[WEEKENDER] 'Why not Gangnam?': Data center boom fuels fear in neighborhoods kept in the dark

In the southwestern part of Seoul, Geumcheon District, around 20 people gather each morning in front of the District Office, holding signs and staging protests. The majority of the demonstrators are in their 50s and 60s and reside in a large apartment complex, known only as L, which is home to more than 1,700 households. This protest, which they assert is their first, has been ongoing for 203 consecutive days as of September 21. Rather than appearing tired, the protesters display anger on their faces.

These individuals are vehemently opposed to the construction of an eight-story data center located just about 100 meters from the entrance to their apartment complex. Ko Young-chan, a 33-year-old two-term member of the Geumcheon District Council who lives in L Apartment, explained, "It appears that the developers of the data center came here with the notion that the land prices in a place like Geumcheon District would make the project worth pursuing."

Young-chan also asserted that the data center itself would not generate tax revenue for the district. This sentiment is not exclusive to Geumcheon District. Data center projects are causing concern in various locations.