Jeonnam-Gwangju Mayor anticipates progress on airport relocation, medical school

Jeonnam-Gwangju Metropolitan Mayor Min Hyung-bae expressed optimism that breakthroughs are imminent for two key regional projects: the relocation of the Gwangju military airport and the establishment of a national medical school through university integration. Speaking at a press conference marking one month since the metropolitan area's inauguration, Min stated that solutions appear to be within reach for both complex issues.

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Both issues seem likely to find a solution.

The relocation of the military airport has faced significant hurdles, primarily due to Muan County's insistence on three preconditions. These include the prior relocation of Gwangju's civilian airport to Muan International Airport, a 1 trillion won (approximately $720 million) support package, and substantial national incentives. Muan County has boycotted selection committee meetings twice, holding up the process. Min acknowledged that Muan County's primary demand revolves around the creation of a national industrial complex, suggesting that this issue is likely to be resolved.

Min noted a discrepancy between the scale of the industrial complex demanded by Muan County and the government's proposed size, but believes local government efforts can bridge this gap. He anticipates that once the national industrial complex issue is settled, Muan County will participate in selecting the airport's new site. The metropolitan government is also actively working on the integration of Mokpo National University and Suncheon National University to establish a medical school, a process that has seen disagreements over the campus location.

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The issue of the national industrial complex is what Muan County is demanding most strongly. It seems likely that issue will be resolved.

Regarding the university integration, Min expects a direction to emerge by the end of this week. He mentioned that the deadline for submitting the integration application to the Ministry of Education has passed, but they have secured an additional ten days to find common ground. Min stated that if the universities cannot reach an agreement, the metropolitan government will consult with the central government, emphasizing the project's importance for regional infrastructure development. He also provided an update on organizational restructuring, with a draft expected this week and completion anticipated by late August.

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A direction can be found by the end of this week.