The Defense Ministry is close to wrapping up negotiations to secure a golf course owned by Lotte in Seongju County, North Gyeongsang Province, which has been designated by the government to house U.S. THAAD missile interceptors.
The two sides are said to have tentatively agreed to swap the golf course with state-owned property in Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province.
A ministry official said Lotte is currently reviewing the government's proposal and is expected to give an answer on Tuesday or Wednesday.
The ministry launched negotiations in early October with Lotte after deciding on September 30th to deploy the U.S.-led missile defense system at the Seongju golf course.
In the negotiations, the government is said to have sought a land swap instead of purchasing the golf course as parliamentary approval would be needed to fund the acquisition.
The golf course is estimated to be worth over 100 billion won, or more than 85 million U.S. dollars.
Source: KBS World Radio
