Alternate THAAD site to be announced soon

The South Korean and US militaries are planning to announce an alternative site for the advanced US missile defense system in Seongju, North Gyeongsang Province, by as early as Friday, sources said Thursday.

“The assessment on three alternative options inside Seongju-gun has been completed with only final approval pending with the authorities of the two countries,” a source said on condition of anonymity.

“I believe that the announcement on the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system deployment location will be made around tomorrow after explaining the choice to the residents of the area,” the source added.

Another source at the Defense Ministry said the announcement will also include comparisons between the alternative site and Seongsan artillery base that was the original location.

Seongju residents have opposed the government’s decision to install THAAD at the base, citing the potential health and environmental impact due to its powerful electromagnetic waves from the system’s radars. Some 20,000 people reside within a 1.5 kilometer radius from the base.

Last month, the county’s governor requested the ministry choose a site other than the Seongsan artillery base in Seongsan-ri to deploy the THAAD, after President Park Geun-hye showed willingness to consider an alternative location in July.

The final alternative site reportedly is a golf course in Chojeon-myeon in Seongju. It is some 18 kilometers north off the Seongju county office and takes about 20 to 30 minutes by car.

Its location is 680 meters above sea level, which is higher than the Seongsan base at 383 meters above sea level.

The course spans some 1.78 million square meters including 820,000 square meters of land that remains vacant for further development. Observers have said the golf course could minimize concerns over potential health risks from the THAAD radars’ electromagnetic waves, as it is in a remote area.

The existing infrastructure of the golf course would also make construction easier, they said. The THAAD system is to be deployed by the end of next year, based on the agreement between Seoul and Washington.

Those living near the golf course are still protesting the possible alternative location.

This includes residents of Gimcheon -- where a total of 5,120 households reside -- which is 7 kilometers away from the golf course.

The country’s Won Buddhists also opposes the anticipated decision as they have sacred sites located near the golf course.

Following the announcement, the Defense Ministry is expected to start negotiations with Lotte Group which owns the golf course.

(khnews@heraldcorp.com)