8% of Greenbelt in Gyeonggi Province (104㎢) to be Released by 2020

An estimated 104㎢, representing 8% of the greenbelt area in Gyeonggi Province, is expected to be sequentially released by 2020.

According to the 2020 Seoul Metropolitan Area Urban Plan based on adjustments to the greenbelt in the Seoul metropolitan area—jointly established by Gyeonggi Province, the Ministry of Construction and Transportation, Seoul City, and Incheon City, and confirmed through deliberation by the Central Urban Committee in April—the target population for the Seoul metropolitan area in 2020 is set at a maximum of 27.4 million, comprising 9.8 million in Seoul, 3.1 million in Incheon, and 14.5 million in Gyeonggi Province. This aims to prevent excessive population growth and ensure the effectiveness of urban planning.

The Seoul Metropolitan Area Urban Plan presents long-term development directions for the region by systematizing various policy directions, presenting functional divisions among cities, and outlining long-term plans for regional facilities.

Regarding greenbelt adjustments, out of 1,293㎢ of greenbelt in Gyeonggi Province, 104㎢ (8% of the province's greenbelt area) has been classified for release, focusing on cluster settlements to resolve residents' inconveniences and areas with low conservation value based on environmental assessment results.

Additionally, to develop public rental housing complexes and other facilities, 27 locations covering 37㎢ have been designated as national policy projects, and 15 locations covering 4.7㎢ have been allocated to address local issues within the 10% allowable range, as determined by municipal and county governments to be inevitable given urban conditions.

Forty-two adjustable areas covering 18.6㎢ with low environmental conservation value—including Goyang Media Valley, Gwacheon Complex Tourism and Culture Complex, Bucheon Logistics Complex, Ansan Public Parking Facility, Yangju Administrative Town and Station-area Development, and other sites—will be developed primarily through public development methods, with phased releases proceeding as specific development plans are established by 2020.

For areas where greenbelt release is possible upon establishment of specific development plans following environmental assessment results showing low conservation value, greenbelt adjustable areas will establish comprehensive urban plans and district unit plans based on the plan-first, develop-later principle, adhering to low-density, environmentally friendly development standards.

In adjustable areas, projects such as public housing, social welfare facilities, education, culture, and leisure facilities, businesses attracting low-emission advanced industries, logistics centers, and distribution complexes may be undertaken.

A Gyeonggi Province official stated, "We plan to provide continuous administrative support to promote efficient development by encouraging low-density, eco-friendly development that harmonizes with the surrounding natural environment and does not significantly impact urban infrastructure."