Seoul: The government has embarked on a comprehensive research initiative to explore strategies for revitalizing the economy in the southwestern region affected by a catastrophic aviation accident in late December.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport held a briefing to announce the commencement of the project, which aims to evaluate structured economic support for Gwangju city and South Jeolla Province following the tragic air disaster at Muan International Airport. The incident involved a Jeju Air Co. plane from Bangkok that belly-landed and exploded on December 29, resulting in 179 fatalities. This tragedy has been recorded as the deadliest aviation accident involving a South Korean airline on home soil.
The closure of the airport following the crash has severely impacted local businesses and the regional tourism sector, leading to substantial direct and indirect sales losses. In response to these challenges, the government has tasked the Korean Regional Development Association with leading the six-month project, which will include consultations with six government ministries, local authorities in Gwangju and South Jeolla, and external experts.
The researchers will use their findings to propose targeted recovery strategies for the affected sectors and develop detailed action plans in collaboration with relevant ministries and local governments.