President Orders Gwangju Airport Relocation by Mid-2028 for Semiconductor Hub

President Lee Jae-myung has directed the Ministry of National Defense to temporarily relocate the Gwangju military airport by mid-2028. This move is intended to facilitate the early utilization of the Gwangju airport site as a semiconductor industrial complex, a key "mega-project" discussed at a joint government-private sector review meeting.

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I hope the Ministry of National Defense will take measures to temporarily relocate the Gwangju base functions to another military airport by mid-2028 so that the Gwangju military airport site can be utilized early as a semiconductor industrial complex.

Lee stressed the need for swift action, urging for the simultaneous pursuit of related procedures and continuous regulatory improvements to expedite the project. He described the situation as requiring a "blitzkrieg" rather than just speed. The president also highlighted the importance of securing land and infrastructure, particularly for the Gwangju semiconductor cluster, expressing a desire for its development to match the rapid pace seen in Kumamoto, Japan.

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We must pursue procedures simultaneously to significantly reduce the time required and continuously improve regulations to ensure the fastest possible execution.

Furthermore, Lee called for thorough preparation of power and water supply plans. He also emphasized close communication with the National Assembly to accelerate the enactment and revision of relevant laws. The president urged all involved parties to view the next year as a "golden time" and to dedicate their full efforts, stating that the nation's future will be shaped by how well it prepares for these initiatives.

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We must engage in a blitzkrieg, not just a race against time.