Kim Seonghwan: "Will Carefully Review Compensation and Support for Residents Relocated by Dongbok Dam Expansion"

Kim Seonghwan, Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment, said he would carefully review compensation and support measures for residents who will be relocated in connection with the expansion of Dongbok Dam to secure water for the Honam semiconductor industrial complex.

Minister Kim made the remarks on November 11 during a meeting with residents scheduled to relocate, which he held in Hwasun County, Jeonnam-Gwangju, where Dongbok Dam is located. "The Honam semiconductor industrial complex is a key national priority for balanced development. We will build the necessary infrastructure on schedule to ensure an uninterrupted supply of electricity and water to the complex," he said, adding, "It is important to listen to the voices of local residents who are giving up their homes and livelihoods in the process."

Kim Seonghwan, Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment, greets residents' representatives at a meeting with residents scheduled to relocate due to Dongbok Dam, held at Hwasun Eoullim Center in Hwasun County, Jeonnam-Gwangju, on the 11th. Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment.

Minister Kim stressed, "I will carefully review compensation and support measures to ensure that the expansion of Dongbok Dam benefits the local community and allows residents to lead stable lives."

The Dongbok Dam expansion project aims to secure water for the Honam semiconductor industrial complex. If the expansion proceeds, about 280 households in the surrounding area will have to relocate. The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment has been discussing compensation and support measures with residents through the Dongbok Dam Win-Win Council and other channels.

The government plans to fully reflect residents' opinions raised at the meeting in future measures and proceed with the relevant procedures to ensure that appropriate compensation and support are provided.

Minister Kim also inspected infrastructure for supplying electricity to the Honam semiconductor industrial complex that day. He visited the planned route of the power supply line in Gwangsan District, Jeonnam-Gwangju, and a proposed substation site in Seo-gu in turn to review the project's progress and local conditions.

The power supply line construction plan was approved at a Cabinet meeting in September, following the signing of an agreement on power supply for the Honam mega-project in August 2026. An exemption from the preliminary feasibility study has also been confirmed, and procurement of design services is now underway. Full-scale construction is scheduled to begin with work on a vertical shaft in January 2027.

The substation is a key facility for delivering the Honam region's abundant electricity generation capacity to the semiconductor industrial complex. The government plans to support the process to ensure that follow-up procedures, including the selection of a site, proceed without disruption.

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