Pyeongtaek Lifts Military Restrictions on 1.33 Million sqm at Alphatan Cartridge Depot... "Aiming to Create a New Cultural Landmark"

Pyeongtaek Welcomes Lifting of Military Protection Zone at Alphatan Cartridge Depot

Boost for Godeok New City Development... Plans Underway for a Cultural Belt Linking Hambak Mountain Park and the New City Hall

Pyeongtaek City in Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Choi Wonyong) is embracing a new turning point in local development following the lifting of the military protection zone status at the Alphatan Cartridge Depot site, located within the Godeok Internationalization Planned District. With the lifting of regulations that have long hindered development, the city plans to swiftly proceed with subsequent steps such as returning the provision area, aiming to transform the Alphatan Cartridge Depot into a cultural landmark representing Pyeongtaek.

Alpha Ammunition Depot Site in Pyeongtaek City. Provided by Pyeongtaek City

Pyeongtaek City welcomed the Ministry of National Defense's announcement on July 21 of the lifting and easing of military facility protection zones, which lifted restrictions on 1.33 million square meters around the Alphatan Cartridge Depot.

The newly released areas nationwide total 29.16 million square meters across 10 regions. In Pyeongtaek, the inclusion of the Alphatan Cartridge Depot site within the Godeok Internationalization Planned District is expected to accelerate the third phase of development in Godeok New City.

Until now, the area surrounding the Alphatan Cartridge Depot has been designated as a military facility protection zone, imposing restrictions on land use and urban development. In particular, it has been an obstacle to both setting the development direction and expanding infrastructure during the creation of Godeok New City.

However, with this regulatory lift, related restrictions have been resolved and it is now anticipated that the third phase of development in the Godeok Internationalization Planned District will gain momentum.

Nonetheless, there remain additional steps before development can proceed on the Alphatan Cartridge Depot site itself. The area is currently classified as a provision zone for U.S. Forces Korea, so the return procedure between South Korea and the United States must take place first. This will need to be followed by environmental surveys, remediation work, and land acquisition by Korea Land & Housing Corporation (LH).

Pyeongtaek City intends to actively cooperate with the Ministry of National Defense, U.S. Forces Korea, LH, and related organizations to ensure that follow-up procedures—such as the return of the provision area and environmental remediation—are carried out smoothly and without delay.

The city envisions transforming the Alphatan Cartridge Depot not simply as a development site but into a complex cultural space that embodies both historical and cultural value.

The plan is to preserve its significance as a Cold War-era military facility while establishing a "memorial landmark-type cultural belt," combining functions of peace, art, and culture. Spaces for exhibitions, performances, experiential activities, and education are planned, as well as open areas where citizens can relax.

In particular, by positioning Alphatan Cartridge Depot as the core axis of the "memorial landmark-type cultural belt," the city aims to organically connect key cultural and green spaces of Godeok New City, such as Hambak Mountain Park, the new city hall, the Pyeongtaek Art Center, museums, and the central library. The vision is to create a unique cultural space in Pyeongtaek where citizens can enjoy both culture and nature in their everyday lives.

Mayor Choi Wonyong stated, "Pyeongtaek citizens and I wholeheartedly welcome the lifting of the military protection zone around the Alphatan Cartridge Depot. Now that the long-standing obstacle to regional growth has been resolved, we will actively collaborate with relevant agencies to ensure a swift follow-up, including the return of the provision area and subsequent environmental remediation."

He added, "The Alphatan Cartridge Depot is not simply an unused site but the pivotal anchor of a cultural belt connecting Hambak Mountain Park, the new city hall, and other major cultural facilities. We will preserve its historical value and enrich citizens' lives with culture and relaxation, creating a memorial landmark representative of Pyeongtaek."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.