Power Line Construction Illegally Damages 37 Forest Sites, Including Baekdudaegan, Report Finds

A stark warning has emerged from the front lines of South Korea's energy infrastructure development: the construction of vital high-voltage power lines is causing significant and illegal damage to ecologically sensitive areas. Green Korea United's recent report details how 37 forest sites, including precious sections of the Baekdudaegan and Nakdongjeongmaek mountain ranges, have been illegally encroached upon during the ongoing East Coast-Singeongpyeong 500kV HVDC project. This revelation raises serious questions about the oversight and environmental stewardship of such large-scale projects.

The findings are alarming. The report points to instances of small-scale landslides and soil erosion directly linked to construction activities that have exceeded permitted boundaries. These damages not only threaten the natural landscape but also pose a direct risk to the safety of nearby residents, as seen in areas like Aedang-ri, Bonghwa, which is prone to landslides. The fact that these violations have reportedly gone unreported by both the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment and Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) is particularly concerning, suggesting a potential breakdown in regulatory compliance and communication.

Compounding these concerns is the apparent conflict of interest within the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, which is both overseeing the project and responsible for environmental monitoring. Environmental groups like Green Korea United are rightly calling for an immediate cessation of work, thorough safety assessments by independent bodies, and emergency restoration measures. They emphasize the need for a robust, independent regulatory framework to ensure that energy development does not come at the irreversible cost of South Korea's invaluable natural heritage. The situation underscores a critical debate about balancing energy security with environmental protection, a challenge that will only intensify as the nation pursues ambitious energy goals.