Seoul: The relocation of the military airport in the southwestern city of Gwangju is accelerating after the site was chosen for a major semiconductor production cluster, officials said Sunday. The decision marks a significant step in the government's strategic initiative to bolster regional investments in key technological sectors.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Gwangju military airport site was selected for the cluster as part of the government's "three mega projects," which focus on large-scale regional investments in semiconductors, physical artificial intelligence, and AI data centers. This initiative underscores the government's commitment to enhancing the technological infrastructure and economic development of the region.
A committee comprising central and regional government officials is scheduled to meet later this month to designate a candidate site for the relocated airport. Muan County emerged as a preliminary candidate in April, signaling its potential to host the relocated military facility.
The regional government overseeing Gwangju expects the relocation site to be finalized by the end of this year. It plans to pursue the airport relocation and cluster development in parallel, with the goal of beginning semiconductor production in 2030. This dual approach aims to ensure a seamless transition and timely development of the semiconductor cluster, which is anticipated to play a pivotal role in the region's economic growth.