Muan Committee Opposes Relocation of Gwangju Military Airfield

The Nationwide Countermeasure Committee Against the Relocation of Gwangju Combat Airfield to Muan (hereinafter referred to as the Committee), led by Chairman Park Moonjae, has sent a petition to Park Chan-dae, acting leader and floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, expressing its opposition to the relocation of the military airfield, which it considers an obstacle to regional development.

On April 25, the Committee announced in a press release, "We have sent a statement regarding the relocation of the Gwangju military airfield to Park Chan-dae, acting leader and floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea." The Committee explained, "According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport’s third mid- to long-term comprehensive airport development plan established in 2006, Muan International Airport was envisioned as a hub for major domestic routes and short- to medium-haul international flights in the southwestern region, with the gradual transfer of Gwangju Airport’s domestic flights being a prerequisite."

The Committee continued, "When Muan International Airport opened in 2007, residents of Muan County and the broader Honam region were filled with hope and pride in the convenience, expansion potential, and the prospect of becoming an airport city. However, at the time, Gwangju City cited the inconvenience to its citizens due to the lack of a completed expressway between Muan and Gwangju, as well as the issue of linking the relocation of the military airfield, and delayed the transfer of international flights until May 2008, a year later."

In October last year, about 300 residents of Muan County issued a statement opposing the relocation of Gwangju Combat Airfield to Muan and have been conducting street campaigns since then. Provided by the Nationwide Countermeasure Committee Against the Relocation of Gwangju Combat Airfield to Muan

원본보기 아이콘

The Committee also lamented, "In 2018, the mayors of Gwangju, South Jeolla Province, and Muan signed an agreement to transfer all domestic flights from Gwangju Airport to Muan Airport unconditionally by 2021, but Gwangju City has completely reneged on this commitment."

The Committee stated, "We do not oppose, and in fact understand, Gwangju City’s desire to relocate the military airfield to address regional development obstacles and noise issues." They added, "Not only in our region, but in many areas across the country, people are demanding the relocation of military facilities, claiming they hinder regional development. However, when those affected by military airfields, ammunition depots, artillery ranges, or anti-aircraft batteries demand their relocation or redistribution, forcing unwanted facilities on other regions is the height of regional selfishness."

In particular, the Committee emphasized, "Since 2018, we have consistently expressed our opposition to the relocation of the military airfield. In the KBS Gwangju public opinion poll conducted in February, 60% of respondents opposed the relocation of both the civilian and military airports." The Committee further argued, "Separately, 47% of Gwangju citizens opposed transferring domestic flight operations to Muan International Airport, which is higher than the 42% who supported it."

The Committee pointed out, "Gwangju City and South Jeolla Province are presenting the 'integrated relocation of civilian and military airports' as a campaign pledge for the presidential election scheduled for June 3, but this proposal is out of touch with the views of local residents." The Committee added, "We hope for a wise decision to prevent further conflict and division among local residents."

Meanwhile, the Committee reiterated, "The most important factor in the relocation of the military airfield is the acceptance of local residents." They concluded, "As the will of the people is paramount, we earnestly request that the process be conducted in a way that reflects local sentiment, such as through an open competition."

© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.