Saemangeum New Port Reclaimed Land Jurisdiction Decided in Favor of Gunsan City

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety’s Central Dispute Mediation Committee has decided that the local government with jurisdiction over the reclaimed sea area and breakwaterrelated reclaimed land of Saemangeum New Port will be Gunsan City. The decision was made on the 4th, and the ministry announced it on the 7th. This ruling came after about eight months of deliberation following the Gunsan Regional Office of Oceans and Fisheries’ application in January this year, with Gunsan City, Gimje City, and Buan County among those submitting opinions. The committee said it comprehensively reviewed landuse efficiency, connectivity with neighboring areas, the location of topography and structures, and administrative efficiency. Saemangeum New Port is a key infrastructure project in the Saemangeum development project, and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries is promoting the construction of piers and breakwaters where large vessels can berth simultaneously, as well as an hinterland complex, by 2040. The conflict over jurisdiction is likely to continue, and Gimje City has announced plans to file a lawsuit with the Supreme Court.