The conflict between Hanam City and Korea Electric Power Corporation regarding the construction of the 'Donghaean~Metropolitan Area transmission line' to send electricity generated from the East Coast power plant to the capital region is ongoing. Hanam City is demanding the construction of an 'Art Center' in exchange for permitting the expansion of the Dongseoul Substation, but KEPCO has stated it cannot accommodate this request.
According to industry sources on the 25th, Hanam City has requested the construction of cultural and artistic facilities to persuade residents about the expansion and indoor issue of the Dongseoul Substation. This request aims to alleviate residents' concerns about electromagnetic waves and to increase acceptance by changing the exterior design of the substation to a landmark style and creating cultural and artistic facilities in Hanam.
Hanam City is using the KEPCO Art Center built on the site of the Yangji Substation in Seocho District, Seoul, as a model. It is estimated that constructing such an Art Center on the site of the Dongseoul Substation would require 40 billion won.
KEPCO has stated it is difficult to accommodate Hanam City's request. If it were to accept this, it might face similar demands from local governments every time it expands major power facilities. Additionally, the cost of power procurement that has risen due to delays of more than a year in converting the Dongseoul Substation has exceeded 300 billion won.
KEPCO is already working on improvements to the exterior and design of the Dongseoul Substation to meet residents' demands. From the 23rd of this month, KEPCO has been conducting a preference survey regarding the 'Landscape Improvement Plan for the Substation and Converter Station' for all residents of the Gamil District over five days. If space becomes available within the substation building, KEPCO plans to provide sports facilities or rest areas for residents.
A KEPCO official stated that they are at the stage of communication to create the substation's exterior and design in a landmark style, as per the residents' requests, and expressed, 'We want to accommodate Hanam City's demands as much as possible, but it must be within budget and at a reasonable level.'