The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport on the 9th gave advance notice of legislation for a revision to the enforcement decree of the Special Act on the New Airport on Gadeokdo. The main points are securing temporary residences and job placement for residents who must leave Gadeokdo due to airport construction.
This revision is a follow-up measure to the legal amendment that takes effect in March next year. The revised special act created a basis for support for residents of the planned new airport site, but left the specific methods to the enforcement decree.
The revision clarified the scope of support that local governments and project implementers must prepare. It allows for the provision of temporary residences to residents and the implementation of career transition training and job placement. It also allows recommending the hiring of residents to entities participating in construction, such as contractors. This assigns the administrative process not only for simple compensation but through to resettlement.
A provision to outsource ancillary projects was also newly established. Tasks arising during airport construction, including relocating graves, felling trees, restoring neglected groundwater drilling facilities, and removing various obstacles, can be handled by resident corporations or organizations. Previously, most of these areas were handled by outside companies. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) said, "It is a way to expand the participation of local residents and build an income base."
Because Gadeokdo New Airport requires extensive relocation to build the runway and site, concerns about income disruption and job gaps have been consistently raised. Kim Jeong-hee, head of the Gadeokdo New Airport Construction Promotion Team, said, "A basis for support has been established so that residents who lose their livelihoods can reestablish themselves on site," adding, "It will be of practical help for resettlement and income generation."