[비즈한국] As discussions on the collective relocation of ironworks in Mullae-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, have been spinning their wheels for three years, the operators on-site are growing older. Although a plan was introduced in 2023 to relocate 1,279 ironworks to the outskirts of Seoul or nearby metropolitan areas, neither a confirmed relocation site nor support criteria have been disclosed. On the ground, people are saying, “Even if a relocation site is decided, will we still be able to work by then?”
At 9 a.m. on the 2nd, the Mullae-dong ironworks alley echoed with the sharp sounds of metal being cut and machined from early in the morning. The alley was lined with offices of companies featuring similar terms on their signs, such as “Processing,” “Tech,” “Precision,” and “Industry.” Many of the operators met inside and outside the workshops, which are filled with cutting tools and machining equipment, were in their 60s and 70s.
The ironworks operators were generally cold toward questions regarding the collective relocation. As discussions have dragged on for three years, the operators have aged, leading to a deep sense of skepticism regarding the relocation plans. Mr. A, who has worked in Mullae-dong for 40 years, said, “I am 71 years old, and even if we were to move, it would take a long time to prepare. What more would I be able to do at this age by the time that happens?”
Mr. B (65), who runs a polishing factory in Mullae-dong 4-ga, said, “I haven’t heard anything significant since the talk of relocation started three years ago. It’s frustrating because there are no concrete details, just rumors.” Another operator who has worked in Mullae-dong for over 30 years said, “Isn't this something that will take a long time anyway? I doubt I’ll even be able to work by the time that happens.”
The Mullae-dong ironworks alley has long served as a hub for the mechanical and metal industry in downtown Seoul. It is structured in a way where nearby companies handle individual tasks and connect them to complete a product rather than one company handling the entire process. One operator said, “It was said that in Mullae-dong, you could make everything from a handgun to a tank. Work that would take ten days elsewhere could be finished here in two.” He added, “The reason we could do business with just one machine was because there were other people with different skills right next door.”
There is talk that this structure is not what it used to be. As aging operators leave the field one by one, there are fewer skilled workers to carry on the work. A 69-year-old operator who has worked in Mullae-dong 1-ga for over 40 years said, “People with the know-how are getting old and leaving one by one.” A 67-year-old operator who has worked in the Mullae-dong area for 35 years also said, “There aren't many people younger than me in this neighborhood. We are effectively the last generation.”
The aging trend is also confirmed in statistics. According to the final report of the “Fact-finding Survey and Revitalization Consulting Service for the Mullae-dong Mechanical and Metal Industry Cluster,” published by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Seoul Small Business Association in 2021, the average age of business owners in the Mullae-dong mechanical and metal cluster at the time was 58. Those aged 50–64 accounted for 66.5%, and those 65 and older accounted for 21.5%, meaning 88.0% of all business owners were over 50. Considering that five years have passed since the survey, it is estimated that the average age is even higher now.
In 2023, Yeongdeungpo-gu launched a study to review the feasibility and establish a master plan for the relocation of the Mullae-dong mechanical and metal cluster. The intention was to find a location where Mullae-dong factories could maintain their core functions and review a comprehensive relocation. However, three years later, there are no significant tangible changes.
The background for the prolonged relocation discussions lies in issues with site acquisition and coordination with local governments. It is known that Yeongdeungpo-gu, after completing the relevant basic studies, has been reviewing potential relocation sites centered on metropolitan areas such as Gimpo, Siheung, and Ansan. However, it is difficult to build an industrial complex because many of the sites with the necessary area are designated as development restriction zones or protected facility zones. Since the consent and cooperation of the local governments in the target regions are also required, no clear relocation site has been decided yet.
As the aging problem intensifies, voices on the ground are calling for the collective relocation discussions to reach a conclusion. Even if a site is decided, it will still take time to transport equipment, rearrange facilities, and prepare to resume operations. With a significant portion of operators being elderly, the longer the discussions take, the fewer companies there will be that can handle the relocation.
However, it is unlikely that the collective relocation of the ironworks will gain speed in the short term. Although the related services began during the term of Yeongdeungpo-gu Mayor Choi Ho-kwon in 2023, the subsequent change in mayor remains a variable for policy continuity. With land acquisition, coordination with local governments in potential areas, and the establishment of support criteria still pending, it appears it will take more time before an actual relocation can occur.
Meanwhile, regarding the progress of the ironworks relocation, the Seoul Small Business Association stated, “There hasn’t been much change compared to three years ago. While nothing is confirmed, we are considering Siheung or Gaebong-dong as potential relocation sites.” They added, “We are making efforts to ensure that continuous inquiries are addressed and that relevant bills can be proposed through policy.”