The issue of the , a long-cherished desire of Gwangju citizens, has entered a new phase in 2026. To resolve the long-standing problems of fighter jet noise and urban development restrictions, the government and local authorities are actively working towards relocating the Gwangju military airport to Muan. In particular, there is growing anticipation that this will create new opportunities for regional development, coinciding with the revitalization of .
The relocation of the military airport is more than just moving facilities; it is a significant project that will change the future of the entire Gwangju and Jeonnam regions. Although it has gone through numerous discussions and conflicts over the past few decades, the project is accelerating with concrete agreements and promotion plans recently presented. Will the relocation of the Gwangju military airport proceed smoothly?
The Long-Cherished Desire: Background of Gwangju Military Airport Relocation
The Gwangju military airport was established in Gwangsan-gu in 1964, but over time, the city expanded, and residential areas became densely populated around it. As a result, fighter jet noise damage has been a long-standing source of suffering for Gwangju citizens, and development in areas around the airport has always been restricted. In particular, its location near Gwangju Songjeong Station has been pointed out as a factor hindering the potential for urban development.
To solve these problems, Gwangju City has consistently pursued plans to develop the military airport site and relocate the military airport to the Jeonnam region. Discussions about integrating the civilian airport into Muan International Airport also brought the military airport relocation to the surface, and Muan County began to be considered a strong candidate site.
2026: Relocation Promotion Status and Issues
On December 17, 2025, a six-party consultative body including Gwangju City, Jeonnam Province, Muan County, the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, dramatically agreed to integrate and relocate the Gwangju military and civilian airports to Muan International Airport. According to this agreement, the Gwangju civilian airport is scheduled to be relocated to Muan Airport first by the end of 2027, or no later than early 2028.
- Selection of preliminary relocation candidate site: On April 2, 2026, the Ministry of National Defense selected and announced the Mangun-myeon area in Muan County, Jeollanam-do, as the preliminary relocation candidate site for the Gwangju military airport. This is the first step in the relocation process, a significant breakthrough 18 years after the project began.
- 1 trillion won + α support project: The Ministry of National Defense has promised Muan County a support project worth over 1 trillion won. This includes a 640 billion won difference from the donation-in-kind transfer, 150 billion won from Gwangju City’s finances, and government policy projects. The support funds are planned to be used for basic energy income, expansion of living and welfare facilities, and creation of an aviation-specialized industrial complex.
- Resident opposition and noise issues: Muan County residents are raising concerns about noise and property rights infringement due to the relocation of the Gwangju military airport. The Ministry of National Defense is proposing measures to minimize noise, such as prioritizing the review of areas outside residential areas or near the coast during the site suitability review stage, and securing noise buffer zones by adjusting runway locations and directions.
Military Airport Relocation: Remaining Procedures and Future
Even after the selection of the preliminary relocation candidate site, several procedures remain for the Gwangju military airport relocation. In the future, the final relocation candidate site will be decided after deliberation by the relocation site selection committee, and processes such as a Muan County resident referendum and application for induction will proceed. Once all these procedures are completed and the final site is confirmed, the construction of a new military airport and the development of the existing site will begin in earnest.
The relocation of the Gwangju military airport will not only involve the movement of military facilities but also enable large-scale development of the old downtown area of Gwangju. The existing military airport site, which is 2.5 times the size of the Sangmu District, has the potential to transform into a new landmark for the region, with various blueprints presented, such as a ‘Gwangju-type Silicon Valley,’ a ‘climate-focused future city demonstration site,’ and an ‘advanced new city.’
The relocation of the Gwangju military airport has been a hot potato in the local community for a long time. As of 2026, the relocation project is at a critical turning point and is gaining momentum, but there are still many challenges to be solved, such as securing resident acceptance and establishing concrete implementation plans. A wise solution for win-win regional development is needed.