The Air Force says it has begun to install automatic weapons impact scoring devices at a shooting range for U.S. forces stationed in Korea on Jikdo Island off the coast of Gunsan in North Jeolla Province.

Air Force officials said that construction kicked off Monday as the City of Gunsan announced its land-use approval earlier in the day.

In a news release, the Air Force thanked Jikdo Island residents and the city for their understanding with regard to U.S. forces' drills.

A Defense Ministry official in Seoul said that the ministry plans to complete construction by January or February next year but will try to finish before then.