Sokcho Civic Groups Oppose Apartment Construction Project Near Seoraksan's Ulsanbawi

Social organizations in Sokcho, Gangwon Province, have urged the preservation of the scenery around Ulsanbawi and Mount Seorak in connection with a large-scale apartment housing development project being pursued in Wonam-ri, Toseong-myeon, Goseong-gun.

During a press conference held at the Sokcho City Hall digital briefing room on October 6, about 40 social organizations in Sokcho issued a joint statement saying, "The scenery of Ulsanbawi is a shared asset of the Seorak region," and adding, "Sufficient verification and social consensus regarding the 16-story, 759-household housing project must come first."

They expressed concern that the project could affect the scenery of Mount Seorak and Ulsanbawi, as well as the tourism competitiveness and urban image of the entire Seorak region.

The groups pointed out, "We are not opposed to development projects themselves aimed at improving local living conditions and revitalizing the local economy," but stressed, "If large-scale apartment housing is built, its impact on the surrounding scenery and views must be thoroughly examined."

In particular, they demanded a thorough verification of the impact on the scenery of Ulsanbawi and Mount Seorak, as well as the transparent disclosure of building and landscape review processes and conditionally approved details.

They also argued that reasonable alternatives regarding the height, scale, and layout of the buildings should be considered, and opinions from Seorak region residents, including Sokcho citizens, should be fully gathered.

Suggestions were also raised to establish a cooperative framework where Sokcho City, Goseong County, and Gangwon Province can discuss the matter together.

"Once damaged, natural scenery is difficult to restore," they emphasized, adding, "We are not against development, but rather wary of development that harms the value of Seorak."

They further noted, "The project should be pursued in a direction that goes beyond short-term local economic effects to long-term enhancement of the tourism competitiveness and urban image of the entire Seorak region," and added, "We will find a reasonable solution that can coexist with local development while protecting the natural scenery."

Previously, the Sokcho City Council and the association of Sokcho resident autonomy committees also issued statements urging a close review of the impact on the natural environment and scenery around Ulsanbawi, along with the formulation of effective preservation measures.

In addition, banners opposing the project have been put up in various locations across Sokcho.

This project involves building apartment housing and auxiliary facilities consisting of 8 buildings ranging from 6 underground floors to 12 to 16 above-ground floors, with a total floor area of 175,265 square meters and 759 households, in the area of Wonam-ri, Toseong-myeon, Goseong-gun.

The project site spans a district unit planning zone, planned management area, and conserved management area, and is adjacent to National Route 56, positioned at the gateway entering Goseong and Sokcho from Inje via Misiryeong Tunnel.

The provincial architectural committee is scheduled to conduct a preliminary approval review on October 15.

Gangwon State Assemblyman Kang Jung-ho pointed out, "Citizens' concerns continue over the news that high-rise apartments will be built right below Ulsanbawi," adding, "Although it falls under the administrative jurisdiction of Goseong County, as it is a gateway to Sokcho, careful review regarding concerns over the infringement of view rights is necessary."

In response, Goseong County explained that because the site has been neglected for a long time since the failure of a condo development project in the 1990s, it granted project approval to utilize the land.

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.