Gwangju City Proposes New Kumho Tire Factory and Temporary International Flights at Gwangju Airport

Kang Kijeong Requests Support for New Kumho Tire Factory and Temporary International Flights at Gwangju Airport
Calls for Government and Korea Development Bank Involvement
Emphasizes the Need for a Safe and Secure Airport Following Jeju Air Disaster
Highlights Efforts to Reduce Major Causes of Death and Requests Increased Disaster Alert Capacity

Gwangju Mayor Kang Kijeong is attending a video conference on safety and security inspection chaired by the president at the city hall disaster situation room on the afternoon of the 5th. Photo by Gwangju City

On June 5, Gwangju Mayor Kang Kijeong submitted several local issues to President Lee Jaemyung, including the construction of a new Kumho Tire factory and the temporary operation of international flights at Gwangju Airport.

During the video conference on safety and security inspection chaired by the president that afternoon, Mayor Kang stated, "Regarding the fire at the Kumho Tire Gwangju factory, which the president visited last month, we are implementing various measures for an early resolution, but the issue of building a new factory remains significant. I ask that you pay attention so that both the government and Korea Development Bank can take interest in this matter."

Mayor Kang also proposed the temporary operation of international flights at Gwangju Airport. He explained, "The reopening of Muan Airport has been delayed following the Jeju Air disaster, and to reduce inconvenience for local residents, it is essential to temporarily operate international flights at Gwangju Airport."

In April, Mayor Kang officially requested the government to establish a "Southwest Gateway Airport Roadmap" and to allow "temporary international flights at Gwangju Airport," emphasizing, "Through a thorough investigation into the cause of the Jeju Air passenger plane disaster and the implementation of measures to prevent recurrence, an airport that is safe and secure 24 hours a day must be established."

In addition, regarding the city's ongoing campaign to reduce the three major causes of death?traffic accidents, industrial accidents, and suicide?Mayor Kang noted, "While the number of deaths from traffic and industrial accidents has decreased, suicide deaths have not easily declined." He requested special attention to this issue, as well as an increase in the character limit for disaster safety text alerts.