Gumi Accelerates Toward Becoming the "K-Defense New Industry Capital"

2026 Defense Industry Promotion Plan
Strategies Linked to the Defense Innovation Cluster
Consensus on Attracting a Specialized Complex for Defense Materials, Parts, and Equipment
Over 40 Experts from Industry, Academia, Research Institutes, Government, and Military Participate
Discussion on Expanding SME Participation and Building an Industrial Ecosystem

On March 9, the city of Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province, held a meeting of the "Gumi City Defense Industry Development Council" in the main conference room at City Hall and presented its 2026 defense industry promotion plan. The meeting was attended by more than 40 experts from industry, academia, research institutes, government, and the military, including Mayor Kim Jangho of Gumi. They shared mid- to long-term strategies for the local defense industry and reviewed implementation measures.

The meeting began with the appointment of new council members, followed by presentations on the promotion plan for the Gyeongbuk-Gumi Defense Industry Innovation Cluster Project and the 2026 Gumi City Defense Industry Promotion Plan. During the subsequent open discussion, participants focused on strategies to foster a region-based defense industry in response to the rapidly changing security environment and intensifying competition in advanced technologies.

Group photo after the meeting of the "Gumi City Defense Industry Development Council" / Photo by Lee Hwan Kim

In addition, there was a consensus on the need to attract a specialized complex for defense materials, parts, and equipment to the Gyeongbuk-Gumi region in order to revitalize the local defense industry, and it was agreed to strengthen cooperation with relevant organizations. If the area is designated as a specialized complex, it is expected to have a significant impact on the local economy by boosting technological self-sufficiency and creating a cluster effect for local companies.

Kim Jangho, Mayor of Gumi, stated, "I hope the Gumi City Defense Industry Development Council will become a central force driving the growth of the local defense industry and the national economy," and added, "We will strategically foster the defense industry, which is a core driver of future industries, and make it a key axis for regional economic growth."

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