In exchange for permission to modify the plan for the Jeju Myths and History Theme Park, the developer agreed to a number of conditions, one of which was the establishment of consultative bodies with area residents. The company maintains it has fulfilled that pledge, but some people say it hasn’t. Here’s Joseph Kim to explain.


Report

Permission for modifications to the construction plan of the Jeju Myths and History Theme Park was made in November 2014



under stipulations that at least 80 percent of the theme park complex staff be from Jeju, that local contractors have opportunities to get involved in at least 50 percent of the construction work, that the developer come up with plans to address complaints from area residents, and that Landing organize consultative bodies to benefit area residents through its project.

[slug]
2 consultative bodies formed


The consultative bodies were supposed to comprise of officials from the province and (안덕면) Andeok-myeon, area residents, the developer and investors. The developer also promised to sign purchasing contracts with local agricultural and seafood producers.


Moreover, the developer is obliged to come up with plans for community groups to be able to operate businesses at the park site.

Consultative bodies have been established in (서광동리) Seogwangdong-ri and (서광서리) Seogwangseo-ri in Andeok-myeon where the theme park will sit on.

There is a lot of resistance from residents of neighboring communities in Andeok-myeon.


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‘Landing Jeju hasn’t lived up to promises’

They insist that the Landing Jeju Development hasn't held any discussions with them even though the CEO of the developer promised to benefit areas in Andeok-myeon.

INTERVIEW
Jeong Dae-su / Community leader in Gwangpyeong-ri, Andeok-myeon
We trusted the developer, but Landing Jeju Development hasn't talked with us. When we asked for a meeting through the Andeok-myeon office, they replied that they had no plans to talk with us. It’s clear that the developer has failed to follow the terms.
< 정대수 / 서귀포시 안덕면 광평리장 >
우리는 철썩같이 믿었죠. 그런데 람정 측에서 전혀 반응을 안 보이니까 우리가 안덕면 측을 통해서 람정 측에 얘기해도 '우리는 모르겠다,
/// 못하겠다'는 식으로 얘기가 나오니까 사실상 이거(이행 조건)는 사문화된 것이나 마찬가지라고 생각하고 있습니다.

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Landing says term ‘area residents’ being misinterpreted

Landing Jeju Development argues that the residents interpret the scope of "area residents" too broadly.

The developer says that the original plan includes two consultative bodies in (서광동리) Seogwangdong-ri and (서광서리) Seogwangseo-ri.

INTERVIEW
Representative of Landing Jeju Development
We believe that talks with Seogwangdong-ri and Seogwangseo-ri residents are sufficient and important. If the scope is interpreted arbitrarily, we cannot deal with it.
< 람정제주개발 관계자 >
서광서리와 동리마을과 상생 협의해 나가는 게 중요할 것 같고요. 안덕면이 대상이 아니라기 보다는 범위를 인위적으로 하다보면 ///회사가 감당을 못할 수가 있다는 거죠.

[Reporter] Joseph Kim
[Camera] Kim Seung-cheol


Locals are strongly criticizing the developer, saying it only cooperates with people who sold their properties to the Landing group and it is altogether ignoring the concerns of nearby residents.

Joseph Kim, KCTV