South Korean residents protest KEPCO transmission line projects

Conflicts are escalating across South Korea as residents protest the construction of high-voltage (345kV) transmission lines planned by the Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO). These lines are intended to supply power to the Yongin semiconductor cluster, but local communities argue they are bearing the environmental and property risks without receiving any of the electricity produced.

In the Jecheon region, residents in nine villages are demanding approximately 40 billion won in special compensation, separate from the statutory financial support allocated to local governments. Some communities are calling for a complete rerouting or cancellation of the project, citing concerns over health, property rights, and views.

To mitigate these disputes, some community representatives are advocating for the undergrounding of the entire transmission route. While KEPCO has expressed concerns regarding the significantly higher costs of undergrounding, residents suggest that funding could be secured through special bonds or various financial mechanisms to ensure a more equitable distribution of benefits and burdens.