On November 11, residents of Seogwipo, Jeju Island, enjoyed a warm spring day in the pine grove in front of the Seogwipo Cultural Center, which was bustling with activity. However, nearby, construction for a planned road had stopped just short of crossing into the grove as local community groups opposed the project, citing environmental concerns and the loss of a cherished public space. This construction is part of a larger city bypass project originally proposed in 1965 but only commenced in 2022, with significant investment allocated for its completion.

The conflict centers on the proposed road, meant to be a 4-lane highway cutting through the grove, which local advocacy groups argue would lead to the destruction of over 100 pine trees that have thrived for over 70 years and eliminate a key recreational area for residents and students. Community groups, including "People Who Wish for the Greening of the Seogwipo City Bypass Road" and "Seogwipo Future Thinkers," are demanding that the road construction either be adjusted to preserve the grove or be entirely halted, claiming that administrative processes were also overlooked in the planning stages.

In contrast, local leaders and residents from the Donghong-dong area argue for the project's continuation, asserting that decisions should be made by the residents rather than opposing groups. This divide highlights broader tensions in urban planning in Seogwipo as stakeholders seek to balance development needs with environmental preservation and community input. As the discussions progress, residents await the outcome of proposed deliberative consultations that aim to find a solution acceptable to all parties involved.