Korea will proceed with five new or upgraded dam projects while replacing two others with alternatives that draw on existing water infrastructure, the climate ministry said Thursday, wrapping up a review of a 14-dam initiative launched under the previous government. The plan, announced by Climate, Energy and Environment Minister Kim Sung-whan, leaves seven dam projects scrapped, five approved and two shifted to alternative solutions, reducing estimated spending from 4.75 trillion won ($3.45 billion) to about 1.67 trillion won. This followed questions over the necessity and effectiveness of the previous Yoon Suk Yeol administration’s plan, as well as strong opposition from residents in proposed project areas and environmental activists. The five projects to move forward are Jicheon Dam in Cheongyang and Buyeo in South Chungcheong Province, Amicheon Dam in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi Province, Byeongyeongcheon Dam in Gangjin, Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Metropolitan City, Hoeyagang Dam in Ulsan and Gohyeoncheon Dam in Geoje, South Gyeongsang Province. The government said the selected projects are ne