Gyeongbuk Provincial Assembly Member Park Chang-wook: "Relocation of Seokpo Smelter Practically Impossible"... Urges for Realistic Alternatives

Criticism in Provincial Assembly 5-Minute Speech
Seokpomeon Will Disappear If Moved

Park Chang-wook, a member of the Gyeongbuk Provincial Assembly (People Power Party·Bonghwa), stated on the 11th during a 5-minute free speech at the 351st regular session that the issue of the Yeongpung Seokpo Smelter in Bonghwa-gun requires prioritizing the establishment of realistic alternatives over discussions of closure or relocation.

In his speech, Assemblyman Park said, "The moment the smelter employees leave, Seokpo-myeon will disappear along with them, and the economic downturn of Bonghwa-gun and Yeongju City is obvious," adding, "It is difficult to find a region for relocating the smelter not only in Gyeongbuk but also nationwide, and the industry and experts commonly agree that relocation is practically impossible due to astronomical costs."

Park Chang-wook, Member of Gyeongbuk Provincial Assembly

Meanwhile, Gyeongbuk Province announced at the national audit held last October that it would prepare measures for the relocation of the smelter and has completed the formation of a task force (TF) consisting of 15 members, including relevant officials and experts. The TF team plans to gather local public opinion on the smelter relocation, identify policy tasks, review technology, policies, and laws, and manage public discussions and conflicts regarding the relocation.

Assemblyman Park Chang-wook urged, "Considering the underdeveloped regional economy of northern Gyeongbuk, alternatives should have been presented before discussing relocation or closure," emphasizing, "While the Seokpo Smelter remains, solutions can be sought through thorough management supervision and administrative measures, but after people leave, Seokpo-myeon could become a permanently abandoned land," calling on Gyeongbuk Province to promptly prepare alternatives.