The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport is moving ahead with plans for the island’s second airport, even as opponents to the facility say it must stop and listen to their concerns. Mike Laidman reports.

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Opening presentation for 2nd airport construction plans
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Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport in Sejong City

The opening presentation for the start of the official second airport construction plans has been given at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport in (세종) Sejong City, not Jeju.

Based on the results of a reinvestigation into the site selection process, the ministry concluded that construction is not unjustified.

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Researchers’ responsibilities outlined

Detailed responsibilities of the researchers involved in the project were also announced at the closed-door event.


They will analyze the economic feasibility of the project, as well as review facility arrangement plans.

Their underlying mantra for construction is to minimize damage to nature and the natural landscape.

They will also seek out ways on how to share responsibilities between the existing airport and new airport.


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Ministry to review residents’ concerns

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport will be reviewing the concerns of area residents through to June and looking for ways to have them benefit from the project.

However, there remains strong opposition to construction from a number of those on Jeju.

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Protest against 2nd airport construction at land ministry in Sejong City

Those residents who live on or around the proposed site of the second airport and who oppose its creation criticized the closed meeting and urged the ministry to stop drawing up its construction plans.

Interview
Gang Won-bo / Seongsan New Airport Opposition Committee
I will be grateful if the national government finally recognizes us Jeju Islanders as its people, too, stops drawing up the construction plans, and listens to us.
< 강원보 / 성산읍반대대책위 집행위원장 >
(정부가) 제주도민을 국민으로 생각한다면 지금이라도 기본계획을 중단하고 우리의 목소리에 귀를 기울여주면 감사하겠습니다.

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Ministry ‘has no intent to stop planning’

The Ministry responded that it will not stop drawing up its construction plans, but has suggested its office have an open discussion with the opposition.

[Reporter] Mike Laidman
[Camera] Kim Seung-cheol

The ministry will have a second presentation for its new airport construction plans at the end of this month.

The opposition is only hoping to have the opportunity to discuss the plans with authorities during the presentation.

Mike Laidman, KCTV