The Korea Racing Authority (KRA) labor union is mounting a formal opposition to government-led plans to relocate the Gwacheon Horse Park to facilitate large-scale housing development. According to KRA Labor Union Chairman Park Geun-moon, the move threatens the stability of the entire domestic horse industry, citing concerns over massive debt, potential operational deficits, and the lack of a comprehensive protection strategy for industry workers.
The Financial and Operational Risks
The union argues that the government’s timeline is unrealistic and financially precarious. Relocating the facility—a complex infrastructure project—within a three-year window ignores the historical precedent of projects like the Yeongcheon Horse Park, which started in 2009 and opened this year.
From a fiscal perspective, the union contends that selling the existing Gwacheon site will not cover the costs of securing new land and constructing facilities, which are estimated to exceed 2 trillion won. Park Geun-moon stated that the KRA is already operating under tight margins, and forcing the organization to absorb this level of debt could lead to long-term insolvency. Without clear government guarantees on funding and operational support, the union warns that the industry faces a systemic collapse that would affect everyone from horse farm operators and trainers to jockeys and stable staff.
Impact on Local Economy and Infrastructure
The potential relocation also faces resistance due to its expected impact on the city of Gwacheon. Critics of the plan, including the labor union, point to several negative consequences for the region:
- Fiscal Decline: The loss of the "leisure tax" currently generated by the horse park would significantly reduce local tax revenue, impacting municipal budget stability.
- Urban Overcrowding: The proposed housing development is expected to exacerbate traffic congestion, strain existing water and sewage infrastructure, and lead to overcrowded schools.
- Commercial Disruption: Local small businesses, restaurants, and firms that rely on the park’s ecosystem would face a sudden loss of patronage, threatening the local economy.
Union Demands for Accountability
The KRA labor union has submitted a "basic plan" to the government, outlining several non-negotiable conditions for any potential move. The union insists that the government must formally commit to these prerequisites before proceeding:
- Independent and Transparent Oversight: Ensuring the relocation process is handled with administrative integrity.
- Government Financial Backing: Explicit commitments to cover relocation costs and provide support for industry competitiveness.
- Core Function Retention: Maintaining the KRA headquarters and essential business functions within the primary horse park site.
- Worker Protections: Establishing concrete safety nets for employees and industry contractors to prevent job losses.
Ongoing Labor Disputes
Tensions reached a visible point on June 30, when the union organized a vehicle-based protest near the presidential office. The demonstration aimed to signal that the workforce will not accept a unilateral, "top-down" approach to policy that ignores the structural needs of the horse industry.
While the union maintains that it is not categorically opposed to the concept of relocation, it demands a shift in strategy. The current stance of the labor leadership is that the government must prioritize sustainable development over rapid housing supply targets. Union officials have stated that they are prepared to use all legal means to oppose the plan unless the government engages in substantive, transparent negotiations that guarantee the long-term viability of the horse industry and the livelihoods of its workers.