Controversy Over "The Hyundai Gwangju" Approval... Buk-gu Says "Legitimate Review, Swift Action"

Rebuttal to Controversy Over Multi-purpose Shopping Mall Approval
Review of Traffic and Environmental Impact is Justified
Measures in Place to Minimize Resident Inconvenience
Permit to Be Issued Immediately Upon Completion of Supplementary Requirements

Amid controversy over delays in the approval process for "The Hyundai Gwangju," a massive multi-purpose shopping mall set to be built in Buk-gu, Gwangju, the Buk-gu District Office has issued a direct rebuttal, stating that the claims are "not true." On April 27, the district office explained that it is proactively reviewing issues directly related to citizens' daily lives, such as traffic, disaster prevention, and the environment, and that it plans to proceed with the approval process promptly in accordance with legal standards.

Bird's-eye view of The Hyundai Gwangju. Provided by Gwangju City

The controversy over the approval of "The Hyundai Gwangju" began at the 302nd extraordinary session of the Buk-gu Council on April 24. Council member Shin Junghoon raised concerns during a district administration inquiry, stating, "The Buk-gu District Office is unnecessarily delaying the approval process by demanding reviews and excessive supplementary documents beyond its legal authority." He further warned that this could disrupt citizens' cultural and leisure activities. Shin also criticized the administrative procedures as excessive, noting that the office continued to request supplementary documents up to April 21, including documents that are not legally required.

In response, the Buk-gu District Office issued an official statement on the same day, flatly denying the allegations as "not true." The office explained, "As 'The Hyundai Gwangju' is the first large-scale multi-purpose shopping mall in Gwangju and will have a significant impact on citizens' daily lives in terms of traffic, disaster prevention, and the environment, a comprehensive and cautious review is essential." To this end, the office formed a task force last month consisting of 16 teams from 9 departments and is proceeding with the process in accordance with legal standards, such as the National Land Planning Act and traffic impact assessment guidelines.

In particular, the Buk-gu District Office pointed out deficiencies in the traffic impact assessment report submitted by the developer. The office requested revisions because the report did not take into account the traffic generated by more than 70 annual professional baseball games at Gwangju Kia Champions Field, nor did it reflect large-scale development projects nearby, such as the Numun District and Yangdong 3 District. An official from the office emphasized, "With development projects either underway or planned for approximately 16,000 households within a 2-kilometer radius, worsening traffic congestion is inevitable," and stressed that these are legitimate administrative measures to prevent inconvenience and safety issues for citizens.

The Buk-gu District Office also referenced past traffic paralysis during the opening of the U-Square Culture Center, adding, "This time, we will minimize inconvenience for citizens." The office further stated, "We will actively support 'The Hyundai Gwangju' so that it can become a landmark and help revitalize the local economy," and announced plans to process the building permit as soon as the supplementary requirements are completed.

Meanwhile, the Buk-gu District Office is currently consulting with 35 related agencies and departments and plans to process the building permit immediately once the supplementary requirements are finalized.