1. Research Background and Purpose

￮ Saemangeum International Airport is scheduled to commence operations in 2029 with a focus on passenger transportation. However, given the increased competition among airports to attract passengers and the uncertainty of demand, Jeonbuk State must formulate a strategic plan for the Airport to effectively navigate future challenges.

￮ Despite Jeonbuk’s relatively low competitiveness in air cargo logistics, the region offers numerous opportunities for specialized businesses, including the Korea–China Car-ferry routes, express cargo customs clearance services, and the National Food Cluster. 

￮ Leveraging these opportunities to introduce air cargo logistics services at the Airport can help revitalize local economies and develop an airport economic zone. 

￮ This study aimed to present a roadmap for Jeonbuk’s air cargo logistics strategies in preparation for the Airport’s opening. 

￮ Additionally, we conducted an in-depth SWOT analysis to formulate effective development strategies tailored to the Airport’s air cargo logistics.

2. Conclusions

■ Proposed introduction of air cargo logistics services at the Airport

￮ (Saemangeum gateway-type complex logistics hub) Construct an integrated air, sea, and land transportation system, capitalizing on the tri-port logistics strategy to enhance logistics efficiency and ultimately develop the Airport into a logistics hub in the Central West Sea.

￮ (Air cargo logistics hub for e-commerce) Develop the Airport into an e-commerce logistics hub by integrating existing infrastructures, including the Express Logistics Center at Gunsan Customs Office, Saemangeum International Airport, and Port of Gunsan.

￮ (Sea and air express logistics hub in the Central West Sea) Expand sea and air complex transportation networks by synergistically combining the Airport and Port of Gunsan to enhance high value-added cargo handling capabilities.

￮ (Saemangeum hub for global food and cold chain service) Establish a logistics cluster by integrating smart farms, aquaculture farms, and cold chain systems to facilitate the export of fresh produce, seafood, and processed foods. 

■ Expected effects of introducing air cargo logistics services at the Airport 

￮ (New growth engine for local economies) Contribute to revitalizing local economies by creating jobs, achieving industrial diversification, lowering logistics costs, attracting high value-added industries, and increasing corporate competitiveness. 

￮ (Enhanced logistics efficiency and competitiveness) Improve logistics efficiency through the tri-port logistics strategy, increase corporate competitiveness by reducing logistics costs, and facilitate the provision of industry-specific logistics services and sustainable production.

￮ (Saemangeum to become a logistics center in the Central West Sea) Expand logistics networks involving the Airport, Port of Gunsan, and Saemangeum New Port to establish Saemangeum as a center in the Central West Sea for high value-added logistics services.

￮ (Logistics innovation for high value-added industries) Adopt smart logistics systems to improve the capabilities of handling high value-added cargo, including fresh agricultural and marine products, medicine, and high-tech products. 

￮ (Sustainable eco-friendly hub) Combine eco-friendly logistics systems with cutting-edge technologies to build a sustainable development model that will cement the Airport’s position as an eco-friendly logistics hub while increasing its global competitiveness. 

■ Conclusions

￮ (Saemangeum Internation Airport that harmoniously balances passenger and cargo) Optimize passenger and cargo operations to revitalize the Airport, thereby contributing to local economies and the quality of life in Jeonbuk.

￮ (Stakeholder governance and collaboration) Develop a strong governance model incorporating various stakeholders encompassing the government, local governments, businesses, experts, and local communities and operate forums to reach a consensus and formulate practical strategies to revitalize the Airport.

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