‘생태계훼손 논란’ 22억 영랑호 부교…5년 만에 7억 들여 철거

The controversial uncovering of 영랑호 Bridge in Sokcho, South Korea, is set to be torn down for the first time in five years. Despite strong opposition from local residents, the city spent an additional 7 billion won to complete the demolition. This expenditure has been criticized as a prime example of inefficient use of administrative funds.

The Sokcho City Council recently approved an additional 7 billion won for the 2026 fourth supplementary budget, which includes the demolition costs. Consequently, the city plans to finish the dismantling project by next year. Prior to this, the city invested in a separate budget of 200 million won to assess the costs of dismantling the 영랑호 Bridge.

The controversy surrounding the 영랑호 Bridge began in 2020 when the city invested around 22.3 billion won to install a 400-meter-long bridge across the river in an effort to boost tourism in the underdeveloped northern region. Environmental organizations and local residents formed a group, named ‘Those who Want to Protect 영랑호,’ to voice their concerns about ecological damage and express their determination to protect the bridge.

They used silence protests, signature campaigns, and public audit requests to convey their message to the city. Despite these efforts, the city proceeded with the bridge installation, leading to a lawsuit from residents in April 2021. By November of the same year, the bridge was completed, seemingly ending the controversy. However, three years of reviewing both sides' arguments led the court to decide in July 2024 that the 영랑호 Bridge should be dismantled to allow for the recovery of 영랑호's water quality and ecological environment.

The court's decision was based on the findings that the installation of the bridge continues to negatively impact the estuary ecosystem, and these effects will persist and accumulate over time.