Baek Gyeong-hyeon, Mayor of Guri, "It is difficult to accept the decision on 'Godeok-Topyeong Bridge'"

Guri City "Will Explore Various Measures Including Lawsuit Review"
Guri City Expresses Regret Over Name Decision Contrary to Citizens' Wishes

The city of Guri, Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Baek Kyung-hyun), expressed difficulty in accepting the decision made by the National Geographic Information Institute on the 12th to name the Han River crossing bridge on the Expressway No. 29 Sejong~Pocheon section as Godeok-Topyeong Bridge.

Guri City Hall exterior. Provided by Guri City

According to Guri City on the 14th, the National Place Names Committee notified on October 4th that the name of the Han River crossing bridge on the Expressway No. 29 Sejong~Pocheon section was decided as ‘Godeok-Topyeong Bridge.’ In response, Guri City filed a request for reconsideration by detailing △ the operation of the National Place Names Committee that violates fairness between the two local governments △ rebuttal of Gangdong-gu’s factually incorrect claims △ and the naming decision that goes against the principle of standardizing place names, but the National Place Names Committee did not accept this.

Accordingly, Guri City clearly stated its position that it is difficult to accept this decision and is reportedly reviewing various measures, including litigation, to change the name in the future.

Mayor Baek Kyung-hyun of Guri said, “Over 120,000 people participated in the citywide signature campaign to name the Guri Bridge, and based on the strong interest and expectations of 190,000 Guri citizens through resolution rallies, marches on Jangja-daero, and voluntary citizen gatherings in front of the Korea Expressway Corporation and the National Geographic Information Institute, we pursued a single-name designation, but it is difficult to accept the decision to name it ‘Godeok-Topyeong Bridge.’ However, the warm support from the citizens so far has been a great strength. I sincerely thank you and will seek various measures, including litigation, going forward.”