Prime Minister Lee Han-dong Tuesday attended an opening ceremony for Yangyang International Airport between the east coast ports of Gangneung and Sokcho. Lee said in a congratulatory address that Yangyang International Airport will be a hub for inter-Korean aviation exchange as well as a symbol of Korea's advancement into the world along with Incheon International Airport. The new airport will soon start non-stop service to and from China, Japan, and Southeast Asian countries." Yangyang International Airport construction cost $269 million dollars and has employed some 590,000 people since 1997.