US, South Korea discuss air base relocation as tech complex plans proceed, official says

GWANGJU, South Korea — The United States and South Korea are consulting over the future of the American military presence at Gwangju Air Base as Seoul advances plans to relocate the installation, according to the South Korean military.

South Korea has proposed relocating Gwangju, a commercial airport also shared by the U.S. and South Korean air forces, to make way for a semiconductor complex, accelerating a relocation effort the city has pursued for more than a decade.

“The matter is currently under close consultation with the U.S. side,” a spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense said by text message Wednesday but would provide no further details.

South Korean government officials customarily speak to the media on condition of anonymity.

On Aug. 10, President Lee Jae Myung directed the defense ministry to move the base’s military functions by mid-2028 so development of the technology complex can proceed, the Yonhap News Agency reported that day, citing a ministry statement.

An Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon takes off at Gwangju Air Base, South Korea, on April 21, 2026. (Tabatha Chapman/U.S. Air Force)

U.S. Forces Korea spokeswoman Jamie Choi declined by text message Monday to say whether the U.S. had agreed to return or relocate the American facilities at Gwangju.

“We do not comment on host nation policy matters,” Choi wrote. “USFK remains committed to maintaining a ready and capable force on the Korean Peninsula and a strong combined defense posture with our [South Korean] ally.”

The ministry plans to temporarily redistribute functions of South Korea’s 1st Fighter Wing among air bases at Yecheon, Seosan and Jungwon, according to the Yonhap report.

On Aug. 28, the defense ministry’s Gwangju Air Base Relocation Site Selection Committee chose Muan County to host the replacement military airfield.

“The final designation of Muan County as the relocation site puts the Gwangju base relocation project into full motion, laying the groundwork for a swift process in cooperation with relevant agencies,” the ministry said, according to Yonhap.

U.S. and South Korean personnel, equipment and facilities at Gwangju support contingency operations and combined exercises.

The 8th Materiel Maintenance Squadron, Detachment 1, at Gwangju preserves and provides critical materiel and assets supporting regional defense, 7th Air Forces said in an April 22 news release.