{"id":2204093,"date":"2024-03-06T14:40:23","date_gmt":"2024-03-06T05:40:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/?p=2204093"},"modified":"2024-03-07T17:12:37","modified_gmt":"2024-03-07T08:12:37","slug":"environmental-woes-mount-as-south-korea-pushes-industrial-expansion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2024\/03\/environmental-woes-mount-as-south-korea-pushes-industrial-expansion\/","title":{"rendered":"Environmental woes mount as South Korea pushes industrial expansion"},"content":{"rendered":"

Residents living near industrial zones in South Korea face severe health risks due to exposure to environmental hazards. However, ROK authorities prioritize industrial development, exacerbating the risk of continued exposure to harmful substances and jeopardizing the well-being of those residing in areas adjacent to industrial facilities.<\/span><\/p>\n

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol\u2019s pledge last month to <\/span>relax greenbelt regulations<\/span><\/a>, aimed at stimulating job growth and expanding industrial areas, has raised concerns among experts and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).<\/span><\/p>\n

They told <\/span>Korea Pro<\/span><\/i> that administrative efforts to mitigate environmental hazards affecting residents near industrial zones must intensify before any expansion drive.<\/span><\/p>\n

PREVIOUS ASSESSMENTS<\/b><\/p>\n

Environmental hazards have severely impacted residential areas near industrial zones and landfills outside Seoul. Under the environment ministry\u2019s auspices, the <\/span>National Institute of Environmental Research<\/span><\/a> conducted a health assessment in Sawol Village, Incheon, in Nov. 2019.<\/span><\/p>\n

The village, located about 17 miles west of Seoul, houses over 160 industrial facilities and a mass landfill, with 52 residential households in proximity.<\/span><\/p>\n

The assessment deemed 37 households unsuitable for residency due to exposure to environmental hazards. Fourteen households were classified as \u201csuitable for residency with proper regulation and management,\u201d while only one required no additional measures.<\/span><\/p>\n

Regarding residents\u2019 health, 15 individuals were diagnosed with various cancers, including lung cancer, lymphoma and liver cancer. However, the assessment concluded that the cancer incidence rate was not significantly higher than the national average or other regions at the time, though it varied across types.<\/span><\/p>\n

The findings indicated that some residents had higher levels of harmful substances like heavy metals and hydrocarbons than the national average, but the ministry stated these remained below reference values.<\/span><\/p>\n

The ministry conducted an <\/span>earlier assessment<\/span><\/a> in Jangjeom Village, Northern Jeolla Province, in June 2019. The results highlighted the village\u2019s deteriorating health, confirming an association between harmful substances emitted by fertilizer factories and cancer incidence among residents.<\/span><\/p>\n

The research unveiled significantly higher rates of various cancers, including skin cancer and gallbladder and bile duct cancer, compared to national averages in the village.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"

A satellite image of Incheon’s Sawol Village | Image: Naver Map, edited by Korea Pro<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE<\/b><\/p>\n

Since its findings, the ministry pledged to implement post-management measures for Sawol and Jangjeom villages. These include health monitoring initiatives, residential environment improvements and pursuing appropriate compensation for affected residents.<\/span><\/p>\n

Specifically, the ministry outlined plans to seek compensation under relevant environmental legislation for Jangjeom Village, where cancer cases have been diagnosed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ko Na-dan, an administrative official at the environment ministry\u2019s damage remediation division, provided <\/span>Korea Pro<\/span><\/i> with an official update on the ministry\u2019s efforts across various regions and proactive measures to mitigate environmental hazards nationwide.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ko said the ministry has collaborated with local governments and \u201cresponded to residents\u2019 pleas for redevelopment and relocation.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIncheon City is incorporating land designated for development in Sawol Village into its city plan to enhance the environment,\u201d Ko said.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ko added that following the completion of the basic plan and design in early March 2024, Iksan City initiated a project to revitalize the environment around Jangjeom Village. The relevant local governments each received state subsidies of $112,000 (150 million won) for environmental improvements and health monitoring.<\/span><\/p>\n

He also informed <\/span>Korea Pro<\/span><\/i> that the ministry\u2019s efforts to protect public health have extended beyond these villages since last year.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOngoing health impact assessments tailored to specific vulnerable areas, including industrial complexes and undeveloped regions, aim to protect residents nationwide from environmental pollutants,\u201d Ko explained.<\/span><\/p>\n

Korea Pro<\/span><\/i> was also informed of a scheme of annual health assessments covering various locations, which the ministry plans to expand in additional regions.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"

