Space Administration Launches New Headquarters Construction... Aiming for Completion by 2030

BTL Private Investment Project Announced
New Headquarters Planned in Sacheon Industrial Complex, South Gyeongsang Province
Total Floor Area to Reach 20,000 Square Meters

The Space Administration has begun the process of constructing a new headquarters, aiming to relocate by 2030. On November 19, the agency announced a call for project proposals to select an outstanding candidate for a Build-Transfer-Lease (BTL) public-private partnership, and stated that it will initiate the selection process for a contractor within the year.

The BTL (Build-Transfer-Lease) model is a public-private partnership in which a private entity constructs a public facility, transfers ownership to the government, and then operates the facility by receiving lease payments for a set period. By adopting this approach, the Space Administration plans to streamline the entire process of planning, design, and construction, thereby shortening the construction period and actively leveraging private sector design capabilities and creative architectural techniques.

Aerial photo of the planned site for the Space Administration building. Provided by the Space Administration.

The new headquarters will be built on Block A4 (69,615 square meters) within the Gyeongnam National Aerospace Industrial Complex (Sacheon District). Following the Ministry of Economy and Finance's final approval of the land purchase on November 11, the Space Administration has officially commenced the construction project. The planned total floor area is 20,913 square meters, approximately 2.5 times larger than the current leased headquarters.

The Space Administration will evaluate private companies participating in the proposal process and plans to select the top candidate by the end of December. The selected candidate will work with the agency to develop a detailed business plan. If the project is approved following a feasibility study by an independent evaluation agency, the candidate will receive first proposer status (such as additional points) under the Private Investment Act.

Yoon Youngbin, Administrator of the Space Administration, stated, "The new headquarters will not be a mere administrative building, but a landmark symbolizing the vision and achievements of Korea's aerospace industry. We will expedite the construction process to meet the 2030 relocation goal and support Korea's leap forward as a powerhouse in the aerospace industry."

Meanwhile, the Space Administration plans to hold a project briefing session regarding the proposal process on November 25. Details and schedules related to the headquarters construction project can be found on the agency's website.