Key facts
- Muan County has been officially designated as the new site for the Gwangju Air Base relocation.
- The relocation is a key step for an 800 trillion-won semiconductor and AI cluster project.
- The existing Gwangju Air Base shares runways with a civilian airport.
- The 1st Fighter Wing will be temporarily relocated to other bases.
- The government plans a comprehensive support package for Muan County.
South Korea's government has officially designated Muan County as the new location for the Gwangju Air Base, a move that is expected to expedite the development of a significant semiconductor and artificial intelligence (AI) cluster in the region. The decision by the defense ministry-led selection committee clears the path for the relocation project, which has faced some opposition from Muan residents concerned about noise and safety.
The 800 trillion-won ($582.9 billion) project, involving major players like Samsung Electronics and SK hynix, aims to transform Gwangju and surrounding areas into a tech hub. The current Gwangju Air Base shares runways with a civilian airport, which will be relocated to Muan ahead of the military units.
The 1st Fighter Wing, responsible for key flight training, will be temporarily moved to three other bases. This temporary arrangement, expected to last at least four years, has raised concerns about potential disruptions to defense readiness and pilot training, with reports indicating temporary hangars might lack adequate shielding. The defense ministry has stated that existing infrastructure will be maximized and new structures built only when necessary.
Consultations with the U.S. military, which co-occupies the Gwangju Air Base under a Status of Forces Agreement, are also a necessary part of the relocation process. The government has pledged a comprehensive support package exceeding 1 trillion won for Muan County to address resident concerns and facilitate the transition, with the new air base construction targeted for completion by late 2032.