Busan is good

【Official Statement from Busan Metropolitan City Regarding the Basic Design Plan for the Gadeokdo New Airport】

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Dear Citizens,

Busan Metropolitan City has devoted every effort to the construction of the Gadeokdo New Airport, with the goal of opening the airport by 2029.

The central government has also pursued the same goal by establishing the Basic Construction Plan and setting a construction period of 84 months—sufficient for timely opening—as a mandatory condition for the project tender.

At the stage of the Basic Plan, sufficient technical reviews were conducted, and it was judged that through a healthy competitive structure, additional solutions could be found if necessary.

However, today (April 28), the Hyundai Construction Consortium submitted a basic design proposal that suggests a construction period of 108 months, which deviates from the government’s tender conditions.

The City of Busan’s Position on the Basic Design Proposal for the Gadeokdo New Airport

During the basic design period, the City of Busan conducted its own technical reviews and sought expert advice to verify the appropriateness of the construction timeline.
Therefore, we find the current outcome deeply regrettable.

It is with a heavy heart and sincere regret that we must inform the public of a result that betrays the expectations of citizens who have trusted the government's policy and long awaited the completion of the Gadeokdo New Airport.

Nonetheless, we must ensure that this incident does not become a political issue that delays the project or triggers fruitless debates.

Thus, the City of Busan urges the central government to take responsible and concrete action.

First, we call on the government to present a construction roadmap that comprehensively considers an appropriate construction period, site conditions, and construction capabilities, and that can earn the citizens’ trust.

Second, we request prompt and responsible follow-up actions to ensure that groundbreaking takes place without further delays to the project.
Please swiftly establish alternatives that will prevent any further disappointment for the local community.

Third, the utmost focus must be placed on opening a safe and complete air gateway.
The expansion of airport safety facilities, long demanded by the local community, must now be firmly addressed—not only for the safety of citizens but also to ensure the airport fulfills its role as a key gateway.

We request that these requirements be fully reflected in the design so that the Gadeokdo New Airport becomes a perfect airport equipped with both "safety" and "quality."

While the government's role is crucial in this national project, the City of Busan will also fulfill its responsibilities until the very end.
Thank you.