Majority Support for Integration Surpasses 50% for the First Time, Says Realmeter Survey
Governor Kim Youngrok Vows to Be a "Pace-Setter" in Resolving the Issue
Public opinion among residents regarding the integration and relocation of Gwangju's civilian and military airports to Muan is shifting from opposition to support.
Jeollanam-do recently announced that, according to a public opinion poll conducted by Realmeter on the integration and relocation of Gwangju's civilian and military airports, 53.3% of Muan residents responded in favor of relocating both airports to Muan.
This survey was conducted by Realmeter from September 4 to 5, targeting 810 men and women aged 18 or older residing in Muan County. The survey used an automated response system (ARS) with virtual mobile phone numbers. The margin of error is ±3.4 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.
Jeollanam-do highlighted the significance of this result, noting that for the first time, support has surpassed the halfway mark, whereas opposition had previously been dominant. The province emphasized that this marks a watershed moment in the integration relocation discussions and demonstrates a new driving force for regional development.
Looking at the detailed survey results, the main reasons for supporting the integration and relocation were: expectations for the revitalization of Muan International Airport (44.1%), economic compensation and support (28.2%), and anticipated population growth (17.3%). The integration and relocation are being viewed as a comprehensive development initiative that goes beyond solving the military airport issue, encompassing the strengthening of Muan International Airport's functions, regional economic growth, and attracting new residents.
As for the top priorities for support upon integration and relocation, respondents cited: regional development projects such as industrial complexes (31.1%), economic compensation and income projects (29.2%), relocation of national public institutions (16.2%), and expansion of transportation networks (14.7%). These results reflect the aspirations of Muan residents to attract new industries, enhance residents' economic capacity, and establish a new growth axis for balanced regional development.
Jeollanam-do attributed the majority support to President Lee Jaemyung's declaration at the Gwangju-Jeonnam town hall meeting in June, where he stated that the government would take full responsibility for advancing the integration and relocation of Gwangju's civilian and military airports.
The province analyzed that the government's clear commitment to a state-led solution has instilled trust among residents, transforming public sentiment from distrust and anxiety to stability and optimism.
Since President Lee Jaemyung was a candidate, Jeollanam-do has consistently advocated for a resolution to the Gwangju civilian and military airport issue. As a result, the matter was included as a key national policy agenda under the new administration, laying the groundwork for a government-level solution. The province has also continued various public outreach efforts to enhance residents' acceptance of the plan.
Kim Youngrok, Governor of Jeollanam-do, stated, "Since the President himself has presented a government-led solution and reversed local public opinion, Jeollanam-do will go beyond acting as a mediator between Gwangju and Muan and will serve as a pace-setter in resolving this issue, ensuring that the six-party task force discussions proceed smoothly."
He added, "Going forward, Jeollanam-do will work closely with the central government, Gwangju City, and Muan County to minimize noise damage, establish practical compensation and support measures, and strongly pursue the development of Muan International Airport as a key hub airport for the southwestern region. We will do our utmost to ensure that this integration and relocation becomes a springboard for Jeollanam-do's next 100 years."
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