photo), proposed the "Ordinance on Support for Residents in Military Facility Protection Zones," which passed the relevant standing committee during the 325th extraordinary session on the 9th.

According to Article 5 of the "Act on the Protection of Military Bases and Military Facilities," areas within a 1km radius from the outermost boundary line of explosive-related facilities, air defense bases, shooting ranges, and training grounds are designated as military base and military facility protection zones.

The Mareuk-dong and Byeokjin-dong areas in Seo-gu, Gwangju, were designated as military facility protection zones in 1976 due to the presence of an ammunition depot, an explosive-related facility.

Ahn Hyeong-ju, member of Gwangju Seo-gu Council. [Photo by Ahn Hyeong-ju's office]

Mr. Mo, a resident of Byeokjin-dong, lamented, "This area is designated as a military facility protection zone, so development is not even allowed," adding, "I cannot build on my own land freely, and this is the only place in Gwangju Metropolitan City where groundwater is used for drinking."

In response, Councilor Ahn Hyeong-ju explained the background of proposing the ordinance, stating, "The designation of the military facility protection zone infringes on the private property rights of local residents and restricts the rights and benefits they should enjoy," and "There are no support measures for residents suffering from various regulations."

The main contents of the ordinance stipulate measures to prevent damage to regional development caused by military facility protection zones, promote mutual exchange to resolve conflicts among civilians, government, and military, and implement projects to support residents' convenience, welfare improvement, and living expenses.

Councilor Ahn said, "Through the enactment of this ordinance, it is expected to contribute to improving the quality of life and welfare of residents living in military facility protection zones."

Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Shin Dong-ho wooqwank@asiae.co.kr