U.S. Base Move Delayed to 2012-2013

The relocation project for the U.S. Forces in Korea (USFK) base to Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province by late 2008 is likely to be delayed four to five years, to 2012 or 2013.

A high-ranking official within the relevant working group of the Ministry of Defense stated on December 13, “The people opposing the relocation of the USFK base and the demonstrations of civic groups are causing difficulties in construction, and added to the problem of cost-sharing, the relocation is likely to be rescheduled to late 2012 or 2013.

This official said, “The relocation of Yongsan garrision in Seoul alone will be possible by 2011, but considering the dismantlement of the ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command in 2012, we are predicting the complete relocation timeframe to extend beyond 2012.”

With the delay, return of the Yongsan garrison by the USFK, construction project of Yongsan Park, and Pyeongtaek development project will be subsequently affected.

The relocation of the C4I military command system in Yongsan, Seoul, which the South Korean government initially estimated would cost 90 billion won, has been re-estimated to cost 200 billion won, forecasting dissention between Korea and the United States over cost-sharing.

sys1201@donga.com