Yangcheon District Mayor Lee Gijae Meets Korea Airports Corporation President, Says "Practical Measures Needed for Noise-Affected Residents"

Met with New President Kim Wonjun, Raised Concerns of Residents Affected by Airport Noise

Yangcheon District in Seoul, led by District Mayor Lee Gijae, directly conveyed the demands of residents affected by airport noise to the new president of Korea Airports Corporation and called for practical measures.

Yangcheon District Mayor Lee Gijae (right) discusses measures to address airport noise with Korea Airports Corporation President Kim Wonjun. Photo provided by Yangcheon-gu.

On the afternoon of October 8, Lee visited Korea Airports Corporation and met with its recently appointed President Kim Wonjun. He explained the situation in areas affected by airport noise and shared issues raised by residents. Lee stressed the need for measures that residents can actually feel, including reducing aircraft operating hours, expanding nighttime surcharges, and restricting flights by high-noise aircraft to reduce noise, as well as increasing summer electricity bill support and providing support for aging cooling systems.

They also discussed cooperation on joint action with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) regarding height restrictions around Gimpo International Airport, and support for operating special shops at the airport for local small and medium-sized businesses and small business owners.

The district became the first local government in the country to reduce property taxes for residents in airport noise countermeasure zones, supporting more than 75,000 households over three years. It is also continuing to provide detailed hearing tests, hearing aid assistance, psychological counseling, and support for Gimpo International Airport user fees through its Comprehensive Airport Noise Support Center. During its ninth elected term, the district plans to pursue procedures and external cooperation to reduce the city portion of property taxes and provide additional support equivalent to one month's electricity bills.

“These longstanding challenges will not be resolved all at once, but if we open our hearts to one another and devote ourselves to solving the problems, I am sure we will make progress little by little,” Lee said.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.