Gadeokdo New Airport construction faces technical and cost disputes

The South Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the Gadeokdo New Airport Construction Authority have addressed concerns regarding the safety of the Plastic Board Drain (PBD) method intended for ground improvement at the Gadeokdo New Airport site.

While preliminary testing showed successful implementation in 89% of the tested areas, issues such as material deformation and penetration stoppage occurred in 11% of the harder ground sections. The Daewoo E&C Consortium has reportedly included these findings in its basic design report and proposed technical improvements, such as reinforcing the mandrel cross-section. A central construction technology review committee has since evaluated the design as qualified.

Separately, civil society groups are urging the government to resolve disputes over rising construction costs. The consortium has requested an increase of approximately 620 billion won due to rising material and energy costs. Activists are calling for a dual approach: a formal government commitment to reflect these cost increases and the swift amendment of the Special Act for Gadeokdo New Airport construction to prevent delays to the 2035 opening target.