Muan: The defense ministry announced on Thursday that the southwestern county of Muan has been selected as a preliminary candidate site for the relocation of a military airport currently situated in nearby Gwangju. This decision marks a significant step forward for the long-delayed project.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the move follows a directive from President Lee Jae Myung, who in June last year, urged the establishment of a task force to tackle ongoing disputes regarding the airport's relocation. The Gwangju airport, located 330 kilometers south of Seoul, has been a point of contention due to noise issues as the city has grown to accommodate approximately 1.4 million residents.

The defense minister has engaged in consultations with relevant municipal organizations to facilitate the process. Earlier this week, a briefing session was held in Muan to explain the relocation plan and discuss support measures with local residents. The final site selection will be determined by a special committee, following an official proposal from the county and a vote by local residents.

The military airport, established in 1964, has drawn complaints from Gwangju residents due to the noise from fighter jets. In response, a special law passed in 2023 provided the legal framework for relocating the airport to a less populated area. Despite these efforts, residents of proposed sites, including Muan, have expressed concerns about potential noise and environmental impacts.