Jangseong-gun Takes Initiative to Attract Relocation of Korea Military Academy

Expected Synergistic Effects with Sangmudae Connection

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Jo Hangyu] Jangseong County has entered the competition to host the Korea Military Academy. It is expected to enable the establishment of an effective military education infrastructure linked with Sangmudae and promote balanced regional development.

According to Jangseong County on the 2nd, the Korea Military Academy, established in 1946 in the Nowon-gu area of Seoul (Gongneung-dong 1-1), is a four-year military school for training junior army officers.

The site covers an area of 650,000 pyeong (2.13 million ㎡) and is equipped with various basic training facilities. The total number of students is about 1,300.

Discussions about relocating the Korea Military Academy were triggered last year when the Ministry of National Defense-owned Seoul Taereung Golf Course development and the academy’s site relocation were proposed as measures to supply housing in the metropolitan area.

Since then, Gyeonggi, Chungnam, Gangwon, Gyeongbuk, and other regions have entered the competition. Jangseong County has also been reviewing the relocation of the Korea Military Academy since August last year, and on the 5th of last month, it submitted a relocation proposal to Jeonnam Province as a policy task in preparation for the presidential election.

Subsequently, on the 17th of last month, Jangseong County Governor Yoo Doo-seok formally requested that the Democratic Party include the ‘relocation of the Korea Military Academy to Jangseong County’ in its 20th presidential election pledges, thereby intensifying the hosting efforts.

The reason the county’s bid to host the academy is attracting attention is the expected synergy effect with Sangmudae. Located in Jangseong County, Sangmudae is the largest military education facility of the army. It spans 3.09 million pyeong (10.24 million ㎡) and houses five branch schools and two support units. Over 33,000 trainees undergo branch-specific training to become elite army soldiers. If the Korea Military Academy is established in Jangseong County, smooth exchanges and mutual development between the two military education institutions will be possible.

The relocation of the academy can also stimulate the local economy. It is expected to create jobs linked with local resources, increase local tax revenue due to the institution’s relocation, and revitalize commercial districts through population inflow.

Jangseong County Governor Yoo Doo-seok stated, “The relocation of the Korea Military Academy to Jangseong aligns with the government’s second phase public institution relocation policy and will contribute to ‘balanced regional development.’ Especially, through close cooperation with Sangmudae, it holds great significance in securing an important foothold for strengthening future national defense capabilities.”

The county plans to form a dedicated task force (TF team) and actively pursue hosting activities, including government proposals, going forward.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.