[On Site] "The Sand Dune Is Our Heritage, Stop Construction"... Conflict Erupts in Jeju Iho

Jeju Province and City Governments Officially Confirm:
"Excluded from National Ecological Survey... Not a Coastal Dune"

Authorities Take a Hands-Off Approach Despite Legal Permits
Only General Stance on "Amicable Agreement"

Construction site at 375, Iho-dong, Jeju City. Amid opposition banners hung by the village claiming "coastal dune damage," the village association has filed a complaint to stop the construction, causing disruptions to the authorized construction progress. Photo by Park Changwon.

Legally approved construction in the Iho-dong area of Jeju City has been suspended for several months due to a complaint filed by the village association alleging "coastal dune (sand hill) damage." This is despite the fact that a national ecological survey confirmed the site is "not a dune area." The local authorities are facing controversy over infringement of private property rights, as they have taken a hands-off approach by stipulating a condition that "construction must stop if a complaint arises."

According to The Asia Business Daily's coverage on March 3, the root cause of the construction delays near 375 Iho-dong is alleged to be Jeju City's passive administrative attitude.

Jeju Provincial and City Governments Officially Confirm: "Not a Coastal Dune"

Until now, the village association and some environmental organizations have insisted that the site is "the lungs of the village" and a coastal dune that must be protected. However, the administrative authorities have reached a different conclusion.

An official from Jeju Provincial Government’s Environmental Policy Division stated, "In 2016, the National Institute of Ecology under the Ministry of Environment conducted a comprehensive survey of coastal dunes nationwide and designated 14 sites within the province, but the Iho-dong site was not included and does not qualify as a coastal dune." The official added, "When designating absolute conservation areas in 2022, this site was also excluded as it did not meet the requirements."

Coastal dunes are formed when sand is supplied from the sea and carried by wind to accumulate. However, a large reclaimed land area (Iholand) and a four-lane road block the front of the site, geographically cutting off any sand supply from the sea.

An official from Jeju City Hall also acknowledged, "It has never been investigated as a dune."

Even a representative of the village association admitted in a phone call, "We know that ever since the four-lane road was built, the area cannot be designated as a dune," but added, "We filed a complaint to at least protect the remaining dunes now."

Furthermore, on-site reporting has confirmed that, since the opening of the four-lane road, convenience stores and cafes have already been operating in adjacent plots only a few dozen meters from the area the village claims as a dune conservation zone, raising concerns over fairness.

Status of the conflict site (marked with a red circle) viewed from the satellite map. There is a four-lane road and a large landfill site (Jejuiholand) blocking the front of the site, geographically cutting off the essential requirement for dune formation, the "supply of sand from the sea." Source: Naver Satellite Map.

 Controversy Over Conditional Permit: "Stop Work If Complaints Arise"

The reason the administration halted construction despite knowing it was not a dune lies in Jeju City's permitting conditions.

An official from Jeju City Hall explained that when issuing permits for construction and road use on the site, "A condition was attached that if a complaint arises, construction must stop until the issue is resolved."

This has created a system in which even legally compliant construction must stop unconditionally if residents object, solely due to the administrative structure.

Both Iho-dong officials and Jeju City have stated that "when there is strong physical opposition from residents, there are limits to immediate administrative intervention," which has led to criticism that the authorities are taking a passive stance in resolving the conflict.

The construction owner, Mr. A, lamented, "I could understand halting construction for issues like dust or noise, but this is private land won in a public auction by Korea Asset Management Corporation, and I even obtained a legal road use permit. It makes no sense to force a complete stop for no justifiable reason."

 Growing Concerns Over Infringement of Private Property Rights

Even though the authorities have confirmed that the site is not a coastal dune requiring conservation and have issued a legal construction permit, Jeju City has only repeated a general stance that "measures will be taken soon," effectively observing the conflict for months without action.

Since it has been confirmed that this is a legitimate construction activity on private land that is not a conservation area, critics argue that the authorities should not condone the infringement of private property rights on the grounds of complaints, but instead should promptly enforce the law and principles.

As the local government continues to delay proper administrative action under the pretext of easing disputes, criticism is mounting that the authorities are in fact encouraging improper obstruction tactics by residents.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.