The voices from the local community calling for the extension of the Ulleung Airport runway have once again resonated in the National Assembly.
On June 24, the Runway Extension Promotion Committee visited the National Assembly to explain the necessity and urgency of extending the runway at Ulleung Airport. Provided by Ulleung County
On June 24, the Ulleung Airport Runway Extension Promotion Committee (Chief Chairperson Lee Jeongtae) visited the National Assembly and met consecutively with Democratic Party lawmakers Lee Jeongmoon (Cheonan-byeong, Chungnam; Senior Vice Chairperson of the Central Policy Committee) and Moon Jinseok (Cheonan-gap, Chungnam; Senior Deputy Floor Leader of the Democratic Party; member of the Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee) to explain the necessity and urgency of extending the Ulleung Airport runway.
During the meeting, the Promotion Committee conveyed the concerns of local residents that the current runway under construction at Ulleung Airport (1,200 meters in length) would make stable aircraft operations difficult in the future. The committee emphasized that runway extension is essential to ensure safe and sustainable air service.
In response, Lee Jeongmoon stated, "Through close consultation with the government, I will do my best at the parliamentary level to ensure the safe opening of Ulleung Airport." Moon Jinseok also responded, "As a member of the Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee, I will support the institutional backing necessary for the safe operation of Ulleung Airport."
On the same day, the Promotion Committee also held talks with Choi Yongdeok, CEO of the domestic small airline Seom Air, which is scheduled to operate at Ulleung Airport, and other company officials. During the meeting, there was an in-depth discussion on how the extension of the runway would affect the stable operation of Ulleung Airport and the continued attraction of flight services.
Ulleung Airport is currently under construction with the goal of opening in 2028 as a key infrastructure project to improve access to Ulleungdo and Dokdo and to promote balanced national development. However, due to challenging weather conditions and restrictions on aircraft types, the issues of runway length and safety standards have long been points of contention in the local community.
The Ulleung Airport Runway Extension Promotion Committee plans to continue regular visits to the National Assembly and advocacy activities with the central government to secure funding and reflect policies necessary for the runway extension.
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