[Reporter’s Notebook] Including Gwangju 'Songjeong Station Area Development' in Presidential Election Pledges

A Desperate Search for a True Leader Amidst Political Turmoil
Gwangju Songjeong Station Area Development
A Turning Point for the Future of Gwangju and the Honam Region

Shim Jinseok Honam Reporting Bureau Chief

As the clock for an early presidential election, triggered by the unconstitutional emergency martial law, accelerates, the entire nation is being swept up in the whirlwind of the election. Calls for a change of government are louder than ever. It would not be an exaggeration to say that the anger directed at the ousted president, who shook the very foundation of democracy with baseless reasons and delusions, is like a stone thrown in fury.

But why is this all there is? At least for ordinary citizens, these complex political dynamics and conflicts are nothing more than topics they might briefly notice in the news. The real reason people are paying close attention to this presidential election is their desperate hope to find a true leader who will sincerely guide the impoverished and struggling lower classes.

This is also evidence of how dire the economic situation has become. The exchange rate is approaching 1,500 won to the dollar, and the construction industry, which had been supporting the domestic economy, continues to plummet without end. Quality jobs are nowhere to be found, and self-employed businesses, which had filled the gap, have long since fallen under the dark shadow of closure.

Even though this situation did not arise overnight, in the past there was at least a sliver of hope that someone would overcome these challenges. Of course, the painful lesson learned during the recent months under emergency martial law is that such hope does not come easily, but the price being paid now is severe.

This presidential election carries the responsibility and duty to alleviate the suffering of ordinary citizens. This is especially true in Gwangju, where the economic ecosystem is particularly fragile. Therefore, it is crucial for each party’s presidential candidates to clearly present their policy directions and pledges.

The development of the area around Songjeong Station in Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju, could serve as both an alternative and a momentum for growth. Gwangju Songjeong Station is used by about 25,000 people daily. There is a subway line into downtown Gwangju, and an airport is located nearby. Expressways connecting to Jeonnam and Jeonbuk also converge here.

Since the opening of the KTX in 2004, the Honam High-Speed Railway in 2015, and the addition of the SRT, Gwangju Songjeong Station has come to be known not just as the gateway to Gwangju but to the entire Honam region. With the expansion and electrification of the Honam High-Speed Railway, studies predict that daily users of Gwangju Songjeong Station will exceed 30,000 and approach 40,000 by 2030.

Unfortunately, looking at this gateway only brings a wry smile. Despite being a central station in a metropolitan city, it feels extremely outdated. In fact, visitors to Gwangju often express disbelief, asking, "Is this all there is?" Gwangju is thus branded as a dull place with nothing to see.

Inns reminiscent of the 1970s and 1980s are scattered around the station, and desolate abandoned buildings that have not been demolished remain here and there. This is why the development of Songjeong Station should not end with simply expanding the current 3,600 square meters and installing a few structures.

By utilizing the natural environment of Hwangryong River flowing behind the station, the nearby Eodeungsan Mountain, and the convenient transportation, Gwangju should create a new landmark. If this happens, it will not only spur development in Gwangsan-gu but, in conjunction with the ongoing multi-purpose shopping mall project, mark a turning point for Gwangju’s overall growth.

To achieve this, a large area of land is needed. The optimal site is the current Kumho Tire property. This site, spanning 120,000 pyeong and adjacent to both Songjeong Station and the Hwangryong River, is essential for the development of the Gwangju Songjeong Station area. Coincidentally, Kumho Tire is also preparing to relocate. The momentum is clear. Last year, Kumho Tire recorded sales of 4.5381 trillion won and operating profit of 590.6 billion won, increases of 12.3% and 43.7% respectively from the previous year, marking the company’s highest performance ever. This provides a strong justification for further expansion.

If the factory relocation becomes a reality, not only will the development of the Songjeong Station area proceed, but positive effects such as urban regeneration and economic revitalization will also follow in sequence. Improvements in urban transportation infrastructure, residential complexes, and cultural facilities can also be expected as additional benefits.

The presidential election, originally scheduled for 2027, is now imminent. This time, Gwangju must raise its voice. This is not the time to remain reserved and passive. I hope that a development plan for the Gwangju Songjeong Station area will be included as a major pledge for the Gwangju region in this election, becoming a driving force for the advancement of the underdeveloped Honam area.