Delayed Hwaseong Restoration Compensation May Result in Additional Budget

An allegation has been raised that Gyeonggi Province is neglecting the protection and management of cultural properties, including Goguryeo historic sites.

Kim Ok-i, a member of the Gyeonggi Provincial Council, issued a press release on the 11th, stating "Although the South Fortress of Horogorulle (Ijan Miseong) exists in Paju, it has not yet been designated as a 'Gyeonggi Province-designated Cultural Property,'" and added "Consequently, there is a high possibility that the fortress ruins will be lost or collapse."

Member Kim further stated "The North Fortress of Horogorulle in Yeoncheon County, which was designated as a National Historic Site this year, also began excavation surveys starting in 2000, but due to budget issues, it has not yet been completed," and pointed out "Despite the high risk of cultural property destruction and looting, there is not even a person managing it."

Horogorulle, a Goguryeo cultural heritage site from the Three Kingdoms period, is a flatland fortress that stands like a hill on flat ground; the fortress ruins on the north bank of the Imjin River located in Yeoncheon County are designated as Gyeonggi Province-designated Cultural Properties.

Meanwhile, regarding the cultural property restoration project around Jangan Gate and Banghwasuryujeong at Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon, Member Kim claimed "Of the 40 billion won in land compensation, only 11 billion won has been paid so far, delaying the project," and asserted "If compensation is delayed, land prices will rise, creating a high possibility of additional budget requirements."