Hwabuk-dong in Jeju City will be getting a major facelift. Jeju City is finally moving ahead with a major development project that has been delayed for more than three decades. Joseph Kim has more.

A 216,700-square-meter business district will be set up in the Hwabuk area.

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Opposition delayed project for 30+ years

Though some people established a foundation to push the plan forward, due to opposition from local residents and a lack of investors, plans have been shelved for over 30 years.

However, Jeju City will commence work developing the district, as an ordinance for developing Hwabuk business district has been announced.

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Housing and commercial district scheduled for completion in 2019

Applying a 56% reduction in housing allotments, a rezoning plan will be set up from August, and by 2019, a business and housing district, related infrastructure and a site for a major hotel will be set up. 45 billion won will be invested to develop the Hwabuk business district.

Jeju City is expecting improved convenience for locals as well as a more balanced development between the eastern and western regions of Jeju Island.

Interview
Kang Bong-chan / Jeju City dept. of urban development
We want balanced development between the east and west. Far more work has been done to date in western regions. Developing infrastructure in the east, which is close to Jeju Port, will help with that.
<인터뷰 : 강봉찬/제주시 도시디자인과 도시개발담당 >
"동서부 지역의 균형 발전일 될 것 같습니다. 현재 서쪽에 개발이 많이 됐는데 동쪽 지역에 개발되면 인프라가 구축되고 제주외항도 연결되기 때문에// 인프라 구축 등 도움이 될 것 같습니다."

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Hyeon Gwang-hoon

[REPORTER]
Joseph Kim

Due to the opposition of the locals, the development of the Hwabuk district has been in a holding pattern for over 30 years. To proceed with the development as planned, consultations from the local residents will be imperative.

Joseph Kim KCTV