Ahn Hyeongju Urges Prompt Relocation of Ammunition Depot
and Calls for Concrete Development Plan for the Site
On April 28, the Seo-gu Council of Gwangju (Chairperson Jeon Seungil) urged the "prompt relocation of the ammunition depot and the establishment of a development plan for the site" through a statement delivered by Councilor Ahn Hyeongju.
The ammunition depot, located in the Maruk-dong and Byeokjin-dong areas of Seo-gu, Gwangju, covers 366,000 square meters, which is larger than 51 soccer fields combined (7,140 square meters each). Under the "Military Bases and Military Installations Protection Act," an area of 2,155,000 square meters surrounding the depot has been designated as a military facility protection zone.
The decision to relocate the ammunition depot was suspended due to the aftermath of the IMF crisis. In 2005, the Ministry of National Defense decided to proceed with the relocation project using a special accounting method. Since 2009, 268.1 billion won (82.2%) out of the total project cost of 326.2 billion won has been executed. However, the project was put on hold again when the possibility of selecting Gwangju as a candidate site for the relocation of a military airport was raised.
Recently, the Ministry of National Defense has been considering an additional budget allocation of 4 billion won for increased construction costs related to the relocation of the ammunition depot. If the budget is secured, the project is reportedly aiming for completion by June 2027.
Councilor Ahn pointed out, "As the city has expanded, unlike in the past, the area surrounding the ammunition depot, now located in the heart of Gwangju, has high development potential, including large-scale residential developments and the passage of the urban railway." He added, "Despite these geographical advantages, the designation of the area as a military facility protection zone has hindered urban development and infringed on the property rights of local residents for 49 years."
He continued, "The repeated suspension and delays of the ammunition depot relocation project have only increased the suffering of local residents," and added, "It is time to stop ignoring the pain of the residents and to make a decisive move to ensure the relocation of the ammunition depot becomes a reality."
Accordingly, he strongly requested that ▲the Ministry of National Defense secure the necessary budget and promptly push forward with the ammunition depot relocation project, and ▲the Gwangju Metropolitan Government establish a concrete development plan for the use of the site after the depot is relocated.
Meanwhile, in September last year, Councilor Ahn enacted the first ordinance in Gwangju and Jeonnam regarding "support for residents in military facility protection zones" to improve the quality of life and welfare of those living in such areas.
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