Mayor Joo Kwangdeok: "A Historic Turning Point Returning the Spirit of Bularmsan to the Citizens"

Namyangju City Begins Full Demolition of Illegal Structures in Bularmsan
Administrative Enforcement Until the 30th
"A Decisive Step to Protect Citizens' Safety"

Namyangju City in Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Joo Kwangdeok) announced that from September 10 to September 30, it will carry out a full-scale demolition of 55 illegal shaman-related structures that have been left unattended for a long period in the Byeollae-dong Bularmsan area through administrative enforcement.

Joo Kwangdeok, mayor of Namyangju City, is explaining the large-scale enforcement on site on the 10th. Provided by Namyangju City

This measure is being implemented to eliminate wildfire hazards in the urban area, ensure the safety and lives of residents, and proactively restore the damaged natural environment of Bularmsan. The illegal structures had become a "powder keg in the city," as dangerous materials such as electrical wires, LPG gas cylinders, and oil drums were installed without authorization, posing a significant risk of large-scale wildfires.

Since 2024, the city has issued a total of four voluntary demolition notices and correction orders for illegal facilities that have been unlawfully occupied in the Bularmsan area since before 1985. However, when voluntary demolition was not carried out, the city proceeded with administrative enforcement notices and warrants in August and has now begun forced demolition. The targets for demolition include shamanic ritual sites, illegal residential containers, and cooking facilities, covering a total area of approximately 911,482 square meters.

For this enforcement, more than 80 personnel from the fire department, police, and city officials, as well as heavy equipment such as excavators, have been mobilized. After the demolition, the city plans to promptly collect and remove all debris to fully restore the original natural environment of Bularmsan.

Namyangju Mayor Joo Kwangdeok giving instructions at a site filled with waste up to under the rocks. Photo by Namyangju City

This demolition goes beyond the mere removal of illegal structures; it is expected to resolve structural hazards that have threatened citizens' safety for decades and transform the area into a space accessible to all residents.

Local residents also expressed their support, saying, "With the removal of these long-neglected illegal facilities, we can now visit Bularmsan with peace of mind."

Mayor Joo Kwangdeok stated, "We have finally resolved the issue of illegal structures that have held us back for decades. This is not just a demolition, but a historic turning point that protects citizens' safety and returns the beautiful landscape and spirit of Bularmsan to the people."

Demolition site with an excavator in operation. Provided by Namyangju City

He added, "Now that we are boldly concluding a long-overdue task, we will work closely with related agencies to ensure its thorough and unwavering completion."