US-Korea talks emerge as key variable in plan to convert Gwangju air base into semiconductor cluster

Bilateral consultations between South Korea and the United States have emerged as a key variable in plans to convert Gwangju Air Base into a semiconductor cluster for the Honam region. Because the base operates as a combined operations base (COB) shared by both militaries, the two countries must coordinate on the timing of any relocation and on how the site would be used.

Gwangju Air Base is one of five combined US-South Korea air force COBs in the country, according to military authorities on both sides. While US Air Force personnel are not permanently stationed there in peacetime, the base serves as a hub for deploying air assets in contingencies. As a result, some facilities and zones within the base have been granted to the US side under the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA).

Observers say any relocation or functional adjustment of Gwangju Air Base would therefore require bilateral consultations under SOFA, as well as procedures such as redesignating the base's COB status.

A Ministry of National Defense official said no specific plan had been decided yet, adding that the ministry intended to consult closely with the Air Force and the US side "to ensure there are no problems with combat readiness while also responding to national policy."

The statement signals Seoul's intent to negotiate with Washington on accelerating the base's functional adjustment and the return of its site in order to break ground on the semiconductor cluster as early as possible.

The US military responded cautiously. Maj. Laura Hayden, spokesperson for the US 7th Air Force in Korea, said the command "maintains a robust Alert posture through close coordination with the Republic of Korea Air Force," adding that "the 7th Air Force has significant military interests at Gwangju Air Base. We will continue to work closely with the Republic of Korea Air Force to meet all requirements and maintain a strong combined readiness posture."

A USFK official said the command does not comment on matters that have not yet been decided by the host nation, but reaffirmed its commitment to "maintaining ready forces on the Korean Peninsula and sustaining a strong combined defense posture with South Korea."

An area in Muan-gun, South Jeolla Province, has already been designated as a preliminary relocation site for Gwangju Air Base, but the semiconductor cluster designation has raised the possibility that the move could be brought forward.

Authorities are also reviewing a plan to redistribute the functions of the Air Force's 1st Fighter Wing, currently stationed at Gwangju Air Base, to other bases. The 1st Fighter Wing operates the T-50 advanced trainer jet and is responsible for advanced flight training to develop pilots.

Earlier, Kim Yong-beom, the Cheong Wa Dae policy chief, indicated that if a plan were drawn up — in consultation with the Air Force — to redistribute training requirements to other bases, the Gwangju Air Base site could be made available even before a new airport is built in the Muan-gun area.

However, concerns have been raised that such a move would increase the burden on receiving bases and disrupt pilot training. The government says it is focused on finding a solution that accounts for both security and industrial development.