The Jeju Civilian-Military Complex Port for Beautiful Tourism (Korean: 제주 민군복합형관광미항; Hanja: 濟州民軍複合型觀光美港) or Jeju Naval Base (제주 해군기지; 濟州海軍基地) is a joint civil and Republic of Korea Navy base constructed by the South Korean government in Gangjeong village on the southern coast of Jeju Island (coterminous with Jeju Province, or Jeju-do), South Korea. Construction of the base at a projected cost, as of 2011, of ₩977 billion or about US$907 million proved highly controversial.[1][2] A poll revealed that majority a residents of Jeju island wanted to have a referendum about the construction of the base.[3] By 2011, construction had been halted seven times by protesters concerned about the base's environmental impact and who saw it as a US-driven project aimed at China, rather than enhancing South Korean defense.[4] In July 2012, the South Korean Supreme Court upheld the base's construction.[5] It is expected to host up to 20 military vessels and occasional civilian cruise ships.[5][6]
| Jeju Naval Base | |
|---|---|
제주 해군기지 | |
| Jeju Province in South Korea | |
| Coordinates | 33°13′41″N 126°29′02″E / 33.228°N 126.484°E |
| Type | Naval Base |
| Site information | |
| Owner | Republic of Korea |
| Operator |  Republic of Korea Navy |
| Open to the public | No |
| Site history | |
| Built | 2012-2015 |
| In use | 2016-present |
Tourism port
editA portion of the port complex is taken up by tourist and fishing infrastructure. There is a cruise ship terminal, a dive-school, restaurants, a coffee shop, three houses of worship, a walking path, a football pitch, and the Sunrise-Sunset Road. The Sunrise-Sunset Road has been closed since September 2022.
References
edit- ^ "Construction of Disputed Naval Base Resumes on Jeju Island". The Chosun Ilbo. Seoul, Republic of Korea: ChosunMedia Group. 14 September 2011. Retrieved 30 January 2014.
- ^ Choe, Sang-Hun (18 August 2011). "Island's Naval Base Stirs Opposition in South Korea". The New York Times. New York, NY, USA. Retrieved 30 January 2014.
- ^ "Islanders favor referendum on Jeju naval base project: Poll - JEJU WEEKLY".
- ^ Salmon, Andrew (5 October 2011). "S. Korean base tests U.S., Chinese interests". The Washington Times. Washington, DC, USA: The Washington Times LLC. Retrieved 30 January 2014.
- ^ a b Rabiroff, Jon; Yoo, Kyong Chang (6 July 2012). "Plans for South Korean naval bases moving forward". Stars and Stripes. Washington, DC, USA: Defense Media Activity. Retrieved 30 January 2014.
- ^ Rabiroff, Jon (5 October 2011). "S. Korea: Jeju Island naval base not built for U.S." Stars and Stripes. Washington, DC, USA: Defense Media Activity. Retrieved 30 January 2014.