[Exclusive] Illegal Fishing Platforms Turn Busaho Lake Area in Boryeong Into a Lawless Zone

Pipes and Solar Panels Installed for “Full-Season Camping”
Passive Attitude of Korea Rural Community Corporation and Boryeong City Encourages Illegal Activities

More than 20 illegal floating platforms have been installed in the stream near Jeungsan Bridge in Busaji District, Ungcheon-eup, Boryeong City, Chungnam Province, but the Boryeong branch of the Korea Rural Community Corporation, the competent authority, has expressed reluctance to remove them, stating that there is no legal way to take action.

Busaho, which stretches across Boryeong City and Seocheon County in Chungcheongnam-do Province.

At first glance, it appears to be a tranquil lake, but beneath the surface, a lawless zone has taken shape.

The Asia Business Daily reporting team visited the Busaho site, which has been dominated by illegal fishing platforms for more than a decade.

According to coverage by The Asia Business Daily as of August 10, there are about 30 large illegal floating platforms scattered around Busaho, entrenched like military outposts.

Some of these platforms have even been fitted out with facilities resembling pension-style lodgings, using pipes as construction materials to allow overnight stays, and have been operating for years. However, the authorities responsible have not taken any enforcement action.

Some of the facilities are equipped with solar panels as well.

This area is not a designated no-fishing zone, but it has long since become the sole domain of a select few individuals.

As these so-called 'long-term campers' occupy all the spots, ordinary citizens find it impossible to enjoy fishing here.

An illegal pontoon-style lodging facility has been installed near the river in the Busaji district of Ungcheon-eup, Boryeong City.

A resident of Boryeong, surnamed Kim (65), expressed his frustration: "Ordinary people have nowhere to go at all. They stake out all the best spots for themselves and treat it like their own land."

He added, "In the past, strong public complaints from citizens in the upper region even led to the use of excavators to remove illegal facilities, but enforcement ended there."

Even now, countless illegal floating platforms remain near Jeungsan Bridge, creating an eyesore.

The Korea Rural Community Corporation, which is responsible for management, has taken a passive approach, stating that there is no legal measure they can take.

Another citizen, surnamed Jin (55), pointed out, "It is unclear whether the authorities are unwilling or simply unable to crack down on this issue; these illegal platforms have been left unattended for a decade, and with the government stepping back, their numbers just keep increasing every year."

Their unauthorized occupation not only deprives citizens of access, but the various forms of waste generated from the aging platforms are discharged directly into the water, threatening Busaho’s water quality.

An even bigger concern is that the large pipe structures, loosely moored, could increase the risk of flood damage at Busaho in the event of heavy rain.

Kim (62), a citizen interviewed on site, urged, "The Korea Rural Community Corporation and Boryeong City must stop turning a blind eye and move beyond lukewarm action; they need to carry out strong administrative enforcement."

He continued, "Past experiences have already shown that if platforms washed away block the floodgates, it could lead to uncontrollable flooding. Nevertheless, the authorities continue to display a lukewarm attitude."

An official from the Boryeong branch of the Korea Rural Community Corporation explained, "We are providing guidance to remove the platforms as complaints continue to come in, and although we have discussed administrative enforcement and removal with the city, the city has expressed reluctance, making removal difficult. There is no legal way for us to take action."

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