EDITORIAL from Korea JoongAng Daily on Aug. 31

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Prime Minister Han Duk-soo has called for the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport to review the plan for the Saemangeum development project, thus bringing an end to 32 years of spending heavily on expanding our land and encouraging balanced growth across the nation. We heartily approve of the decision to reexamine the purpose of reclaiming the huge tidal flat in North Jeolla from the beginning.

Nevertheless, there are numerous things to consider. To begin with, the government should reconsider the proposal to build a new airport at a cost of 1 trillion won ($755.3 million) that is scheduled to open in 2029. History has demonstrated that the two airports situated near the region have been unable to avoid deficits, so if the new airport is not constructed, the funds could be used to extend the KTX bullet train from Iksan Station to Saemangeum.

A further issue is whether to proceed with the reclaiming of the vast tidal flat. One-fourth the size of Seoul has already been reclaimed, but the original plan was for even more land to be taken. 30% of the reclaimed area was intended for farming, but the saline soil makes it difficult to grow crops. As almost half of the reclaimed land was allocated as an industrial site, there is already enough space for that purpose. However, it would be a complete waste of money to keep reclaiming the tidal flat without a clear purpose.

The government also planned to make a freshwater lake, but this has gone bad and seawater is now flowing in. If the freshwater plan is abandoned, the area could be transformed into an ecotourism destination with plenty of migratory birds.

After the government reduced the construction budget for Saemangeum by 78% in response to the Prime Minister’s instruction to review the development, legislators from the Democratic Party and local politicians started to criticize the government. We understand the worries and dissatisfaction of local people. But it is not reasonable or sustainable to sustain a local economy with a national budget for civil engineering.

A number of major companies promised to invest in the development after the government designated Saemangeum as an industrial complex focusing on second batteries last month. Developing industrial infrastructure and creating jobs will ultimately help to revive local economies. The Prime Minister, from the same province, has asked the Land Ministry to devise a comprehensive plan for Saemangeum development to invigorate the local economy. We look forward to the government presenting a grand plan to turn the area into a land of hope.

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