Jeju Naval Parade to Go Ahead Despite Nimbys

The International Fleet Review will be held at a naval base in Jeju on Oct. 10-14 despite protests from locals who did not want the noise and commotion in their backyard.

A Navy spokesman told reporters on Tuesday, "We decided to hold the International Fleet Review in Jeju to have an opportunity to heal the scars of conflict caused in the process of building the port, to achieve reconciliation and to find a win-win solution between civilians and the military."

This year's fleet review is the third and marks the 70th anniversary of the armed forces. The Navy plans a parade on Oct. 12.

The naval base will be opened to the public on Oct. 13-14, and Korean and foreign naval vessels will also be accessible to civilian visitors. Visitors will be introduced to the cultures of various participating countries with hands-on events and performances.

Adm. Sim Seung-seob, the chief of naval operations, thanked residents of Jeju and Gangjeong Village, where the port was built, "for helping make it possible to hold the fleet review."