Temporary Suspension of Construction of USFK Rifle Range in Changwon

The construction of a U.S. Forces Korea exclusive rifle shooting range being developed on Palyongsan in Uichang-gu, Changwon Special City, Gyeongnam, will be temporarily suspended.

On the morning of the 4th, Changwon City sent a proposal letter to the Ministry of National Defense requesting the suspension and relocation of the shooting range construction, and announced the suspension of the construction project that night.

According to the consultation plan between the U.S. Eighth Army and the Ministry of National Defense disclosed by the city, the U.S. Eighth Army and the Ministry of National Defense will temporarily halt the ongoing facility-related construction.

Minimal construction work to prepare for the rainy season, aimed at eliminating risk factors such as landslides that could occur in areas where trees have been cut down, will be carried out for the shortest possible period.

The Ministry of National Defense, U.S. Forces Korea, and Changwon City will continue to hold consultations to find a reasonable solution.

Agreement between USFK 8th Army and the Ministry of National Defense regarding the rifle-only shooting range for US Forces Korea under construction on Palyongsan, Uichang-gu, Changwon Special City, Gyeongnam.
[Image provided by Changwon City Hall]

Mayor Hong Nam-pyo said, “This is the result of quickly joining forces and actively proposing to the Ministry of National Defense by reflecting the opinions of local residents and civic groups, along with Changwon City and National Assembly member Kim Young-seon of Uichang-gu.”

He added, “Changwon City will continue to propose and negotiate so that the shooting range in the urban area can be relocated to a suitable alternative site for the safety of citizens,” and said, “We will continue to operate the city administration with the highest priority on citizen safety.”

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