Gadeokdo New Airport Construction Corporation Launch Event

Busan, May 30, 2024 - The highly anticipated launch of the Gadeokdo New Airport Construction Corporation took place on May 31 at 10:00 AM at Shilla Stay in West Busan. This significant event saw the presence of prominent figures including Busan's Mayor Park Heong-joon, government officials from Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam, Minister of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport Park Sang-woo, and the corporation's chairman, along with over 130 guests from various sectors.

The Gadeokdo New Airport Construction Corporation, established under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport, is dedicated to the design and construction of the Gadeokdo New Airport. Officially registered on April 25, the corporation operates with three main departments: Planning and Management, Construction, and Architecture. The leadership team includes Chairman Lee, Vice Chairman and Planning and Management Director Jeong, Construction Director Park, Architecture Director Jeong, and Auditor Shin. The workforce is set at 100, with 44 experienced professionals already hired as of May 13, and plans to hire an additional 56 staff members later this year.

The launch event was divided into two segments: the main ceremony and a post-ceremony tour. The main ceremony began with a declaration and the national anthem, followed by the introduction of guests. Chairman Lee delivered a welcome speech, and Minister Park provided a commemorative address. Key officials, including National Assembly members and local government heads, then delivered congratulatory speeches. A video presentation on the corporation's launch preceded the ceremonial event and a group photo session.

Following the main event, participants moved to the corporation's office for a plaque unveiling ceremony and a tour of the facilities. This segment offered an opportunity for attendees to view the new office space and extend their encouragement to the staff.

Mayor Park highlighted the significance of the new airport, stating, "With the addition of the Gadeokdo New Airport to Busan, which already hosts the world’s second-largest transshipment port and serves as a pivotal point for major roadways, the southern region will transform into a global logistics hub with enhanced international competitiveness. The launch of the Gadeokdo New Airport Construction Corporation marks a crucial step towards realizing this vision, bringing together local governments, experts, and the construction corporation to form a robust cooperative system. Through this collaboration, we will leverage Busan’s accumulated experience and capabilities to achieve our goals."

The event commenced at 10:00 AM with a series of speeches and presentations, concluding with a tour of the corporation's new office space. Attendees, including the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport, corporation staff, local government heads from Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam, members of the National Assembly, and representatives from related civic organizations, witnessed the formal initiation of the corporation's operations.

The pre-ceremony included a reception and entry into the event hall, followed by the main ceremony, which involved an opening declaration, national anthem, guest introductions, and speeches from the chairman, Minister Park, and other key officials. A video presentation on the corporation’s launch and a ceremonial event led to the closing declaration and a group photo session.

After the main ceremony, attendees proceeded to the corporation's office for a plaque unveiling ceremony and a tour of the facilities. This part of the event provided a closer look at the new office environment and allowed attendees to offer their support and encouragement to the staff.

The launch of the Gadeokdo New Airport Construction Corporation signifies a pivotal moment in the development of Busan as a leading international logistics hub. The collaborative efforts of local governments, industry experts, and the corporation are expected to drive significant progress in the construction of the new airport, reinforcing Busan’s position on the global stage.