Gyeongju Airfield (G-806)

The closure was primarily due to economic reasons. The airport suffered from chronic financial losses and extremely low passenger demand for over a decade. The main contributing factors were:
1. **Competition from High-Speed Rail:** The opening of the KTX (Korea Train eXpress) high-speed rail line to Singyeongju Station in November 2010 provided a faster, more convenient, and often cheaper connection to Seoul, making air travel redundant for the primary domestic route.
2. **Proximity to Larger Airports:** Gyeongju is located between two larger and more active airports: Pohang Gyeongju Airport (KPO) to the north and Ulsan Airport (USN) to the south. These airports offered more flight options and better connectivity, drawing away the limited potential passenger base from the Gyeongju area.

The airport is completely closed and fenced off. The physical infrastructure, including the single runway (1,700m / 5,577ft), taxiways, apron, and the small terminal building, remain largely intact but are in a state of disuse. The site is not open to the public. It has been occasionally used for non-aviation purposes, such as a training ground for drone pilots, automotive industry testing, and as a filming location for movies and TV shows. The local government is actively exploring long-term redevelopment plans for the large, valuable plot of land, with proposals including smart farms, industrial complexes, or public parks.

The site has a dual history.

Its origins trace back to the Korean War (1950-1953), when it was established by the United States Air Force (USAF) as a forward, rudimentary airstrip designated G-806. The 'G' indicated a 'graded' or 'grass' strip, built quickly by aviation engineers. As G-806, it was a crucial asset during the defense of the Pusan Perimeter, supporting UN ground forces with close air support, medical evacuation, and reconnaissance missions flown by light aircraft like the L-5 Sentinel and O-1 Bird Dog.

After the war, the site was developed into the modern Gyeongju Airport (IATA: GNJ, ICAO: RKPC). It served as a small domestic airport, primarily handling flights to and from Seoul's Gimpo Airport. Its main purpose was to facilitate tourism to Gyeongju, which is a major historical and cultural center known as 'the museum without walls'. For several decades, it provided a vital air link for tourists and business travelers before the advent of high-speed rail.

There are no concrete or official plans to reopen Gyeongju Airport for commercial air traffic. While local business groups and some politicians have occasionally raised the possibility of reopening to boost international tourism, these proposals have not gained traction with the central government. The economic factors that led to its closure—strong competition from KTX rail and nearby airports—have not changed. The national aviation policy focuses on consolidating traffic at larger regional hubs. Therefore, the prospect of reopening is considered extremely low, with the permanent redevelopment of the site for other purposes being the most likely outcome.