The Shinhansung CC golf course development project in Namyangju has become embroiled in growing controversy ahead of its upcoming urban planning committee review. With political tensions escalating over an unaccounted 40 billion KRW public contribution and allegations of preferential treatment, the project's future is now cast into doubt.

Shinhansung Tourism Development has been promoting the creation of the Shinhansung CC golf course, which is scheduled for review by the Namyangju Urban Planning Committee on the 20th. However, the absence of a formal public contribution plan worth 40 billion KRW and suspicions of special benefits for developers have led to significant political pressure, making the future course of the project unpredictable. Since a community proposal was submitted in 2021, the project has rapidly progressed to the committee agenda stage in just four years.

This ‘fast-track’ push—an attempt to complete urban planning procedures in four years that ordinarily take a decade—has drawn considerable attention. However, as both the media and city council step up their criticisms, with particular focus on the missing 40 billion KRW public contribution, concerns over the fairness and transparency of local administration have intensified.

Within the Urban Planning Committee itself, members have spoken openly about the political burden of decisions that could concentrate benefits on a single private entity. An urban planning expert commented, “Forcing through a decision amid such serious financial controversy and community backlash is not only an administrative burden but a political gamble. A decision to postpone or reconsider the project is highly likely.”

The debate over public contributions has emerged as the project’s most contentious issue. Experts estimate a minimum of 50 to 70 billion KRW in public contributions should be secured; however, the plan currently only specifies 12 billion KRW, prompting criticism that nearly 40 billion KRW in development gains may be funneled into the hands of private stakeholders.

Local residents remain staunchly opposed. Residents, who have been protesting for four consecutive years against destruction of forest and disruption to residential areas, have demanded, “The city must issue a direct apology to citizens for failing to secure the 40 billion KRW public contribution and must specify who was responsible for making these decisions.” They added, “We will never tolerate the prioritization of golf course development at the expense of our lives and community.”

The upcoming Urban Planning Committee review on the 20th is expected to be a pivotal turning point for the project. With questions raised about Mayor Ju Gwangdeok’s responsibility amid the high-speed administrative process and inadequate capture of development gains, community attention is sharply focused on the outcome. Should the committee opt to postpone or reject the project, the possibility looms that the Shinhansung CC development could be shelved indefinitely.

A review previously expected to proceed smoothly has instead been ensnared by accusations of favoritism and public distrust—posing a major test for the fairness and accountability of Namyangju administration.

Note “This article was translated from the original Korean version using AI assistance, and subsequently edited by a native-speaking journalist.”

Photo=Emergency Countermeasures Committee