Busan pushes to rename new Gadeokdo Airport as Busan International Airport

City council member Cho Yong‑woo and a coalition of six citizen groups have called for the official name of the under‑construction Gadeokdo Airport to be changed to "Busan International Airport." They argue the airport’s name is a branding tool that represents the city’s identity and competitiveness, citing the historic use of the name for the former airport that operated from 1963 until its relocation in 1976.

The groups plan to launch a broad signature campaign and have urged the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport to expedite the renaming process. They point to the successful citizen‑driven change of Incheon’s airport name as a precedent, and request that the Busan City Council adopt the renaming as an official agenda item.