Gwacheon City seeks to replace noise barriers with forest

Gwacheon City is negotiating with central government agencies and Gyeonggi Province to replace planned noise barriers with a “soundproof forest” in the Gwacheon Knowledge Information Town. The move follows a resident electronic vote where 96.1% of participating households (1,329 out of 1,383) requested a landscaped soundproof forest instead of traditional walls to protect views, sunlight, and the local landscape.

To meet legal noise standards while addressing resident concerns, the city has proposed a combination of low-noise pavement, soundproof mounds, and multi-layered forests. Gwacheon City has sent official documents to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the Ministry of Environment, and Gyeonggi Province to request a review of these alternatives, including potential changes to district plans and environmental impact assessments.

A working-level consultative body involving the Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH), relevant agencies, and resident representatives is expected to be formed next month to finalize technical solutions.