Mayor Kang: "Role in Integrated Relocation of Civil-Military Airports"
Prime Minister Han Responds: "Seeking Practical Measures"
On the afternoon of the 21st, Gwangju Mayor Kang Gi-jung met with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo at the Government Complex Sejong to request the "resumption of the intergovernmental consultative body" for the integrated relocation of the civilian-military airport. Photo by Gwangju City
On the 21st, Gwangju Mayor Kang Gi-jung met with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo at the government Sejong Complex to request the resumption of the “intergovernmental consultative body” for the integrated relocation of the civilian-military airport. The “Gwangju Military Airport Relocation Intergovernmental Consultative Body,” led by the Office for Government Policy Coordination and established for the integrated relocation of the civilian-military airport, has been suspended since May 2021.
This meeting was arranged as a follow-up to the letter delivered to the Prime Minister on the 29th of last month, requesting the government’s leading role in the integrated relocation of the civilian-military airport.
Mayor Kang stated, “The ‘Gwangju Military Airport Special Act,’ which includes government support and overcomes the major obstacle of donation versus grant, has been enacted for the integrated relocation of the Gwangju civilian-military airport. It was also agreed to relocate to Muan together with Jeonnam Province, and through direct communication with the residents of Muan County, we conveyed Gwangju’s sincerity. However, the decision on the relocation site remains difficult.” He added, “Now, Gwangju’s efforts alone are insufficient,” emphasizing, “The government’s attention and active support are urgently needed.”
Mayor Kang particularly suggested, “As the perception of the integrated relocation of the civilian-military airport is changing recently within the Muan County community, if the government takes the lead, the deadlock will be broken. Since the civilian-military airport is a key national facility, the government, as a party to the relocation, should also step forward.”
In response, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo expressed, “I have a special interest in the issue of integrated relocation of the civilian-military airport to develop Muan International Airport as the gateway airport of the southwestern region,” and replied, “We will carefully review the proposals and devise practical measures to provide assistance.”
Meanwhile, Gwangju City is focusing its administrative capabilities on winning the hearts of Muan residents by organically cooperating with the National Assembly and central government agencies, as the golden time for the integrated relocation of the civilian-military airport to develop Muan International Airport as the southwestern gateway airport is running out.
The city formed a public official publicity team to directly meet Muan residents and conduct promotional activities for the integrated relocation of the civilian-military airport. In addition, noise countermeasure discussions, briefing sessions, and “tripartite talks” among Gwangju City, Jeonnam Province, and Muan County were held together with Muan residents.
Gwangju City is also making efforts to convey Gwangju’s sincerity by delivering Mayor Kang Gi-jung’s “letter of promise” and striving to secure cooperation from both ruling and opposition parties in the National Assembly and government.
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