According to a report by Yonhap News Agency on July 10, the South Korean government has recently decided that the military airport in Gwangju, located in the southwest of South Korea, will be used to develop a semiconductor industry cluster. Since this airport is jointly operated by South Korea and the United States, it involves US military facilities and military interests. Therefore, South Korea will consult with the United States regarding the relocation of the airport and must obtain the US’s consent.
South Korean President's Secretary-General Jiang Xunzhi stated in a press release last week that South Korean companies have suggested that the Gwangju military airport area is the most suitable location for establishing industrial parks. The land area of this plot can reach approximately 8.26 square kilometers, with advantages such as convenient transportation, good living conditions, and a logistics network that connects land, sea, and air. Since the airport has already completed the land leveling work, the construction time is also expected to be shortened.
According to reports, in order to promote the development of South Korea's semiconductor industry cluster, semiconductor giants such as Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix plan to invest $522 billion in the southwestern region of South Korea.
Korea Gwangju Military Airport vicinity area, IC photo
However, after choosing Gwangju Military Airport, South Korea must also consult with the United States regarding the relocation of the airport. This airport is one of five jointly operated bases between the Korean Air Force and the US Air Force within South Korea. Some of the land for the airport is provided to the US under the "Status of United States Armed Forces in Korea Agreement" signed by both countries in 1966. Although the US military does not have permanent combat units stationed at this base, it can be used directly during wartime or in emergencies.
Currently, there are military logistics support facilities within the base, with only a small number of non-combat personnel stationed there. During the 2026 joint air exercise “Liberty Flag” between South Korea and the United States, the US military conducted training at this location.
Regarding the plans of South Korea, Laura Hayden, a spokesperson for the 7th Air Force stationed in South Korea, responded on the 10th: "The 7th Air Force indeed has important military interests at Gwangju Military Airport. We will continue to coordinate closely with the South Korean Air Force to ensure that all requirements are met and to maintain our strong joint deterrence posture."
The South Korean government is considering moving the Gwangju military airport to Mu-an County, Jeollanam-do. However, due to the time required for the construction of the new airport, some officials have suggested dispersing the South Korean Air Force units stationed at Gwangju Airport to other bases in order to accelerate the relocation process.
South Korean Ministry of National Defense officials stated that the specific details of the relocation plan have not been determined yet. The South Korean military will work closely with the United States and strive to ensure that there are no mistakes in the military's state of alert.
