Dongducheon-si Holds Meeting with Group Opposing Demolition of Former Seongbyeong Management Office

Dongducheon City, Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Park Hyung-deok) announced on the 13th that it held a meeting on the 12th at the city hall conference room with groups opposing the demolition of the (former) Venereal Disease Control Center building located within the Soyosan Recreation Area.

Mayor Park Hyeong-deok of Dongducheon City is talking with members of the demolition prevention group regarding the former Venereal Disease Control Center building within Soyosan Recreation Area in the city hall meeting room on the 12th. Provided by Dongducheon City

At this meeting, both sides respected each other's opinions regarding the demolition and preservation of the Venereal Disease Control Center and agreed to continue communication going forward.

Since October 2023, starting with the first meeting between the Dongducheon mayor and the groups, Dongducheon City has been promoting several official and unofficial meetings with relevant officials to ensure smooth project progress by explaining the necessity of demolishing the Venereal Disease Control Center building for the expanded development of the Soyosan tourist site and by collecting suggestions from the groups opposing the demolition.

In November, Vice Mayor Lim Kyung-sook met with Kim Dae-yong, the representative of the Northern Gyeonggi Peace Citizens' Action, to provide a detailed explanation of the overall plans for the expanded development of the Soyosan tourist site, conveying the city's current situation and efforts and determination for regional survival. They also had a meaningful time exchanging opinions, including presenting various plans for after the demolition of the (former) Venereal Disease Control Center building.

On the 12th, Mayor Park Hyung-deok of Dongducheon City also continued meetings with the groups.

The meeting was attended by five people, including Mayor Park Hyung-deok, director-level senior officials, and policy advisors, as well as five members of the Joint Countermeasure Committee to Prevent Demolition, including Kim Dae-yong, the representative of the Northern Gyeonggi Peace Citizens' Action. They discussed mutual positions, demands, and alternative measures related to the demolition issue of the (former) Venereal Disease Control Center.

Mayor Park Hyung-deok of Dongducheon City stated, “Regarding the issue of the (former) Venereal Disease Control Center, I deeply regret the situation where not only the city but also groups advocating preservation and utilization and citizens and groups demanding regional development through demolition are in conflict.” He added, “For the smooth progress of the city’s project, let us create opportunities for sufficient communication with citizens and groups regarding the (former) Venereal Disease Control Center building, respecting each other's opinions through dialogue and communication to prevent prejudice and distorted facts.”