Project Overview

The Hongcheon pumped-storage plant is a 600MW project proposed by KHNP in Pungcheon-ri, with a total budget of about 1.5863 trillion KRW and a footprint of roughly 153 hectares. Construction is assigned to the Daewoo E&C consortium.

Seven Years of Resistance

Residents have opposed the project unanimously since March 2019. More than 705 weekly protests later, the campaign has become exceptional in South Korea's environmental movement, especially because many residents are in their 60s, 70s, and 80s.

Expected Damage

• Forest destruction: A 1,800-hectare pine nut forest recognized as one of Korea's Top 100 Forests would be damaged, with about 110,000 pine trees at risk.
• Ecological loss: Habitat used by the goral, black woodpecker, otter, and other species would be fragmented or destroyed.
• Livelihood collapse: Fifty-one households face submersion and relocation, while about 70% of residents rely on pine nut production.
• Community breakup: A multi-generational mountain village community would be scattered.
• Health impacts: Noise, dust, and vibration from long-term construction would affect mostly elderly residents.

Resident Demands

1. Full cancellation of the Hongcheon pumped-storage power plant plan
2. Permanent protection of the pine forest and ecosystem in Pungcheon-ri
3. An end to one-sided project implementation that ignores resident opposition
4. Meaningful dialogue with residents and a broader discussion of alternative energy policy