Gangwon Province Finalizes Selection of Defense Protection Test Site at Dongchuncheon Industrial Complex

Securing National Infrastructure Worth 48.3 Billion Won
Laying the Foundation for Advanced Defense and Protection Technology Cluster

Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province (Governor Kim Jin-tae) announced on December 4 that it has finalized the selection of the “Defense Technology Quality Institute Defense Protection Test Site,” a national research facility with a project value of 48.3 billion won. The province is fostering advanced defense as one of its seven future strategic industries, and this achievement is regarded as a key milestone in strengthening the competitiveness of its strategic industries.

Project site. Provided by Gangwon Province

The Defense Protection Test Site will be established on a site of approximately 28,000 square meters within the Dongchuncheon Industrial Complex. By 2030, the central government will invest 48.3 billion won to build national-level protection testing infrastructure, including research and testing buildings equipped with complete soundproofing. Through this, advanced protection tests and next-generation protection technology research and development (R&D) are expected to be systematically promoted.

This achievement is the result of the province’s continuous efforts since 2024, working closely with national defense agencies such as the Defense Acquisition Program Administration and the Defense Technology Quality Institute, by holding defense forums, operating working-level consultative bodies, and engaging in activities to secure national funding.

The Defense Protection Test Site, whose implementation was confirmed through the National Assembly’s approval of the 2026 government budget, will serve as a national infrastructure for precisely testing and evaluating the bulletproof and durability performance of military system equipment. It is expected to play a significant role in expanding Gangwon’s defense industry ecosystem, including the bulletproof materials industry and the defense industry innovation cluster currently being promoted by the province.

Kim Man-ho, Director of Economic Affairs for Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, stated, “Attracting the Defense Protection Test Site is an important stepping stone for Gangwon to emerge as a hub for the defense industry, which is a national strategic sector. We will strengthen cooperation with the central government, the military, and companies so that the test site can serve as a catalyst for technology development by local businesses and the expansion of the defense economy ecosystem. We will also accelerate the project by signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Defense Technology Quality Institute early next year.”

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