Korea's plan to build 14 new dams draws mixed reactions from residents, local governments

Environment Minister Kim Wan-sup, second from right, announces the government's plans for 14 new or renovated dam candidate sites during a press briefing at Government Complex Seoul, Tuesday. Yonhap

The government's recent announcement of constructing 14 new dams across the country, in the name of better managing water resources amid ongoing climate change, has attracted mix reactions from residents, environmental groups and other stakeholders, according to analysts, Thursday.

In regions frequently affected by torrential rains, the plan was welcomed, while significant concerns arose in areas that have previously experienced negative impacts from dam construction.

Some local governments have criticized the lack of prior consultation with the higher levels of government regarding the dam projects. Environment groups nationwide are also voicing strong opposition.

On Tuesday, the Ministry of Environment unveiled plans for 14 new or renovated dam candidate sites aimed at addressing flood and drought control, as well as ensuring stable water supply. The initiative includes the construction of nine new dams and the renovation of five existing ones.

According to the ministry, the urgency of these projects is heightened by the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, attributed to climate change. This marks the first nation-led construction of new dams since 2010.

In response to the opposition from environmental groups and some local governments, the environment ministry said Thursday that it will soon hold briefing sessions with local officials and residents to discuss the proposed climate response dams. The ministry aims to gather residents' opinions and address their concerns.

The 14 candidate sites for the dams include nine locations proposed by local governments and five selected by the ministry.

The ministry acknowledged that the candidate sites selected at the government level were disclosed on short notice due to security concerns.

An environment ministry official said, "We plan to hold a briefing session for residents as soon as possible to explain the government's position thoroughly and to carefully listen to their concerns before seeking solutions."

In addition, addressing environmental groups' claims that better levee management could be a sufficient method for flood control, the ministry pointed out that existing levee systems were designed based on a 100-year flood frequency model using historical data. It noted that recent flood patterns have surpassed these projections, underscoring the need for the proposed dam projects.

Chuncheon Dam in Gangwon Province opens its floodgates, releasing water downstream due to heavy rainfall in the central region, July 17. Yonhap

Mixed reactions to dam plans

Areas that frequently suffer from flooding during torrential rains welcomed the government's dam initiative.

Yeoncheon County in Gyeonggi Province, which experienced flooding of 14 houses and 27 hectares of agricultural land during this summer's torrential rains, has expressed optimism that a new dam would help mitigate future damage.

Similarly, local governments in Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province, which have long advocated for dam construction, are supportive of the new plans.

Gimcheon in North Gyeongsang Province, which suffered significant flooding from Typhoon Rusa in 2002 and Typhoon Maemi in 2003, emphasized the necessity of constructing a dam to prevent future disasters.

In addition, Geoje and Uiryeong County in South Gyeongsang Province, along with Ulsan, share the view that dam redevelopment is essential for protecting against severe flooding.

Samcheok in Gangwon Province is even requesting the government to increase the size of the dam. The government said it would build a 1 million cubic meter water-only dam in the region, but it insists that a large-scale multipurpose dam is needed to prevent flood damage.

However, the proposed dam construction is facing backlash in some areas, primarily due to concerns about the displacement of residents in the affected districts.

In Danyang County, North Chungcheong Province, there is apprehension that the community may face a repeat of the displacement experienced during the construction of the Chungju Dam some 40 years ago, which forced 12,000 residents to relocate in 1985.

Yanggu County in Gangwon Province, slated to host the largest of the 14 proposed dams, is also experiencing strong opposition.

Residents recall the significant hardships they endured following the construction of the Soyang River Dam in 1973, which led to the submergence of their land. They say they cannot endure another round of sacrifice, as approximately 100,000 square meters of farmland and homes are expected to be submerged if the new dam is built.

Environmental groups are voicing strong opposition to the government's dam construction plan, questioning its effectiveness and warning of potential ecological damage.

The groups nationwide held a press conference at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, Thursday, criticizing the government and arguing that dams are not a viable solution to the climate crisis. They contend that such projects could actually exacerbate climate and ecological issues.