Jeju Naval Base | |
Nativename: | 제주 해군기지 |
Location: | Jeju Province |
Country: | South Korea |
Type: | Naval Base |
Ownership: | Republic of Korea |
Open To Public: | No |
Built: | 2012-2015 |
Used: | 2016-present |
Coordinates: | 33.228°N 126.484°W |
The Jeju Civilian-Military Complex Port for Beautiful Tourism or Jeju Naval Base 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.[6]
A 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.