Citizens Stir Over Construction of US Military Shooting Range in Downtown, Changwon City Issues Statement

Amid news that a shooting range exclusively for U.S. Forces Korea is to be established in the heart of Changwon city, Gyeongnam, Changwon City announced its position on the 3rd.

In a statement, the city said, "The facility is a shooting range built on land granted to the U.S. military in 1972 under the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA)," adding, "This construction is part of improving the existing shooting range facilities, and the specific construction status is being confirmed by the Ministry of National Defense with the U.S. Forces Korea Command."

It also noted that there are limitations to the local government's direct involvement in U.S. military facilities within military installations.

Regarding citizens' complaints posted on the city hall and city council complaint boards about noise from gunfire during shooting training, as well as safety issues caused by shrapnel and stray bullets, the city stated, "We will continue to consult with the Ministry of National Defense to establish comprehensive safety measures."

It further added, "We will also work together with local members of the National Assembly to relocate the facility to a place that can guarantee residents' safety."

Post related to the construction of a U.S. military shooting range posted on the Citizen's Voice board of Changwon Special City Hall, Gyeongnam. [Image source=Changwon City Hall website]

According to Changwon City, the shooting range will be built on the mid-slope of Palyongsan in Uichang-gu, covering up to 15,000 square meters, and is scheduled to be completed in two years.

Within a 1.5 km radius of the shooting range, there are over 1,100 apartment complexes, shopping facilities, and industrial complexes densely concentrated, raising citizens' concerns about potential damage.

The Ministry of National Defense and U.S. Forces Korea are reported not to have shared the construction project details, post-completion operation plans, or shooting frequency with local governments, citing non-application of domestic laws and military confidentiality.

A Ministry of National Defense official stated, "Facility projects on U.S. military granted land are not obligated to consult with local governments under the SOFA agreement, but considering residents' concerns, we will appropriately consult with the U.S. military and local governments to prepare countermeasures."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.