May 20, 2007: South Korea is spending $850 million to build a naval base on Jeju island, which is 90 kilometers south of the South Korean coast. The base will provide piers and other facilities for up to twenty ships and submarines. The island is astride the vital straights separating South Korea and Japan. Through these waters, most of South Koreas maritime trade moves. The new naval base will make it easier to protect that traffic. The new base also makes it easier for South Korean warships to get to small islands in the area that are claimed by South Korea, Japan and China. The new base will be ready for use in seven years. Jeju island is also a major vacation spot for South Koreans.