Gadeokdo New Airport's future city aims for 39,000 residents, international business focus

A new international city is envisioned near South Korea's planned Gadeokdo New Airport, which is now slated to open in 2035 after a delay from its original 2029 target. The city aims to become a global economic innovation hub and a futuristic, eco-friendly metropolis designed to accommodate nearly 40,000 residents and attract advanced foreign businesses.

Busan Metropolitan City unveiled plans for the Gadeokdo Airport Complex City Zone, a project spanning 9.06 million square meters. The first phase will focus on a 4.69 million square meter area adjacent to the new airport in Busan's Gangseo-gu, involving the reclamation of 1.33 million square meters of sea. This phase is scheduled for completion by 2034 with an estimated cost of 3.78 trillion won, managed by Busan Urban Corporation.

The first phase is designed as a self-sufficient city integrating residential, convention, leisure, park, and business facilities. It will include housing for approximately 39,625 people in 16,175 apartment units and 1,053 single-family homes. Additionally, 1.09 million square meters will be allocated for businesses in logistics, advanced manufacturing, R&D, information services, and tourism. Extensive green spaces, including a 49,000-square-meter artificial lake and tidal waterways, are also planned, along with pedestrian and cycling paths.

Busan plans to attract foreign investment in logistics, tourism, and industrial sectors for a 370,000-square-meter zone. The city is currently seeking public comments on the plan and will hold resident briefings in early July. A key factor for the project's success will be securing national funding, for which Busan intends to request the inclusion of the first phase within the Busan-Jinhae Free Economic Zone.