Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

Mt. Dalma in Seongju finally selected as THAAD site…its deployment is accelerated

A Korea-U.S. joint working group reaches a conclusion after one month of careful investigations

With infrastructures settled, THAAD to be deployed early next year
 

 
Mt. Dalma, which is located in Chojeon-myeon Seongju-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, has finally been selected as the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) site for the U.S. Forces in Korea.

On September 30, the MND announced, “We have explained the results of the evaluation of the 3rd site for THAAD deployment to Gyeongsangbuk-do and Seungju-dun. Our findings were that Mt. Dalma, where Seongju Skyhill Golf Club is located, best meets the availability evaluation standard, and thus has been selected as the THAAD deployment site.”

At the request of Seongju residents, a Korea-U.S. joint working group started to evaluate three sites, Mt. Kkachi, Yeomsokbong and Mt. Dalma, on August 22. Experts in areas of environment, civil engineering and electromagnetic wave participated in the evaluation.

The group had made a thorough investigation into operational capability, safety of residents, equipment and flight, infrastructure and system operations, warning and security, construction period and cost, preparation period for deployment, etc. for a month. Through the investigation, it was found that all three sites had similar missile defense coverage and no issues related to the health and safety of residents.

However, since Mt. Kkachi and Yeomsokbong need to undergo major construction in order to install new infrastructure, which involves forest damage, it is hard to create a base at the right time. Mt. Dalma, therefore, was finally selected as the THAAD deployment site, as it already has infrastructures and almost no  construction costs.

The MND plans to make every effort to have THAAD deployed in the U.S. Forces in Korea next year as they carry out site acquisition, the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) consultation for providing a site, design and installation work, etc.

An MND official commented, “Our army appreciates that there is nothing more important than protecting people’s safety and defending the country. Please understand our interest in protecting the safety of the country and people’s lives from North Korean nuclear and missile threats. We are humbly requesting your full support.”

By Byeong-No, Yun < trylover@dema.mil.kr >
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