Chungju City demands compensation for Jungwon Airfield noise damage

Chungju City officials visited the Ministry of National Defense to demand improved compensation and countermeasures regarding noise pollution and regulatory restrictions caused by Jungwon Airfield. For over 40 years, residents in the vicinity of the airfield have faced limitations on property rights and regional development due to military facility regulations.

Currently, the noise mitigation area covers approximately 102.35 square kilometers, affecting 11,547 residents. Monthly compensation amounts are relatively low, ranging from 30,000 to 60,000 KRW depending on the zone. The city argued that these levels are insufficient to compensate for decades of hardship and requested a re-evaluation of the noise impact zone, which could potentially affect up to 130,230 people if expanded.

Additionally, Chungju City formally expressed its opposition to the proposal of dispersing Gwangju military airport functions to Jungwon Airfield. Mayor Lee Dong-seok issued a letter stating that the city cannot accept further burdens without first resolving existing damages and receiving adequate compensation for the sacrifices made for national security.