Gadeokdo New Airport construction development

The Gadeokdo New Airport project has entered a critical preparation phase for construction, with stakeholders aiming for a 2035 opening. A consultative body involving the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Busan Metropolitan City, and the Gadeokdo New Airport Construction Corporation has been established to manage progress and coordinate regional development.

As the project moves forward, it faces technical and financial challenges. Technical concerns have been raised regarding the Plastic Board Drain (PBD) method for ground improvement, where material deformation and penetration issues occurred in 11% of harder ground sections. While a technology review committee has qualified the design following proposed improvements by the Daewoo E&C Consortium, cost disputes remain a significant hurdle.

The consortium has requested an increase of approximately 620 billion won to account for rising material and energy costs. Civil society groups are currently urging the government to formally commit to these cost adjustments and to amend the Special Act for Gadeokdo New Airport construction to avoid delays to the scheduled opening.