Gyeonggi Province to 'Redevelop' Long-Neglected Urban Planning Facilities

Gyeonggi Province announced on the 21st that it has decided to resolve long-neglected unexecuted urban planning facilities (land) through redevelopment project methods.

Urban planning facilities are land designated as roads, parks, green spaces, schools, amusement facilities, and other purposes under urban plans for the development of cities and enhancement of public welfare. Various development activities are prohibited on such designated land.

Throughout the province, unexecuted urban planning facilities remain unused at a total of 180.2 million square meters, with 141.3 million square meters—76% of the total—having been abandoned for over 10 years.

The province has been struggling with budget issues, as purchasing and utilizing all the land would require approximately 18.6 trillion won. Due to fiscal constraints, the province has only been able to resolve portions of the problem annually.

Accordingly, the province has decided to resolve urban planning facilities through redevelopment project methods at three locations: Geumho District in Geomodeong, Siheung City (69,000 square meters), Bukbyeon District in Bukbyeondong, Gimpo City (60,000 square meters), and Jeonggok District in Jeonggok-eup, Yeoncheon County (71,000 square meters).

Through the redevelopment project method, the province plans to secure necessary facilities such as roads and parks and return the remaining land to landowners through land distribution (hwanjji).

This approach allows landowners to develop their land according to circumstances and construct buildings while resolving grievances, and allows relevant municipalities to secure urban planning facilities without spending massive budgets on land purchases.

The province plans to conduct feasibility studies within this year, proceed with detailed design and development plan approval next year, begin full-scale projects from 2009 onward, and complete projects around 2010.

After verifying the results of this pilot project, the province plans to review whether to expand the program to other areas.

A provincial official stated, "Once land is designated as an urban planning facility, it cannot be used by landowners. However, even if the land area is somewhat reduced after the project, landowners can gain development benefits, which is favorable to them. For municipalities, they can secure necessary facilities without massive land purchase expenses—a win-win situation."