Residents reported sightings of endangered gorals near the planned pumped-storage power plant site in Hongcheon. They say the area has long been home not only to gorals but to many species of wildlife.
The goral is legally protected in South Korea as a first-grade endangered species and a natural monument. Villagers warn that major earthworks would damage this habitat and push wildlife out of the area.
Pungcheon-ri is ecologically significant because of its pine forest and the range of species living there. Residents question whether the environmental impact assessment properly reflected this value and argue that the project's ecological legitimacy must be re-examined.
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