Launch of 'Six-Party Consultative Body' for Gwangju Military Airport Relocation
Joint Statement Signed... Securing New Growth Engines
"Relocation of Civil Airport Expected with Second Phase KTX Opening"
Over 1.5 Trillion Won in Investment Including Government Support
Jeonnam Governor Kim Youngrok held a press conference on the 17th at the Jeonnam Provincial Government briefing room to explain the "Launch and Operational Direction of the Six-Party Consultative Body for the Relocation of Gwangju Military Airport." Photo by Shim Jinseok
Kim Youngrok, Governor of Jeonnam Province, made it clear that he intends to accelerate the relocation of the Gwangju civil-military airport to Muan, opening a new path for the development of the southwestern region of Jeonnam.
On the 17th, Governor Kim held a press conference at the Jeonnam Provincial Government briefing room to share updates on the 'Launch and Operational Direction of the Six-Party Consultative Body for the Relocation of Gwangju Military Airport.'
On this day, Jeonnam Province, together with the Office of the President, Ministry of Economy and Finance, Ministry of National Defense, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Gwangju Metropolitan City, and Muan County, held the first meeting of the 'Six-Party Consultative Body for the Relocation of Gwangju Military Airport' in Gwangju. This was the official event marking the launch of the six-party consultative body for the relocation of the Gwangju military airport.
During the meeting, the 'Joint Statement of the Six-Party Consultative Body on the Relocation of Gwangju Military Airport' was adopted, which included efforts to resolve the three preconditions proposed by Muan County-based on discussions from the four-party preliminary meeting in November-and cooperation on the procedures for relocating the military airport.
Governor Kim stated, "This joint statement is significant because it officially confirms the government's and local governments' commitment to jointly resolve the preconditions consistently demanded by Muan County. The relocation of the military airport is now on track, including a review of changing the name of Muan International Airport to 'Kim Daejung Airport.'"
He added, "From the very beginning of the integrated relocation discussions, Jeonnam Province has faithfully fulfilled its role as a responsible coordinator to address the concerns of Muan residents and secure new growth engines for the region's future. This joint statement by the six-party consultative body marks a historic turning point, moving beyond conflict and confrontation toward mutual growth and cooperation."
The main points agreed upon by the six-party consultative body include: ▲ Gwangju Metropolitan City's provision of 1 trillion won in support funds for Muan County and a plan for raising the funds; ▲ Jeonnam Province and the central government's establishment of an advanced industrial base and attraction of businesses to promote the development of Muan County; ▲ swift designation of the Muan National Industrial Complex and active inclusion of additional support projects. The government also promised to establish the Honam Regional Aviation Office, support the relocation of Gwangju Airport's domestic flights to Muan Airport before the opening of the second phase of the Honam KTX, and cooperate on the prompt revision of the 'Gwangju Military Airport Relocation Act.'
Governor Kim explained, "Through this agreement, about 1 trillion won in support is expected, with more than 500 billion won of that amount likely to come from government-funded projects. Of course, many procedures and steps remain before the final relocation of the military airport, including approval from the Ministry of National Defense, so it is difficult to specify the exact timing of the relocation. However, the relocation of the civil airport is expected to coincide with the completion of the KTX Gwangju Songjeong-Mokpo section (the second phase of the Honam High-Speed Railway project)."
He further stated, "We are planning to develop a future-oriented Aero City near Muan International Airport, integrating aviation, logistics, residential, and educational functions, and foster it as a leading growth hub for the southwestern region."
In fact, Jeonnam Province plans to rapidly establish the Muan National Industrial Complex, build an advanced industrial base for semiconductors, new energy industries, and an AI-driven advanced agricultural complex, and focus on attracting companies to shift the region's industrial structure toward high value-added industries.
Governor Kim emphasized, "I will take full responsibility to ensure that this joint statement leads to tangible results. I also urge the central government to provide active support from the perspective of balanced national development and regional cooperation. I will devote all efforts and fulfill my responsibilities to ensure that all relocation procedures proceed smoothly."
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