Editorial Hwaseong Mayor Jung Myung-geun: "Hwaseong City is the Optimal Location for Seoul Race Park Relocation"
On the 6th, Hwaseong Special City Mayor Jung Myung-geun met with National Assembly Member Song Ok-joo (Democratic Party·Hwaseong District A) and Korea Racing Authority Chairman Woo Hee-jong. The purpose was to present Hwaseong City's relocation plan as it moves forward with earnest efforts to attract the Seoul Race Park relocation. During this meeting, Mayor Jung and Representative Song explained Hwaseong City's location competitiveness and development conditions. Hwaseong City cited its advantages as the optimal site for Seoul Race Park relocation: △excellent transportation accessibility △ample and sufficient developable sites △equine industry infrastructure—all of which represent comprehensive competitive strengths.
In particular, Hwaseong City's equine industry foundation is expected to serve as a significant advantage over other regions seeking to attract the project. In 2015, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs designated Hawangongon Area 4 as a special equine industry zone in the Seoul Metropolitan Area. The site has secured 600,000 pyeong of equine industry cluster land, including the Korea Racing Authority's 270,000 pyeong thoroughbred training complex and approximately 360,000 pyeong owned by Gyeonggi Province. Additionally, agricultural research and development infrastructure is being established centered on Eco Farmland, and the Korea Racing Authority's thoroughbred training facilities are being developed in phases.
Mayor Jung explains that if Seoul Race Park is relocated to Hwaseong City, a comprehensive cluster that will elevate South Korea's equine industry competitiveness to the next level will be completed. He expressed expectations that it will become a new growth engine for the development of Hwaseong's West Coast region. Hwaseong citizens nod in agreement with Mayor Jung's remarks that it will be an important opportunity to develop it into a national equine industry cluster and a tourism and leisure hub.
However, some preconditions remain to be fulfilled. First, the Racing Authority union is maintaining its opposition to the race park relocation. Additionally, Gwacheon Mayor Shin Gyae-yong, who was reelected in the recent local elections, has not changed his position opposing the race park relocation and the plan to supply 9,000 housing units. With the development of Gwacheon and Juam districts underway, Mayor Shin explains that developing the race park site as well would inevitably deteriorate residents' quality of life. There are other hurdles to overcome. Cities within Gyeonggi Province, including Siheung, Uijeongbu, and Yangju, are also actively pursuing the attraction of the race park.
In any case, Mayor Jung states, "I will simultaneously realize improved quality of life for 350,000 residents in the western region and balanced urban development," and is making every effort to attract the relocation by leading with Hwaseong City's superior location and competitiveness. He also emphasized that he will take preemptive measures to address various concerns raised by some, including traffic congestion, environmental problems, noise and lighting, and the spread of gambling-related industries. Meanwhile, Hwaseong citizens are watching with anticipation to see what results his efforts will bring.