Mayor Shin Gye-yong stated on September 10 that "the city of Gwacheon and its citizens must not be excluded from the process of determining the future of Gwacheon," as he raised concerns about the Ministry of Justice's plan to relocate to Sejong.
During a press conference held in the lobby of the government building, Shin criticized the government's unilateral announcement of the relocation plan, which he said significantly impacts Gwacheon's future, without sufficient prior consultation with the city. He called for a reevaluation of the plan.
Shin emphasized the need for a comprehensive review of the relocation plan and the establishment of an official consultation body between the government and Gwacheon.
While he does not oppose the national direction of balanced regional development, he insists that decisions affecting Gwacheon's urban structure and future should not be made unilaterally by the government without community involvement.
He asserted, "Reevaluating the Ministry of Justice's relocation plan from the ground up is Gwacheon's fundamental position." He also stressed that if the relocation is deemed unavoidable, the government should first confirm a central administrative agency or a corresponding key national function before proceeding with the move to maintain Gwacheon's administrative and self-sustaining functions.
The Ministry of the Interior and Safety is currently conducting a study to review future utilization plans for the Government Gwacheon building and surrounding vacant land. However, Shin raised concerns that Gwacheon has not been able to participate in discussions regarding this study.
Given that the utilization direction of the Government Gwacheon building and vacant land is directly linked to Gwacheon's urban development, he argued that the city and its citizens should be included as official discussion participants from the outset of the study.
Moreover, the vacant land in Gwacheon has been frequently mentioned as a potential site for housing supply under government policies, raising significant concerns among local residents.
Shin contended that the plans for the Government Gwacheon building and vacant land should be comprehensively reviewed beyond individual policy levels, such as housing supply, in the context of Gwacheon's overall urban planning and long-term development direction.
He called on the government to consider the following: reevaluation of the Ministry of Justice's relocation plan, transparent disclosure of the future utilization study for the Government Gwacheon building, establishment of an official consultation body between the government and Gwacheon, and the application of the principle of 'confirming a replacement agency before relocation' if the Ministry of Justice's move proceeds.
Local citizens also expressed concerns that the relocation of the government building is not merely an issue of moving a specific department but could impact the overall administrative, economic, and living conditions in Gwacheon.
One resident stated, "Policies related to the government building should not be decided without adequately considering the opinions of Gwacheon citizens," adding that it is essential to present what functions will replace the government building and how the city's future will change after the relocation.
Another citizen noted, "Since Gwacheon has developed around the government building, any changes to its functions will significantly affect the area," urging that plans for a replacement agency or local development measures should be prepared alongside the relocation decision.
Shin reiterated, "If the government proceeds with the relocation, it must first confirm a central administrative agency or a corresponding key national function to maintain Gwacheon's administrative and self-sustaining capabilities."
Additionally, Shin plans to request meetings with the President, Prime Minister, and relevant agencies to demand a clear stance from the government.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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