Real estate prices are on the rise… not just in the city but in the suburbs, as well. This is causing a delay in suburban road construction work, as village landowners are asking for higher compensation for their property. Mike Laidman has more.

[SLUG]
Aewol-eup, Jeju City

On this village road in Aewol-eup, Jeju City, only half of the construction work has been completed.

Paving was supposed to begin in the second half of this year, but was instead delayed indefinitely after village landowners and road developers failed to reach an agreement on land compensation prices.

[SLUG]
Compensation disputes cause protracted delays

Initially, Jeju City had planned to expand and pave 11 country roads totalling 19.8 kilometers.

But as suburban real estate prices continue to jump in value, there has been a growing number of disputes over compensation.

Agreement has not been reached on about 30 percent of the land, accounting for six roads. In addition, village landowners are asking the administration to widen the roads the same on either side, causing further delays.

[INTERVIEW]
Cho Taek-su / Jeju City Road Facilities Division
They want the roads to be the same width on both sides, but there are structures in the way that make it hard to do that...
<인터뷰:조택수 제주시 도로시설담당>
"도로 좌우를 동일하게 해주라고 하는데 도로 구조 문제도 있고 어려운 상황이다..."

Jeju City says it will continue to try and reach an agreement with the villagers, but that if a consensus is not reached, the work could go ahead without their consent.

[REPORTER]
Mike Laidman

Villagers have long wanted their old roads to be widened, but now that it is happening, the current real estate boom is getting in the way.

Mike Laidman, KCTV