Korea to build Jeju base for commercial, naval ships
- 관리자
- 2008.09.17
- Hit 3263
During a policy coordination meeting Thursday, Prime Minister Han Seung-soo expressed the hope that the military and the people of Jeju will come together to develop the base into a powerful global military and tourist port.
Han also urged both central and provincial governments to put interests of the people of Jeju first to prevent unnecessary conflict, as the Prime Minister's Office has decided on the unprecedented use of a military facility as a way of forging a compromise between the military and Jeju islanders, who have had divided opinions about the base construction project for years.
The Korean Navy said it remains firmly committed to building the base, which is designed to be some 480,000 square meters in size, with a port long enough to allow up to 20 vessels to dock, including two 150,000-ton cruise ships.
The 889.5 billion won ($813.8 million) project dates back to 1993, when the government first decided to build a naval headquarters on the island to enhance national defense.
A recent feasibility study concluded that, over the next 30 years, substantial economic benefits from the commercial use of the base will double current tourism profits on the island. The benefits will offset the additional 53.4 billion won needed to allow commercial boats to dock at the port.
By Yoon Sojung
Korea.net Staff Writer