Chilgok-gun completes demolition of long-abandoned Buksam JK apartment

Chilgok-gun in North Gyeongsang Province announced Thursday that it has successfully completed a long-neglected building remediation project targeting the Buksam JK apartment in Inpyeong-ri, Buksam-eup — a structure left unfinished for more than 20 years that had blighted the area's appearance and raised safety concerns.

The Buksam JK apartment was originally planned as a residential complex, but construction halted after the developer went bankrupt, leaving the bare concrete frame abandoned for decades. The structure had long been flagged as a hazard — a site prone to juvenile delinquency and crime, and a potential danger in the event of strong winds or earthquakes.

To ease residents' anxiety and restore a safe living environment, Chilgok-gun followed the required administrative procedures and began demolition under its own authority earlier this year. By Sept. 30, the demolition and subsequent site-grading work were both complete.

The county plans to develop the cleared site into a public parking lot next year.

"We were able to safely clear an eyesore that had troubled the community for more than 20 years, easing residents' concerns and creating a more pleasant urban environment," Chilgok-gun County Chief Kim Jae-wook said.