海上交通路 保護를 위한 濟州海軍基地의 戰略的 價値에 관한 硏究

Abstract

The long—lasted controversy on construction of Jeju Naval Base had been settled and currently in midst of progress. Considering the situation, this research starts by addressing two kinds of problem. First one is Civil-Military port. As construction of the Ieju Naval Base had been approved, a new research and re—emphasis on the value of the Jeju Naval Base, which can contribute both civil and military aspect, is necessary, instead of previous research on adequacy and necessity of it. Another problem is that in midst of changing maritime security environment, the Ieju Naval Base must play a leading role in the development of the nation as a center of the national strategy which protects the Republic of Korea’s maritime sovereignty and interest. Theme of this paper is ‘Derivation of strategic value of Jeju Naval base for SLOC(Sea Line of Communications) protection.’

Surrounding neighbors of the Korean Peninsula are also striving competitively to extend their influence at sea for their national interests.

Taking neighbors’ countermeasures as baseline, we also need to come up with a national—level protective measure for the southern sailing route. In that sense. leju Naval Base is necessary strategic base for the protection of the southern sailing route. From military perspective, the value of Jeju Base can be summarized into six. First, it works as a base for strategic task force. The Jeiu base will play a key role, which will influence the country’s future security strategy not just bound as a local naval base. Second, it is a forward base for rapid reaction in case of contingency. It provides an unhampered execution of operation in the shortest proximity to protect maritime sectors south of Jeju Island. Third, it is a national security base that demonstrates our naval power at ordinary times. Jeju Naval Base obtains a symbolic meaning, which demonstrates our naval power in the highly disputed maritime area near the southern sailing route. So the Jeju Naval Base will not only possess demonstrative effect but also possess a driving force that will maintain our national security. Fourth, it will a guardian of stable southern sailing route. A continental shelf within maritime are south of Jeju is estimated to contain abundant natural resources of 230 types including oil and natural gas. Thus. the area requires all-time surveillance and protection as part of national survivability. Fifth. it is a logistics supply point. As the maritime territory has been extending further to the south. Jeju Naval Base became an economical and efficient location. where navy ships can rest and be supplied when protecting the southern waters. Sixth. it plays a role of base of the world peace. The Jeju base will contribute to peace-keeping in our waters and waters of East China Sea, build trust with local neighbors. and lead cooperation with neighboring navies in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

The economic value of the Jeju base can be summarized into four. First, it is a role model of world's famous tourist port. As Ieju base has been built with secondary purpose of tourist port, it is a driving force for the local economy and stepping stone to become a tourist site like naval base in hawaii by cooperating with Ieju tourism industry. Second, it is a composite naval base where civil and military aspects will prosper together. By hosting various cultural activities and events, it can provide extensive opportunity for cultural events, and through public assistance and welfare services, it can finally become a role model military where civilians and military can coexist and share mutual prosperity. Third, it contributes to development of the local economy. The investment effect from the Jeju base and influx of population from naval servicemen and their families will vitalize the local economy. Fourth, it contributes to economy of the whole nation. The safety must be secured when trying to develop variousindustry using the sea. Naval power must be the centerpiece of the security. There are various types which disrupts and disturb SLOC, but the value of Jeju Naval Base in protecting economic security through SLOC protection is enormous.

It is highly anticipated that the Jeju Naval Base to display its value as summarized in this paper as six strategic and four economic values.