"GTX Substation Just 18 Meters from Homes Is Unacceptable"... Dongdaemun District Takes Firm Stance

Dongdaemun District Officially Requests Ministry of Land to Revoke Approval
Resident Opposition Rallies Continue
Mayor Lee Pilhyung: "A Hazardous Location Rarely Seen Anywhere in the Country"

On December 1, the Dongdaemun District Office in Seoul (Mayor Lee Pilhyung) expressed a strong stance regarding the installation of the Cheongnyangni substation for the Greater Seoul Metropolitan Express Railway (GTX) B and C lines, stating that it poses "a serious threat to the lives and safety of residents."

Lee Pilhyung, Mayor of Dongdaemun District, and officials attending the 'Opposition Rally to the GTX Cheongnyangni Substation Installation Plan.' Provided by Dongdaemun District Office.

At the "GTX Cheongnyangni Substation Installation Plan Opposition Rally" held near Cheongnyangni Station on November 29, Lee Pilhyung, Mayor of Dongdaemun District, emphasized, "This is a hazardous location rarely seen not only in the Seoul metropolitan area but anywhere in the country. Considering electromagnetic waves, fire hazards, and psychological anxiety, the original plan for the Cheongnyangni substation cannot be justified under any circumstances."

The controversy arose when the distance between the substation and residential areas was reduced from 36 meters in the initial draft of the environmental impact assessment to 18 meters during the implementation plan approval process. The construction company explained at a resident briefing that the electromagnetic wave levels would be similar to those of a household microwave oven, but residents' distrust persisted. The district has received more than 20,000 related civil complaints annually, and one-person protests as well as weekend rallies have continued for over a year.

Dongdaemun District has proposed an alternative site plan in consultation with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the National Railroad Authority. On May 10, the district officially requested the Ministry of Land to revoke the approval for the GTX substation near Cheongnyangni Station and to relocate it. The district has also demanded the reorganization of the site selection committee in accordance with the Electric Power Development Promotion Act and a new site selection process.

Mayor Lee stated, "While I acknowledge the necessity of the GTX project, development cannot come at the expense of resident safety. Until a new plan that residents can accept is established, I will continue to fight alongside the community to the very end."