Budget Allocation and Recent Trends in Korea's Defense Industry
Defense Budget Trend
In 2023, Korea's defense budget amounts to KRW 57 trillion, consisting of KRW 16.9 trillion for defense capability enhancement and KRW 40 trillion for operational costs. This represents a 4.4% increase compared to the previous year.
Korea's Defense Exports Trend (2012–2023)
Defense exports reached a record high of USD 17.3 billion in 2022, a 139% increase compared to the previous year, driven by the export of weapon systems such as the K9 self-propelled howitzer, frigates, and T-50 fighter jets.
Current Status of the Defense Industry in Jeonbuk State
Institutions, DAPA-Designated System Companies, and Research Resources Related to the Defense Industry
Research Institutions
Out of the 28 public research institutions in Jeonbuk, seven institutions—such as KIST, the Korea Carbon Industry Promotion Agency, the Korea ConstructionEquipment Technology Institute, and the Korea Electronics Technology Research Institute—are capable of conducting research related to the defense industry.
Weapon System Companies
Among the 83 companies nationwide, four companies in Jeonbuk are involved in the defense industry: Dasan Machineries, Dongyang Junggong, LS Mtron, and DACC Carbon.
* These companies contribute (KRW 42.5 billion), or 0.8% of the total revenue of Gyeongnam Region
Key Research Centers
The region has one National Defense Specialized Research Lab out of the 14 nationwide. ”
* However, Jeonbuk does not have any National Defense Specialized Research Centers, of which there are six nationwide.
Defense Industry Promotion Strategy for Jeonbuk State
The strategy for promoting the defense industry in Jeonbuk is based on its key industries and their relevance to the defense sector, as well as domestic and international trends and related weapon systems.
Carbon Materials
Overseas: High-strength T-1000 carbon fibers are applied to key launch vehicle components such as combustion tubes and connecting structures.
Jeonbuk: Development of T-1000-grade carbon fiber.
Secondary Batteries and Associated Technologies
Overseas: Advanced countries such as the United States are developing and distributing technologies for primary and secondary batteries for both heavy machinery and infantry use.
Jeonbuk: Designation of a secondary battery-specialized industrial complex.
Hydrogen Fuel Cells
Overseas: The U.S. is developing hydrogen fuel cell military vehicles in collaboration with both public and private sectors, establishing phased development strategies for JLTV, FMTV, and HEMTT vehicles.
Jeonbuk: Establishment of the Jeonju-Wanju Hydrogen Demonstration City.
Construction Machinery
Development of key technologies underway for manned and unmanned hybrid weapon systems to realize mobility, networking, and intelligence, Technology development underway for unmanned and communication systems including unmanned excavators and Radar domes.
Jeonbuk: The largest special-purpose vehicle cluster in Korea (93 companies)
Marine Equipment and Materials
In the process of technology development for localization, including lightweight technology to optimize special cargo transportation and fusion technology development to improve reliability of unmanned marine systems
Jeonbuk: Promotion of the advancement of special-purpose ship manufacturing facilities
