Gwangju Residents Demand a Share of Benefits as Water Pipeline to Yongin Chip Complex Cuts Through Their City

Gwangju residents have begun organized action over a water pipeline for the Yongin semiconductor industrial complex, arguing that their city should not simply bear the costs of a national strategic project.

The Gwangju Citizens’ Coalition for Shared Development with the Yongin Semiconductor Complex held its launch ceremony at Gwangju City Hall on the 3rd, attended by about 500 residents and civic group representatives. The coalition declared that Gwangju should become a full partner in shared growth, rather than merely a place through which the semiconductor project passes.

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Gwangju residents have endured various regulations for the past 50 years to protect the Paldang water source on behalf of the nation. We cannot help asking whether it is fair to demand that we bear the burden of a national industry once again.

The planned pipeline will run 46.9 kilometers from Gwangju’s water intake facility to the Yongin complex. About 27 kilometers, close to 60% of the route, is expected to cross Gwangju. The coalition says residents will face substantial disruption to traffic, the environment and everyday life, and is seeking compensation for construction damage as well as investment in the city’s future.

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We are not opposing the semiconductor complex itself. More than simple financial compensation, national investment to expand industrial, transport, housing, education and research infrastructure must come first.

“Gwangju residents have endured various regulations for the past 50 years to protect the Paldang water source on behalf of the nation,” the coalition said. “We cannot help asking whether it is fair to demand that we bear the burden of a national industry once again.”

The group said it does not oppose the semiconductor complex itself. Instead, it called for more than financial compensation, including national investment to expand industrial, transport, housing, education and research infrastructure. Its eight demands include a materials, parts and equipment industrial complex in Gwangju, a supporting city for production functions in Yongin and Icheon, regulatory reform, expanded metropolitan transport and a semiconductor cooperation belt. It also urged the government, Gyeonggi province, Gwangju and Yongin to establish a permanent cooperation body. The coalition warned that it could launch an all-out campaign against the integrated water-supply project if responsible measures are not prepared.

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Building a metropolitan semiconductor industrial belt linking Pangyo’s research and development, Gwangju’s materials, parts and equipment industries and residential base, and production in Yongin and Icheon is a national investment that would strengthen the stability of the entire semiconductor supply chain, not just benefit Gwangju.