Incheon creates dedicated task force in anticipation of the complete return of Camp Market in 2022
Incheon is preparing for the complete return of the Camp Market US Army Base in Bupyeong in 2022.
The city government is laying the groundwork for Camp Market’s return driven by two policies: to actively reflect public opinion on how to develop a park at the site of Camp Market, and how to preserve the 80-year history of Camp Market with the new park.
On July 12, the city launched a dedicated task force (Camp Market Communication Team) under the Camp Market Division.
Incheon recognizes that active participation of citizens and a systematic record of historical and cultural assets are essential when setting the future direction of the new park at Camp Market that will effectively return the former Army base into the arms of Incheon citizens for the first time in 80 years. Accordingly, the city is looking stimulate public discussion on Camp Market and open a dedicated archive.
▲Incheon is preparing for the complete return of the Camp Market US Army Base in Bupyeong in 2022. The city government is laying the groundwork for Camp Market’s return driven by two policies: to actively reflect public opinion on how to develop a park at the site of Camp Market, and how to preserve the 80-year history of Camp Market with the new park. Overview of Camp Market in Bupyeong
Public discussion on Camp Market
The public has differing opinions on the preservation and removal of buildings and arsenals at Camp Market, and concern over the risk of conflicting viewpoints boiling over once Zone D of Camp Market is returned is rising.
The city of Incheon plans to gather the opinions and feedback of Incheon citizens about Camp Market with activities such as the Citizens’ Participation Committee, “Camp Market Citizens’ Public Discussion Project” (since 2017), and the “Communication Box”project (available in three locations). Furthermore, Incheon plans to collect feedback on Camp Market through the Camp Market Citizens’ Public Discussion event scheduled in October.
Also, in 2022, a Camp Market Citizens’ Participation Group (tentative name) will be formed, and recommendations from the public will be collected on the future direction of the Camp Market History and Culture Park (via a public survey).
▲Incheon recognizes that active participation of citizens and a systematic record of historical and cultural assets are essential when setting the future direction of the new park at Camp Market that will effectively return the former Army base into the arms of Incheon citizens for the first time in 80 years. Accordingly, the city is looking to stimulate public discussion on Camp Market and open a dedicated archive. US Army Camp Market in Bupyeong (circa 1960s)
Building the Camp Market Archive
During the first half of 2021, Incheon commissioned the Incheon Institute to conduct a “study on the direction of the Camp Market Archive” (policy research project) in order to gain more in sight into the historical significance of Camp Market as a place, the significance of its past, its culture, and its heritage.Incheon will use findings from the study to set a direction for the Camp Market Archive, and commission a project to devise a master plan for the Camp Market Archive this October.
In 2022, once Zone D is fully returned to Incheon, the city plans to employ more experts, including experts on arts and sciences, and build a comprehensive archive for a complete investigation of the historical and cultural value of Camp Market.
In addition, when the Camp Market History and Culture Park is completed, it will be linked with the new Camp Market History Hall (tentative name) to ensure the continued maintenance and management of the archive long-term.
With the new Park, Incheon intends to help raise public awareness regarding the history and value of Camp Market as a cultural heritage, spanning from the Japanese colonial period, the US Army’s occupation, and all the way to Camp Market’s eventual return to the Korean government.
Meanwhile, Camp Market was used as an arsenal for the Japanese Army since 1939 to manufacture weapons during the Japanese colonial period.
After the return of Zones A and B (210,765 m2) in December 2019, the government has been working on decontaminating the soil at Camp Market. The city plans to close down and relocate the bakery factory in Zone D by the end of this year, complete the return process for Camp Market between March and April 2022, and open the Park by 2028. The new Park will be located in 292-1, Sangok-dong, with a total land area of 600,938m2.
▲ Layout of Camp Market
