The Gwangcheon-dong area, the largest redevelopment site in Gwangju, has begun demolition work for the first time in 20 years.
A total of 5,157 apartments are planned for the site.
According to Gwangju Metropolitan City’s Seo-gu district, a demolition permit for one of the 15 construction zones within the Gwangcheon-dong housing redevelopment area was submitted to the district office on November 5.
The initial construction zone is located across from the Kia Motors factory, where interior finishes will be removed before demolition equipment is brought in at the end of this month.
The remaining 14 zones will sequentially submit construction permits based on their preparation status.
The Gwangcheon-dong redevelopment project, the largest in the Gwangju area, began with the approval of a promotion committee in 2006, followed by designation as a maintenance zone in 2012, establishment of a cooperative in 2015, project implementation approval in 2019, and management plan approval in 2023.
However, the project faced delays due to conflicts among residents over compensation issues, leading to disputes that stalled progress.
Subsequent changes in construction companies, lawsuits over building handovers, and negotiations over construction costs and sale prices further prolonged the project.
As a result, abandoned buildings and homes remained in a state of disrepair for an extended period, giving the area a desolate appearance, often referred to as a 'ghost town' in the city.
In the future, the 425,000 square meters will feature up to 45-story buildings, 40 blocks, 5,157 housing units, community and welfare facilities, and a 16,800 square meter historical park.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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