Hongseong residents protest against high-voltage transmission tower construction

Approximately 600 to 700 residents of Hongseong County gathered in front of Joyangmun to hold a mass rally protesting the construction of high-voltage transmission lines. The protest follows the recent disclosure of candidate routes for the Saemangeum #2-Sinseosan 345kV transmission line by Korea Electric Power Corporation, which includes areas in Eunha-myeon, Galsan-myeon, and Gyeolseong-myeon.

Organizers and local representatives expressed concerns regarding property rights, environmental preservation, and the loss of scenic landscapes. Protesters argued that the electricity generated in the Chungnam region is intended to supply the Yongin semiconductor national industrial complex in the Seoul metropolitan area rather than meeting local needs. They also highlighted a perceived regional disparity, noting that while Seoul has a high rate of undergrounding transmission lines, non-metropolitan areas are being forced to utilize overhead towers.

The rally included a march from Joyangmun through Hongju Eupseong to the Hongseong County Office, where participants held a resolution ceremony. Representatives from various other municipalities in Chungnam, including Yesan, Buyeo, Gongju, Boryeong, Dangjin, and Cheongyang, expressed solidarity with the Hongseong movement.