Seongnam authorities have initiated a zoning change for the auto-camping site in Yuldong Park, which is being investigated by the Gyeonggi special judicial police for violating the Tourism Promotion Act. The 23,615 sq m site is being rezoned from a protected green zone to a natural green zone, which would legalize a campsite whose area is three times the legal limit of 10,000 sq m.
Critics call this an attempt to retroactively legalize violations, while city officials say the change is needed to obtain insurance and that the facility is a legitimate park structure. A civic coalition is demanding an immediate halt to the zoning change and a thorough investigation of the violations.
In response to media reports, Seongnam authorities denied accusations of "illegal retroactive legalization" and attempts to avoid investigation, calling them a "clear misunderstanding." The city says the campsite was established in accordance with the law and expects an official clarification from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on whether camping registration rules apply to park facilities. The zoning change aims to improve insurance coverage for visitors and eliminate legal uncertainty.
Seongnam Mayor Shin Sang-jin on July 3 denied media reports that the zoning change is a "retroactive legalization of illegal acts," stating that the procedures are being carried out in accordance with the law and principles, with the goal of ensuring citizen safety and improving management of public facilities. Authorities also explained that the facility was created as a park structure under the Urban Parks and Green Spaces Act, not as a private campsite, so applying private campsite standards requires legal analysis.
According to new reports, the campsite area was previously expanded to 29,676 sq m, which is three times the limit of 10,000 sq m for such zones. Seongnam authorities also stated that the campsite was created for public use of land damaged by illegal farming and underwent all necessary administrative procedures. The city requested an official clarification from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism through Gyeonggi Province on July 21 and is awaiting a response.
