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In a tiny village on a small island off the coast of South Korea an entire community is taking on the might of the South Korean navy and government to contest the construction of one of the region's largest naval bases.

The village of Gangjeong on the island of Jeju has fewer than 2,000 inhabitants but it has become the epicentre of growing discontent over one of the world's biggest arms races.

The South Korean government is adamant that the Gangjeong naval base, which it began constructing in 2007, will strengthen national security. But those opposed to it fear that the $920.5mn defence project will destabilise the region, provoking unwanted military confrontations between neighbouring countries. Many argue that the 480,000 square metre military facility, which will house up to 20 warships, will serve as a strategic site for US naval deployment in the region, thus potentially enflaming relations with China.

Sung-Hee Choi and Song Kang Ho are among the many villagers and activists who are dedicating their lives to saving Gangjeong village. They have both served lengthy prison sentences for their activism, but continue to risk re-arrest by standing between the village and the authorities. With more than 90 per cent of villagers rejecting the construction of the naval base, this is a community that is unwilling to lie down.

Since construction started, a towering wall flanked with barbed wire has cut the villagers off from the sea and the land bordering the coast. Gangjeong residents are prohibited from going beyond the fence and entering the site carries a fine of $2,000 and a potential prison sentence.

But this unusual and eerie volcanic coastline is a place of spiritual worship for the villagers and the rich marine life and colourful coral reefs are a key source of the village's livelihood. The villagers and activists from the mainland are engaged in daily non-violent action - such as lying down in front of the bulldozers and chaining themselves to the gates of the construction site - in a bid to protect their unique coastal environment, which is protected under international law.

But this epic struggle has taken its toll on the villagers. The community has fragmented. The mayor is serving a prison sentence for opposing the construction and studies have revealed a dramatic increase in psychological problems among the villagers. This once peaceful village is now clinging on for its survival." http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/activate/2011/09/201192013183025770.html http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aSJgZOkLlU http://cchronicle.com/2011/08/liberalizing-the-economy-may-crush-the-culture-of-one-small-island/

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[-] 1 points by FamilyFoodGardens (240) 13 years ago

Dear friends of Jeju Island,

Thank you so much for your efforts of solidarity with the villagers of Gangjeong! We did it! We stopped the blast of Gureombi—at least for the time being.

We’ve been informed that the Jeju police have turned down the companies’ request for blasting Gureombi for three reasons: insufficient documents, safety concerns, and the go-ahead from Jeju Governor Woo.

We believe that the outpouring of international support directed to Governor Woo helped at least delay the blast, but we also remain vigilant knowing that the Navy may proceed without consulting Governor Woo, as it did on October 6th when it conducted a “test blast.”

Our best insurance against the Navy proceeding unilaterally is ongoing international pressure. Please take one minute and send the following sample email below to Governor Woo at lmw2828@jeju.go.kr and to South Korean Defense Minister Kim Kwan-Jin at defenattache@yahoo.com. (Just cut and paste their email address and the sample letters below)

With gratitude,

The Global Campaign to Save Jeju Island (www.savejejuisland.org)

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Dear Governor Woo

Thank you for halting the blast of Gureombi, a government-designated absolute ecological preservation area. We are so relieved that the blast has been stalled, but we remain vigilant knowing the Navy has in the past unilaterally conducted a “test blast” as it did on October 6th.

We urge you to use your power to fully stop construction of the naval base in Gangjeong village and release the innocent civilians, including Mayor Kang Dong-Kyun.

You have the choice to leave behind a legacy of overseeing the destruction of a UNESCO preservation site and ancient Korean relics, or as a protector of democracy and peace on Jeju Island. Please uphold your promise to those who elected you and stop the blast and construction immediately. We don’t want the “New Seven Wonders of Nature” to be brutally destroyed.

Sincerely,

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Dear Minister Kim:

I urge you to stop the policy to construct the naval base in Gangjeong village and revoke the plan to blast Gureombi. Gangjeong residents have for five years been fighting day and night to save their coastline, livelihoods and ancient community. They are joined by the majority of Jeju Islanders who oppose the naval base on their pristine island, the government-designated island of peace.

It is clear that the plans for the so-called civilian/military harbor are intended for nuclear aircraft carriers, not for two 150,000-ton cruise ships. The Navy lied to the villagers and residents of Jeju Island.

Jeju was recently selected among the New Seven Wonders of Nature, which with its UNESCO triple-crowned status makes the island among the world’s most precious cultural and national treasures. The marine ecosystem of the Gureombi coastline is an absolute preservation area designated by the South Korean government to protect over ten endangered species. The spring water along Gangjeong’s coastline is connected to the stream, which provides up to 80% of the drinking water for the southern half of Jeju Island. Destroying Gureombi threatens the marine life and clean water, which farmers and villagers depend upon for their survival.

Please do what is right and preserve South Korea’s democracy and precious Jeju Island from being destroyed. True security comes from consent by the people based on peace and democracy, not from wielding force. We don’t want the “New Seven Wonders of Nature” to be brutally destroyed.

Sincerely,

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