S Korea to establish new capital

[dArKeR]

THE GUARDIAN , Beijing
Friday, Aug 13, 2004,Page 5

The South Korean government confirmed on Wednesday that it is to create a new capital in what will be one of Asia's biggest-ever construction projects.

Under the US$48 billion scheme, a site in the sleepy region of Gongju-Yongi 160km south of Seoul will replace it as the seat of parliament and government by 2020.

Despite sharp divisions among the public and the mixed results of similarly ambitious projects by other states, President Roh Moo-hyun insists relocation is necessary to ease chronic overcrowding in Seoul, redistribute the state's wealth and lessen the danger of a bombardment by North Korea.

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/world/archives/2004/08/13/2003198550

[Snow]

1. Seems a good idea on the surface, and ought to work

Unlike Paris, Seoul has not always been the center of the nation - there've been a number of different capitals. Some of them are pretty, sleepy provincial towns. Pooyo is my favorite, I think.

[teryang]

2. This is why it isn't a good idea

<If the peninsula reunifies, there are likely to be calls for the capital to be moved north again, possibly even back to Pyongyang -- another ancient seat of government. >

I think reunification is coming sooner than people think and likely without a war.