Wonsan Kalma International Airport
| Wonsan Kalma International Airport 원산갈마국제공항 Wonsan Galma Gukje Gonghang | |||||||||||||||||||
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| IATA: WOS – ICAO: ZKWS | |||||||||||||||||||
| Summary | |||||||||||||||||||
| Airport type | Civil/Military | ||||||||||||||||||
| Owner | North Korean government | ||||||||||||||||||
| Serves | Wonsan | ||||||||||||||||||
| Location | Wonsan, Kangwon-do, North Korea | ||||||||||||||||||
| Elevation AMSL | 7 ft / 2 m | ||||||||||||||||||
| Coordinates | 39°9′59″N 127°29′3″E / 39.16639°N 127.48417°ECoordinates: 39°9′59″N 127°29′3″E / 39.16639°N 127.48417°E | ||||||||||||||||||
| Map | |||||||||||||||||||
  WOS Location in North Korea | |||||||||||||||||||
| Runways | |||||||||||||||||||
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Source: Google Earth | |||||||||||||||||||
Wonsan Kalma International Airport (IATA: WOS, ICAO: ZKWS) is a dual-use civil and military airport in Wonsan, Kangwon-do, North Korea. A new international terminal and passenger ramp opened in September 2015.[1]
History
Korean War
The ROKA Capital Division captured Wonsan Airfield on 10 October 1950.[2] The airfield was used by the United States Marine Corps and USAF under the designation K-25. By 12 October the USAF's Cargo Combat Command was flying supplies into the airfield.[3]
UN forces evacuated Wonsan in December 1950. The airfield was rendered unusable for the remainder of the war by the Blockade of Wonsan.
Modernisation
In July 2013, Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un approved plans for a complete redesign of the airport, turning it into an international airport for civilian use. The new airport was designed by the Chinese architectural firm PLT Planning & Architecture. The redesign will include two 36,000-square-foot oval-shaped terminals, one serving domestic flights and one serving international flights, that will each contain six gates and several duty-free stores. The runways will also be extended to 3500 metres. The airport is expected to serve 1.2 million visitors annually. It is expected to cost US$200 million.[4]
Runways
Wonsan Airport has three runways. The shortest runway, 02/20, measures 501 m (1,643 ft). Runway 15R/33L measures 3,125 m (10,252 ft). Runway 15L/33R, which has not yet been completed, is the longest runway at a length of 3,504 m (11,497 ft).
References
- ↑ http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3251463/First-look-North-Korea-s-200-million-Kalma-Airport-Wonsan.html
- ↑ Futrell, Frank (1983). The United States Air Force in Korea, 1950-1953. Air Force History & Museums Program. p. 212. ISBN 9780912799711.
- ↑ Futrell, p.212
- ↑ Wong, Olga. "Kim Jong-un gives nod to Hong Kong firm to redesign Pyongyang airport". South China Morning Post. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. Retrieved 29 July 2013.