[WEEKENDER] 'Why not Gangnam?': Data center boom fuels fear in neighborhoods kept in the dark
About 20 people gather every morning in front of Geumcheon District Office in southwestern Seoul, holding signs and staging protests. Most are in their 50s and 60s and live in a large apartment complex identified only as "L," home to more than 1,700 households. Their protest, which they say is the first demonstration they have ever taken part in, marked its 203rd consecutive day on Sept. 21. They…
![[WEEKENDER] 'Why not Gangnam?': Data center boom fuels fear in neighborhoods kept in the dark](/img/14800100)
In Geumcheon District, southwestern Seoul, residents have been protesting the construction of an eight-story data center for 203 consecutive days. The demonstrations, held every morning outside the Geumcheon District Office, involve around 20 people in their 50s and 60s who live in a large apartment complex called L, home to over 1,700 households. This marks the first demonstration the residents have ever taken part in, and their anger is palpable rather than fatigue.
The data center, located about 100 meters from the entrance to the apartment complex, has been under construction for 11 months. Ko Young-chan, a 33-year-old two-term member of the Geumcheon District Council who lives in the L Apartment, explained that developers believed the project would be profitable due to the land prices in Geumcheon District. However, Ko argues that the data center itself would not generate significant tax revenue for the district.
This situation is not unique to Geumcheon District. Data center projects are causing concern in various neighborhoods across South Korea, with residents fearing the impact of these facilities on their quality of life and local businesses.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
