Chilgok County Clears 20-Year Eyesore... Buksam JK Apartment Demolition Completed

Demolition of abandoned building improves safety and urban aesthetics
Public parking lot planned for next year expected to boost the local economy

The demolition of Buksam JK Apartment in Chilgok County, which had been left unfinished for more than 20 years, has removed a longstanding local eyesore.

Buksam JK Apartment (left: before demolition; right: after demolition) [Photo provided by Chilgok County]

Chilgok County plans to turn the site into a public parking lot, improving convenience for residents while also revitalizing nearby businesses.

Chilgok County announced on October 6 that it had completed a project to clear the long-abandoned Buksam JK Apartment site in Inpyeong-ri, Buksam-eup.

Buksam JK Apartment was originally planned as a residential complex, but construction was halted after the owner went bankrupt, leaving its structural frame abandoned for a long time.

Concerns included juvenile delinquency and crime, as well as the risk of accidents during disasters such as strong winds and earthquakes.

To ease residents' concerns and improve their living environment, the county completed the relevant administrative procedures and began demolishing the structure under its own authority early this year.

Demolition of the building and grading of the site were completed on September 30, 2026.

In particular, the county plans to develop the site into a public parking lot in 2027. Until construction is complete, it will be used as a temporary parking lot to ease the shortage of parking nearby and improve access for residents.

The public parking lot is expected to improve access to nearby shops and everyday amenities, as well as positively affect visitors' length of stay and pedestrian traffic.

Converting a space that had been abandoned for a long time into a place for residents is expected to deliver three benefits: improved safety, urban regeneration, and revitalization of local businesses.

Chilgok County Mayor Kim Jae-uk said, "By safely clearing a building that had been a local eyesore for more than 20 years, we have been able to ease residents' concerns and create a more pleasant urban environment. We will continue to make residents' safety our top priority and actively address issues that directly affect their daily lives."

Following the demolition of the building that had been abandoned for 20 years, the planned parking lot is expected to deliver urban regeneration that directly benefits residents and help revive businesses in the old downtown area of Buksam-eup, in addition to improving safety and the residential environment.

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