Defense Ministry's 'Suwon Military Airport' Conflict Management Project Faces Backlash from Hwaseong Citizens

The Defense Ministry is facing strong backlash from Hwaseong Special City and civic organizations over a research project to develop conflict resolution measures regarding the relocation of Suwon Military Airport, with concerns raised about the survey methodology.

According to Hwaseong City, the Defense Ministry's proposed in-person survey questionnaire appears to be designed more to increase acceptance of the airport relocation rather than to gather objective opinions through neutral surveying, which is the basis for their opposition.

The Defense Ministry commissioned the Korea Conflict Studies Association with 98.4 million won for a six-month research project from July to January of next year to understand Hwaseong Special City's opposition stance and identify conflict factors within the region, as well as to develop conflict management and resolution plans regarding the Suwon Military Airport relocation process, according to Hwaseong Special City's position.

However, Hwaseong Special City contends that the survey questions are structured to present ▲benefits ▲support projects ▲coexistence possibilities and then ask respondents about their stance for or against the relocation candidate site and their intention to participate in a referendum, which could lead survey participants to perceive the airport relocation positively.

In particular, Hwaseong Special City asserts that it requested prior consultation regarding the survey methodology and scope on the 14th, but the Defense Ministry is proceeding unilaterally without accepting these requests.

Regarding the in-person survey, Hwaseong Special City and civic organizations argue that the survey should be conducted only among residents in the Manse District to ensure that the opinions of residents directly affected by the Hwahong District, the alternative relocation candidate site for Suwon Military Airport, are sufficiently reflected.

The Defense Ministry's original plan for the survey targets approximately 1,000 residents of Hwaseong, allocating 60% to Manse District and 40% to the remaining three districts. In response, Hwaseong Special City proposed conducting a 100% survey of residents in Manse District, where the alternative candidate site is located.

Regarding in-depth interviews, Hwaseong City requested that additional information provision or conversation methods that could lead to specific responses be excluded, and that individual one-on-one interviews be conducted to independently listen to residents' opinions.

Lee Sang-hwan, standing co-chairman of the Hwaseong Relocation Opposition Civic Council for Suwon Combat Flight Training Base, stated, "The opinion poll methodology is unilaterally designed in favor of Suwon City, and the survey scope should be conducted as a 100% opinion poll targeting only the Manse District. It makes no sense to discuss relocation of someone else's land without consultation and authority," adding that the survey "is biased to manage opposition opinions and increase acceptance of the relocation."