Central Dispute Mediation Committee Decides Gunsan City as Jurisdiction for Saemangeum New Port Reclaimed Land

Gunsan City in Jeonbuk Self-Governing Province has been designated as the local government with jurisdiction over parts of the reclaimed land at Saemangeum New Port, following a fierce dispute involving Gunsan, Gimje, and Buan.

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced that the Central Dispute Mediation Committee under the local government system unanimously decided to assign jurisdiction over the reclaimed areas, including maritime reclaimed land and breakwaters of the Saemangeum New Port development project, to Gunsan City after seven rounds of deliberation.

The area for which jurisdiction was determined is a completed section of the reclaimed land at Saemangeum New Port, which is being constructed to strengthen Saemangeum's industrial competitiveness and foster a hub port in the Yellow Sea rim.

The reclaimed site is scheduled to be used for port facilities such as port berthing facilities, administrative piers, access roads, and breakwaters, as well as fishing boat protection facilities.

The determination of jurisdiction for reclaimed land is initiated upon application by the reclamation license authority or the head of a relevant local government in accordance with Article 5 of the Local Autonomy Act.

If there are no objections to the application, the Minister of the Interior and Safety makes a decision based on the application contents. If there are disagreements among local governments, the decision is made through deliberation and resolution by the Central Dispute Mediation Committee.

Previously, the head of the Gunsan Regional Office of Oceans and Fisheries applied to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety in January of this year for a decision on the jurisdiction of the reclaimed land.

Subsequently, Gunsan City, Gimje City, and Buan County submitted their opinions regarding the jurisdictional decision, and the committee began its deliberations in February.

Through a total of seven deliberation sessions and one on-site visit, the committee listened to opinions from the heads, deputy heads, and related officials of the three cities and counties that held conflicting views on the jurisdictional issue.

It also heard opinions from related organizations, including the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, the Gunsan Regional Office of Oceans and Fisheries, the Saemangeum Development Agency, and Jeonbuk Self-Governing Province.

The committee comprehensively reviewed factors established in previous Supreme Court rulings, such as the efficient use of new land, connectivity with neighboring areas, the location of natural terrain and artificial structures, administrative efficiency, residents' convenience of living, and the benefits lost due to reclamation, leading to its unanimous decision to designate Gunsan City as the governing local government.

In an unusual move, the committee expressed its hope that areas adjacent to Saemangeum would avoid confrontation and instead foster consultation and cooperation so that Saemangeum can grow into South Korea's global hub for new industries.

Once the Ministry of the Interior and Safety notifies the relevant local governments of the decision, the respective local government will undergo completion inspections for the reclaimed land and register and manage it in the cadastre.

Local governments that object to the decision may file a lawsuit with the Supreme Court within 15 days from the date of receiving notification of the result.

(Photo courtesy of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.