South Korean environment minister Han Hwa-jin speaks at a press briefing regarding the government’s plans to better regulate the environment, Aug. 24, 2023 | Image: ROK Ministry of Environment<\/a><\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

LACK OF PROGRESS<\/b><\/p>\n

However, despite over four years since the initial assessments, NGOs like GlobalEconet told <\/span>Korea Pro<\/span><\/i> they had yet to observe significant changes to residents\u2019 environments or living standards.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOur organization has noted little change in Sawol\u2019s environment compared to four or so years ago when the first results were released. Environmental conditions have instead deteriorated,\u201d said Kim Sun-hong, the chairman of GlobalEconet.<\/span><\/p>\n

Kim explained that while the backlog of approximately 15 million tons of construction waste in the landfill zone near Sawol Village has decreased to roughly 6 to 7 million tons, no safety measures have been implemented since the decision that deemed the village unsuitable for residential purposes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAuthorities are providing residents with false assurances of development, with no tangible improvements observed,\u201d he added.<\/span><\/p>\n

Despite clear evidence linking health issues, notably lung cancer cases, to environmental hazards, Kim pointed out that authorities have appeared to minimize health concerns, prioritizing housing issues and industrial development over implementing proactive measures to prevent long-term health problems.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt begs the question of whether the relevant authorities are prioritizing the right things,\u201d Kim told <\/span>Korea Pro<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The NGO leader noted the psychological toll on residents living in such environments cannot be ignored. The 2019 ministry assessment outlined that depression and anxiety rates among Sawol Village residents exceeded 30% of the population, surpassing national averages for both mental health issues.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAs awareness of their surroundings continues, the stress of living in unsuitable conditions multiplies. Yet, no meaningful action has been taken to alleviate these burdens,\u201d he said, unconvinced by the ministry\u2019s and local authorities\u2019 post-assessment efforts.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"

A Sawol Village resident shows the effect of the environmental hazards on her legs during a protest in front of Incheon City Hall, March 3, 2021 | Image: GlobalEconet<\/a><\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

NEED FOR PROACTIVE MEASURES<\/b><\/p>\n

Experts suggest significant changes in South Korea\u2019s urban planning approaches and establishing proactive crisis response measures are needed to prevent cases like the Sawol and Jangjeom villages.<\/span><\/p>\n

Park Ju-hee of the Incheon Green Alliance told <\/span>Korea Pro<\/span><\/i> that local governments and the environmental ministry must consider the complex dynamics between urban development strategies, industrial growth and residents\u2019 concerns.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe current process overlooks residents\u2019 perspectives, leading to inevitable exposure to hazardous emissions from nearby industrial areas,\u201d Park explained.<\/span><\/p>\n

She emphasized a pattern where urban planners approve residential complexes near industrial zones and factories, potentially influenced by zoning regulations or economic incentives.<\/span><\/p>\n

Park questioned the effectiveness of current planning procedures, outlining a need to reevaluate how urban planning decisions are made to ensure residents\u2019 well-being.<\/span><\/p>\n

She also stressed the importance of urban planning initiatives anticipating and addressing potential conflicts between industrial and residential areas.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMeasures such as maintaining sufficient distance between factories and residential zones or offering prior comprehensive information to prospective residents could effectively mitigate long-term exposure to environmental hazards,\u201d Park said.<\/span><\/p>\n

Kim of GlobalEconet echoed Park\u2019s suggestions, adding that establishing crisis response teams is crucial for promptly addressing environmental crises through frequent health investigations.<\/span><\/p>\n

Citing Jangjeom Village as a \u201cstark reminder of the consequences of inaction,\u201d Kim underscored that despite residents suffering for years, no administrative measures were taken until it was too late.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLocal governments and relevant ministries have a responsibility to be transparent and proactive. Immediate measures should be taken upon receiving resident complaints about facilities that could pose health risks,\u201d Kim stressed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Edited by John Lee<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Business & Economy<\/span><\/a>Culture & Society<\/span><\/a><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Residents living near industrial zones in South Korea face severe health risks due to exposure to environmental hazards. However, ROK authorities prioritize industrial development, exacerbating the risk of continued exposure to harmful substances and jeopardizing the well-being of those residing in areas adjacent to industrial facilities. South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol\u2019s pledge last month to […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10909,"featured_media":2204111,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[24,25],"yoast_head":"\nEnvironmental woes mount as South Korea pushes industrial expansion - KOREA PRO<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2024\/03\/environmental-woes-mount-as-south-korea-pushes-industrial-expansion\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Environmental woes mount as South Korea pushes industrial expansion - KOREA PRO\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Residents living near industrial zones in South Korea face severe health risks due to exposure to environmental hazards. 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