15 Billion Won Allocated in National Budget
"Turning Point for Urban Restructuring and Regional Development"
The long-awaited 'Mareukdong Ammunition Depot Relocation Project' for Gwangju citizens is expected to resume in earnest starting next year.
The Gwangju City Government announced on September 8 that, with 1.5 billion won for the 'Mareukdong Ammunition Depot Relocation Construction Cost' included in next year's national budget proposal, the project can now move forward in earnest.
The 'Mareukdong Ammunition Depot Relocation' project began with government approval in 2005. By 2023, 268.1 billion won out of the total project cost of 326.2 billion won had been invested in compensation and construction costs. However, the project was put on hold in the second half of 2023 as discussions on relocating the military airport overlapped.
Located in the heart of the city, the Mareukdong Ammunition Depot has long caused restrictions on property rights, safety concerns, and daily inconveniences for citizens. In particular, its designation as a military facility protection zone has led to numerous complaints from nearby residents, including development restrictions, difficulties connecting apartment access roads, and various civil petitions (such as repurchase rights and lawsuits to adjust the military protection zone), with over 2,100 people involved. It has been cited as a major obstacle to regional development.
To resolve these issues, Mayor Kang Gijung directly appealed to President Lee Jaemyung and Prime Minister Kim Minseok in July and August, emphasizing the need for the ammunition depot relocation. He also met with Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Koo Yooncheol, Minister of National Defense Ahn Kyubaek, and other relevant ministers to request the inclusion of the project in next year's national budget.
In addition, with the active support of Yang Bunam, head of the Gwangju City Party Committee of the Democratic Party of Korea, as well as Assemblymen Ahn Dogeol and Park Kyuntaek, the project has successfully secured a place in next year's national budget proposal.
The 'Mareukdong Ammunition Depot Relocation Project' is significant not only for resolving civil complaints but also as a new opportunity for urban restructuring and regional development in Gwangju.
Going forward, the city plans to work closely with the Ministry of National Defense to ensure the smooth progress of the Mareukdong Ammunition Depot Relocation Project, while also making every effort to secure additional national funding through parliamentary activities.
Jung Jeonguk, head of the Military Airport Relocation Promotion Team, stated, "The relocation of the Mareukdong Ammunition Depot has been a long-standing aspiration of our citizens. With its inclusion in the government budget proposal, we will resume the project, create a safer living environment, protect residents' property rights, and lay the foundation for balanced regional development."
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