The Gunsan Citizens' Committee for the Relocation of the Logistics Terminal urged the government on October 1 to officially commit to the complete relocation of the Gunsan Logistics Terminal by 2042. They also called for substantial citizen participation and community benefits during the extension of the first phase of operations in 2028.
In a statement, the committee asserted, "For the past 30 years, the citizens of Gunsan have endured various social costs, including traffic congestion, road damage, air pollution, noise, and vibration, all under the pretext of the terminal being a national logistics hub."
They added, "The large logistics facility located in the heart of the city disrupts urban space and hinders balanced urban development. It is time to clearly decide on the complete relocation of the Gunsan Logistics Terminal and establish a concrete execution plan."
The committee demanded that the government, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and Korea Logistics Co., Ltd. officially commit to the complete relocation of the terminal by 2042.
They emphasized the need for a detailed roadmap that includes a phased relocation schedule, plans for alternative logistics sites, execution plans for the relocation, and utilization plans for the existing site, all of which should be made public.
Regarding the extension of the first phase of operations, which expires in 2028, the committee insisted on ensuring direct participation from the city of Gunsan and its citizens.
The committee pointed out, "The entities that have directly borne the environmental, traffic, and safety issues arising from the terminal's operations are the city and its citizens. The extension contract should not be pursued in a monopolistic manner by specific companies or institutions."
They argued that legal and institutional measures should be established to allow local communities representing Gunsan or its citizens to participate in key decision-making and operations during the extension contract process.
The committee also urged that a portion of the economic benefits generated from the terminal's operations be returned to the local community as part of the contract.
They demanded that the extension contract include a clause specifying a percentage of annual operating profits to be returned to the community, which could be used to establish a "Gunsan Development Fund."
This fund should be utilized for improving air quality, reducing noise, enhancing road and traffic infrastructure, and promoting residents' health and welfare.
The committee also called for a management and oversight system to address potential environmental and traffic issues until the complete relocation in 2042.
They stated, "A joint public-private environmental and traffic monitoring body involving the city of Gunsan, civic groups, resident representatives, relevant agencies, and operators should be established to conduct regular assessments."
This body would regularly measure and publicly report on fine dust, smoke, and noise around the terminal, as well as develop measures to address traffic congestion and safety issues caused by freight vehicle traffic.
The committee emphasized the need for an effective management system to protect citizens' safety and living conditions until the complete relocation in 2042, urging the establishment of a continuous management and oversight system to swiftly address residents' demands.
They called on the government, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and Korea Logistics Co., Ltd. to promptly present a clear stance on the complete relocation by 2042, along with a concrete execution plan, citizen participation, and community benefit measures.
Meanwhile, the Gunsan Citizens' Committee for the Relocation of the Logistics Terminal expressed its intention to continue responding within legal limits until their demands are met.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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