Gwangju Bukgu Mayor Moon In: "The Hyundai Needs Both Traffic and Coexistence Measures"

"Limitations of Gwangju City's Dajabo Policy"
"Measures Needed to Protect Small Business Owners"

Moon In, mayor of Bukgu District in Gwangju, has urged the implementation of practical measures, stating that Gwangju City's traffic policies alone will not be sufficient to resolve the traffic congestion in the area related to the construction approval of the 'The Hyundai Gwangju' complex shopping mall.

Moon In, mayor of Bukgu District, Gwangju, is urging the preparation of traffic and coexistence measures at a press briefing on the conditional approval of the construction of The Hyundai Gwangju on the 18th. Captured from Mayor Moon In's Facebook.

At a press briefing held in the Bukgu District Office situation room on the 18th, Mayor Moon announced, "We have given final approval for the construction of The Hyundai Gwangju, which has been a long-standing wish of Gwangju citizens," and added, "To minimize inconvenience for citizens, we must work together to devise traffic and coexistence measures."

Mayor Moon pointed out, "The Gwangcheon area, including Jeonnam and Ilsin Textile, where The Hyundai Gwangju will be located, is already facing significant traffic burdens due to professional baseball game days, redevelopment projects, bottlenecks at Dongun Overpass and Unam Intersection, and the construction of Subway Line 2." He emphasized, "Gwangju City's Dajabo (public transportation, bicycles, and walking) policy alone will not be able to cope with the surge in traffic demand expected when The Hyundai Gwangju opens in 2027." In particular, he noted that the Gwangcheon-Sangmu urban railway line, which is being promoted as an alternative, is scheduled for completion in 2032, making at least a five-year gap inevitable.

Mayor Moon stressed, "If there are no clear measures before completion, the damage will not be limited to Bukgu residents but will spread to all citizens of Gwangju." He added, "The city must review and supplement the traffic improvement measures proposed by Bukgu alongside the Dajabo policy."

He continued, "While protecting traditional commercial districts is an administrative responsibility, we cannot ignore the new consumer demand arising from the changing consumption environment." He requested, "The city should establish measures to protect the livelihoods of small business owners and promote coexistence through the Complex Shopping Mall Coexistence Development Council."

Mayor Moon stated, "The development of the Gwangcheon area, including The Hyundai Gwangju, will determine the urban competitiveness of Gwangju and the quality of life for its citizens." He added, "As the city has expedited the licensing procedures, traffic and coexistence measures must also be finalized quickly."

Perspective view of the 'The Hyundai Gwangju' complex shopping mall. Provided by Gwangju City

On this day, Bukgu District conditionally approved the construction of The Hyundai Gwangju on the Jeonbang and Ilsin Textile sites, imposing four conditions related to traffic, environment, and other factors. The Hyundai Gwangju is planned to have six underground floors and eight above-ground floors, with a total floor area of 274,079 square meters, and is aiming to open in 2027.