Gunpo Mayor Han Dae-hee stated on October 9 that the relocation of the logistics terminal is the "first step in a major transformation," highlighting it as a core project for the city's urban transformation during his first 100 days in office.
During a press conference held in the city hall annex, Mayor Han emphasized that the future governance of Gunpo will be evaluated based on processes and results rather than words. He pledged to turn the promises made in the first 100 days into achievements over the next four years, marking a significant transformation for Gunpo's future.
Mayor Han defined the logistics terminal relocation as the initial step in Gunpo's transformation and called for official government review and support. He explained that various state-led development projects have utilized 24% of Gunpo's total area, and 56% when excluding restricted development zones, significantly reducing the land available for autonomous development.
He noted that residents have endured long-term traffic congestion, noise, dust, and urban disconnection due to the logistics terminal, stating, "It is time to change this structure." He urged the government to officially review the relocation from a national logistics and land policy perspective and to take responsibility for the damages residents have suffered.
Mayor Han believes that the new site should be developed into a future-oriented complex combining advanced industries, residential areas, and cultural spaces, requiring government support.
He also called for the establishment of a permanent consultative body to facilitate ongoing discussions between the government and Gunpo city regarding the comprehensive development around Geumjeong Station and railway undergrounding.
Since the launch of his administration, Mayor Han has established a new Urban Maintenance Bureau to focus on redevelopment, reconstruction, and the maintenance of the Sanbon New Town.
He stated, "We will quickly and decisively transform the aging downtown and Sanbon New Town into future-oriented residential and economic spaces," promising to minimize procedural delays and actively address conflicts among residents.
Currently, demolition is underway in Gunpo District 10, and the integrated reconstruction of District 9-2 has begun the contractor selection process.
With the commencement of the GTX-C line, plans are also underway to establish the Geumjeong Station area as a new urban center for Gunpo.
Mayor Han asserted, "We will redefine Geumjeong Station not just as a transportation hub but as a vibrant urban center where people gather, jobs are created, and culture and commerce thrive."
He envisions connecting the divided spaces and creating pedestrian-friendly pathways while reorganizing urban functions around the station.
The extension of the Shinbundang Line to Gunpo is also in progress. Mayor Han has garnered support from Uiwang City to reach an agreement among four local governments and plans to respond collectively to ensure its inclusion in the national railway network.
Railway undergrounding is being pursued not merely as a transportation project but as an urban space reorganization initiative. Mayor Han expressed his intention to connect living areas severed by above-ground railways and transform the space above the tracks into new urban areas for citizens.
To achieve this, he plans to collaborate with the government, Gyeonggi Province, and relevant agencies to ensure that Gunpo's railway undergrounding project is incorporated into national plans and regulations.
In terms of administrative operations, Mayor Han emphasized expanding citizen participation and strengthening fiscal soundness. He is forming a financial strategy task force to review revenue and expenditure structures and develop a roadmap for fiscal recovery.
Additionally, he plans to establish a public discussion committee to openly address key issues such as redevelopment, reconstruction, the development around Geumjeong Station, and the logistics terminal relocation with citizens.
Furthermore, the commitments of the ninth elected term have been finalized into five strategic areas and 90 projects, with a promise to operate an evaluation team to allow citizens to monitor the implementation process.
Mayor Han Dae-hee concluded, "Plans are in place. What is now needed is rapid and tangible change that citizens can feel. I will persistently persuade central government ministries, the National Assembly, and Gyeonggi Province to achieve this."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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