For a closer look at the plan for the new airport and what it means for the island, Lee Hee-jung now joins me in the studio.

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Jeju to get second airport

A second airport is planned for development in Sinsan-ri and Onpyoung-ri in Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo. The 2nd airport will be able to handle up to 25 million people per year with a single runway.

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Results of feasibility study released on Tuesday

The Ministry of Transportation officially announced the results of the Jeju airport infrastructure feasibility review at the provincial office on the 10th.
The reports explained that the selected areas benefited from good weather conditions, whilst limiting environmental damage when compared to the other candidate locations.

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Kim Byoung-jong / Professor, Korea Aerospace University
The selected area will cause less damage to the environment, can save development costs, and will create a balance in regional development.
<녹취:김병종 한국항공대 교수>
"환경훼손이 최소화가 되고, 사업비가 최소화되고 또 제주도내 지역균형 발전에 도움이 된다고 판단이 됐습니다."

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Three options were considered

The Ministry of Transportation has conducted a thorough review of the three possibilities which include expanding the original airport to twice its original size, closing down the airport and developing a new one, and finally developing a 2nd airport in addition to the existing one.

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Expanding existing airport would entail land reclamation

The plan to expand the existing airport would require developing a large scale sea land-fill next to the existing airport, which would certainly cause marine damage, and be particularly costly.

Developing a new airport to replace the old one was struck off the list due to the great environmental damage it would cause, as well as local residents being deeply opposed to closing down the existing airport.

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New facility expected to be up and running by 2025

The Ministry of Transportation will launch another feasibility overview by the end of the year, and open the 2nd airport by 2025.

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Son Myoung-soo / Transportation ministry
We will work hard to build a topnotch airport and provide excellent facilities for residents and travelers to Jeju, who will be able to more easily enjoy the beauty it has to offer. This will have a huge impact on the tourism industry.
<녹취:손명수 국토교통부 공항항행정책관>
"빠른시간 내에 좋은 공항을 만들어서 더 많은 사람들이 편리하게 제주를 찾고 또 제주에 와서 제주의 아름다움을 느끼고 그렇게 해서 제주발 발전하고 더 나아가서 대한민국의 관광산업이 발전하고 대한민국의 위상이 높아질 수 있도록 좋은 공항을 만들도록 하겠습니다."

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Significant upgrades planned for existing airport

In addition to the 2nd airport construction, the original airport will continue its operations.

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Won Heeryong / Governor
The construction of a second airport is a significant step in the development of the island. It will be a turning point and a quantum leap into the future.
<녹취:원희룡 제주특별자치도지사>
"제2공항 건설은 50년 전 물과 길의 혁명을 이뤄내며
제주의 비약적인 발전을 이뤄냈듯이 제주를 미래로 이끌 제주의 제2의 전환점이 될 것입니다."

One of Jeju’s greatest concerns is its airport’s congested infrastructure.
Now the call has come to meet new challenges to speed up the development of the 2nd airport.