When the Civilian-Military Complex in Gangjeong was being constructed, the Navy promised it would open the piers to local residents and tourists upon completion.

Well it’s been two years since the Gangjeong Cruise Terminal was built, yet that pledge has yet to be fulfilled.

Mike Balfour reports.

[slug] Gangjeong Cruise Terminal

These are the piers near the (강정) Gangjeong Cruise Terminal, the civilian-military port complex.

Two 150,000 ton cruise ships can dock at the same time: One at the western breakwater; and the other at the southern breakwater.

[slug] Navy promised to open piers to public

The navy promised to open the piers to the public in order to link them with Olle Trail 7.

[slug] Piers closed for 2 years, no lighting, no safety fences

However, the promise hasn't been kept. It has been over two years since the completion of the civilian-military port complex.

Trails have been created along the piers. But lighting and safety fencing haven't been installed for night strolls.

[slug] Gangjeong community asks navy to open piers to public

The Gangjeong community is asking the navy to open the piers to the public as promised.

The community hopes to attract domestic tourists to the village as international cruises have been delayed.

INTERVIEW
Gang Hui-bong / Leader, Gangjeong village
We want to welcome more domestic tourists and international cruise passengers here as the sea views from the piers are magnificent.
[인터뷰 강희봉 / 강정마을회장 ]
"(방파제) 그 쪽이 경치도 좋아서 관광지화를 해 올 수 있는 분위기를 만들면 내국인이나 크루즈 관광객도 머무를 수 있는 공간을 만들려고.."

[slug] Province asks to open piers and build waterfront facilities

It’s somewhat late but the province is also asking the navy to open the piers and build waterfront facilities.

In the second half of this year, the province is planning to secure a budget to research facility design.

INTERVIEW
Kim Jong-su / Representative, Province
The western pier and the southern pier have been closed. We’re building facilities for visitors to enjoy in order to produce income of area residents.
[인터뷰 김종수 /제주도 서귀포항만관리담당 ]
" 개방되지 않은 서방파제와 남방파제가 있습니다. 그 쪽을 시설 보강해서 주민들 소득과 연계할 수 있게 관광객이나 도민들을 유도하는 시설을 하려고 하고 있습니다. "

[slug] Navy “reviewing early opening of piers”
The navy announced that it is reviewing opening the piers even before all of the facilities required by the province and residents are completed.

[Reporter] Mike Balfour
[Camera] Park Byeong-june

However, the timing of the opening is far from certain, as a power game to lessen the budget burden between the province and the Ministry of National Defence is anticipated.

Mike Balfour, KCTV