Yoon Jungmin, Gwangju Seo-gu Council Member, Calls for Support for Schools Affected by Military Airport Noise

"Guaranteeing the Right to Learn and the Right to Health
for Students and Staff"

Yoon Jungmin, a member of the Gwangju Seo-gu Council, announced on the 28th that a meeting was held under the theme of "Establishing Practical Support Measures for Schools Affected by Military Airport Noise."

Yoon Jungmin, a member of the Gwangju Seo-gu Council, held a meeting on the 27th in the council's small conference room under the theme of "Establishing Practical Support Measures for Schools Affected by Military Airport Noise." Photo by Yoon Jungmin

The meeting was organized to share the serious noise damage issues experienced by students and staff at schools near the military airport and to discuss possible support measures.

The meeting, held on the 27th in the small conference room of the Seo-gu Council, was attended by Council Chair Jeon Seungil, council members Lim Sunghwa, Kim Kyunho, Kim Taejin, and Oh Miseop, as well as officials from the Gwangju Western Office of Education and relevant departments of the Seo-gu District Office (Climate and Environment Department, Happy Education Department).

Assemblywoman Yoon emphasized, "Students and staff at 13 schools near the Gwangju military airport (7 in Seo-gu and 6 in Gwangsan-gu) are exposed to severe noise during fighter jet takeoffs and landings," adding, "In order to guarantee their right to learn and their health, the Seo-gu Council, Seo-gu District Office, and the Office of Education are working together to seek countermeasures."

According to research by the Seoul National University Noise and Vibration Research Center, the learning efficiency of students affected by noise is only about 30% that of students in unaffected areas, highlighting the severity of the educational gap caused by noise damage.

However, the current "Military Noise Compensation Act" applied in Gwangju only stipulates compensation for individual residents, lacking a legal basis for supporting educational institutions such as schools. In contrast, schools in areas affected by civilian airport noise receive support under the "Airport Noise Prevention Act," leading to ongoing debates about fairness.

Council member Lim Sunghwa, who attended the meeting, stated, "Even through simple surveys, it is necessary to manage data on concentration, sleep, and stress at schools affected by noise," adding, "There should be ongoing management of the situation at these schools and fair compensation for the damage. I will actively participate in these efforts."

Through the meeting, the three organizations discussed: ▲ seeking customized support measures for schools; ▲ continuously demanding improvements to laws and systems; and ▲ forming and operating a consultative body.

Assemblywoman Yoon stated, "Local governments and the Office of Education have agreed to actively cooperate in establishing practical support measures to guarantee the right to learn and the right to health for students and teachers affected by military airport noise," adding, "I hope this meeting will lead to meaningful results, enabling students and staff to study and live in a more stable educational environment."