📢 Controversy over Lee Jae-myung’s Turtle Island Speech – Investors Are Crying, but the Island Still Has Potential

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🐢 What Is Turtle Island (Geobukseom)?

Turtle Island, also known as Geobukseom, is an artificial island located in Siheung, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. The island was created in the shape of a turtle and designed as a luxury marine leisure complex, housing Wave Park — the largest artificial surfing facility in Asia.

In addition to Wave Park, the area includes:

• Commercial shopping zones

• Hotels and cultural facilities

• Public event spaces and marinas

Originally envisioned as a flagship regional development project, the site drew attention not only for its size but for its ambitious plan to become a leisure destination rivaling global resorts.

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🗣️ What Did Lee Jae-myung Say?

During a campaign speech in May 2025, Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, proudly stated:

"We convinced the businesses to come to Turtle Island and told them we’d take care of everything.
It took only two years to go from permits to full construction. Is business good?"

This seemingly lighthearted question, “Is business good?”, deeply angered many investors and self-employed people who had poured their savings into the island’s commercial real estate.

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경기 시흥시 거북섬에 위치한 인공서핑장 ‘웨이브파크’. 시흥=뉴스1
😤 The Harsh Reality Behind the Boast

Contrary to Lee's confident speech, the reality for many local business owners has been far from successful.

• Commercial vacancy rates are reportedly as high as 87% in certain buildings

• Many shops remain empty due to low foot traffic

• The “rapid development” Lee boasts about lacked sustainable planning

• The economic damage to investors is significant, with some losing life savings

His comments, rather than inspiring pride, came across as tone-deaf and dismissive of the real challenges faced by actual business operators.

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📉 “We Invested in His Promise. Now We’re Struggling.”

Many investors bought into the vision of Turtle Island due to its connection with national-level support and Lee’s promotion as Gyeonggi Governor. However, years later, many are asking:

“If Lee brought in these businesses, doesn’t he hold some responsibility for the aftermath?”

His recent remarks felt like a cruel joke to some — particularly those still struggling to make ends meet in underperforming retail spaces.

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🌊 But Is Turtle Island a Lost Cause?

Absolutely not.

Despite the struggles, Turtle Island still holds major potential, especially with tourism returning post-pandemic.

✅ Wave Park continues to operate, drawing surfers and families
✅ New cafés and pop-up stores are appearing
✅ Scenic views of Siwaho Lake offer photogenic Instagram-worthy locations
✅ Easy parking and wide open spaces make it ideal for day trips
✅ Access roads and public transport are improving slowly

The island is, in fact, a hidden gem — underrated but full of promise for early movers.

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🧭 So Why Visit Turtle Island Now?

Because the infrastructure is already there.
Because the crowds haven't arrived yet.
Because you're not fighting for a seat at a trendy café or paying triple for street parking.

If you enjoy discovering places before they go viral, this is the time.
Whether you're into surfing, café hopping, or just a peaceful seaside stroll — Turtle Island is quietly preparing to shine again.

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🙏 Final Thoughts

Lee Jae-myung’s remarks may have reopened old wounds for struggling investors.
But we should not let politics define the future of this unique destination.

As someone personally invested in the area, I hope this post helps spark renewed interest.
Turtle Island doesn’t need pity — it needs people, promotion, and possibility.
Let’s give it a real chance. 🐢✨