Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Launches Full-Scale Construction of Saemangeum New Airport... "Expecting Economic Revitalization in Jeonbuk"

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Jiwon] The government is set to actively promote the construction project of Saemangeum New Airport.

On the 7th, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced, "We held a kickoff meeting for the Saemangeum New Airport construction project yesterday," adding, "We plan to proceed without delay aiming for completion in 2028."

Saemangeum New Airport was included in the 5th Mid-to-Long-Term Comprehensive Airport Development Plan (2016?2020) and underwent aviation demand survey research, preliminary feasibility studies, and project plan adequacy reviews. The total project cost has been finalized at 779.6 billion KRW.

The planned site for Saemangeum New Airport is located within the Saemangeum development area, 1.3 km west of the current Gunsan Airport.

The basic airport development plan service will include aviation demand forecasting, feasibility analysis, determination of airport scale, and establishment of construction and operation plans.

Through the concurrently conducted strategic environmental impact assessment service, the appropriateness from an environmental perspective and site feasibility will be reviewed.

A Ministry of Land official stated, "Saemangeum New Airport will be a purely private airport," adding, "It is expected to promote private investment attraction in the Saemangeum area and enhance economic vitality in the Jeonbuk region, including Gunsan, through related industrial development."

He also emphasized, "Improved accessibility to regions such as Japan, China, and Southeast Asia is expected to contribute to strengthening Saemangeum's competitiveness as a global business hub."