Top Priority Given to Muan County's Demands, Including Advance Relocation of Civilian Airport
Emphasis on Linking Development Strategies to Establish Southwest Region as Innovation Hub
On September 19, South Jeolla Province appealed to Muan County to join the dialogue table so that Jeonnam and Muan can open a greater future together through the integrated relocation of the Gwangju civilian and military airports.
On this day, following answers to provincial assembly questions, the provincial government issued a statement saying, "South Jeolla Province has consistently maintained its stance on the integrated relocation of the Gwangju civilian and military airports solely for regional development, always standing with the residents of the province and Muan County. Going forward, we will continue to prioritize the voices of Muan County residents and work together as part of the six-party task force."
South Jeolla Province expressed strong regret and demanded an apology when Gwangju City unilaterally broke the civilian airport relocation agreement made among Gwangju, Jeonnam, and Muan in 2018. In May 2023, the province issued a statement on revitalizing Muan International Airport, appealing for the justification of the airport relocation and for a broad decision from Muan County. In the same year, the province also presented a vision for the future regional development of Muan worth 3 trillion won.
The province has also made various efforts to revitalize Muan International Airport, focusing all its capabilities on extending the runway, expanding the passenger terminal, supporting regular routes, and completing the second phase of the KTX high-speed rail line.
South Jeolla Province emphasized, "We now have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to develop Muan International Airport into a true hub airport for the southwest region, and for Muan County to leap forward as a center of future innovation. This is the moment to unite our efforts with a strong determination to seize the opportunity."
The province further urged Muan County to participate in the dialogue, as the government-led six-party task force promised by the President is about to be launched, so that the government, Muan County, South Jeolla Province, and Gwangju City can work together to find solutions through discussion.
In particular, the province expressed full agreement with the three conditions presented by Muan County: the advance relocation of the Gwangju civilian airport to Muan International Airport before the completion of the second phase of the Honam High-Speed Rail (KTX), a guarantee of 1 trillion won in support from Gwangju City, and the establishment of groundbreaking national-level support measures. The province pledged to ensure these issues are given top priority in the six-party task force discussions.
South Jeolla Province stressed, "Now is the turning point for the future development of Muan County. If the Gwangju civilian and military airports are relocated, Muan International Airport will truly establish itself as a gateway airport to Northeast Asia. If linked with large-scale regional development strategies such as the Muan National Industrial Complex, the future advanced Aero City, and the AI Advanced Agro-Industry Complex, Muan will be reborn as an innovation hub for the southwest region."
The province added, "We will always stand with the residents of Muan County, prioritize the voices of county and provincial residents, and continue consultations with the government and Gwangju City until the end. If we seize this opportunity and pool our wisdom, we will surely honor your wishes by enabling a greater leap forward for Muan County. Let us open the future of Muan and the dreams of our residents together."
In a recent public opinion poll on the integrated relocation of the Gwangju civilian and military airports, 53.3% of Muan County residents expressed support for the relocation to Muan, marking the first time that support has exceeded the majority-a significant result. South Jeolla Province analyzed that new changes are occurring following the Gwangju-Jeonnam town hall meeting, reflecting both the aspirations of residents for attracting new industries and improving economic power, as well as the President's commitment to a government-led initiative.
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