US Redeployment Cost Figures Released

The American government estimates it will cost $3.5 billion to $4 billion to move the 2nd Infantry Division from northern part of Gyeonggi Province to Pyeongtaek, and to consolidate other American military bases in South Korea, according to an announcement on the Far East District homepage.

This is the first time America has publicly released a South Korean force redeployment cost estimate.

The U.S. military’s redeployment plans include moving its Yongsan base of operations, redeploying the 2nd Infantry Division, and consolidating its other South Korean military bases. The Korean government is expected to bear the cost of moving the Yongsan base, and consolidating eight out of 43 other bases. The American government will bear the entire cost of moving the 2nd Infantry Division.

The Ministry of National Defense estimates that the Yongsan base project will cost around $3.5 billion to $4 billion dollars as well. The consolidation of the eight bases mentioned above is expected to cost around $1billion, and the total costs Korea will shoulder are estimated at $4.5 billion to $5.5 billion.

Sang-Ho Yun ysh1005@donga.com