Defense Acquisition Program Administration Breaks Ground on New Daejeon Office Building... Completion Targeted for 2028

Investment of 242.4 Billion Won for 2 Underground and 21 Above-Ground Floors
About 1,600 Employees, Including Those from Gwacheon, to Relocate to Daejeon

The groundbreaking ceremony for the Defense Acquisition Program Administration Daejeon Office building was held on the afternoon of the 11th at the northwest green space of the Government Complex Daejeon. / Daejeon City

The groundbreaking ceremony for the new Daejeon office of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), a long-awaited wish of Daejeon citizens, was held on the afternoon of the 11th at the northwest green area of the Government Complex Daejeon, with attendees including Daejeon Mayor Lee Jangwoo and DAPA Commissioner Seok Jonggeon.

The new DAPA Daejeon office will be constructed with an investment of 242.4 billion won, featuring two underground floors and 21 above-ground floors, with a total floor area of 59,738 square meters, aiming for completion in 2028.

The city expects that the relocation of DAPA, which has a budget of 18 trillion won this year, will further elevate Daejeon's status as the capital of K-Defense.

The relocation of DAPA to Daejeon was confirmed as a regional pledge by President Yoon Sukyeol and a key government policy in 2022, and the project gained momentum with the establishment of the 'Daejeon National Defense Innovation City Citizens' Promotion Committee' led by Mayor Lee Jangwoo.

In June 2023, 238 members of the command and major policy departments completed the first phase of relocation to the former Korea Racing Authority building in Wolpyeong-dong, Seo-gu, Daejeon. Once the new office building is completed, all 1,600 public officials, including those remaining in Gwacheon, will relocate to Daejeon.

The city plans to provide administrative and financial support to ensure DAPA can establish itself stably in Daejeon.

In his commemorative speech, DAPA Commissioner Seok Jonggeon said, "The relocation of DAPA to Daejeon will serve as a catalyst for K-Defense to take another leap forward," adding, "I am confident it will also provide a great opportunity for the growth and development of Daejeon as a science city."

In his congratulatory remarks, Mayor Lee Jangwoo said, "This is a meaningful moment as DAPA, a long-cherished wish of Daejeon citizens, becomes one family with us," and added, "I hope DAPA will use Daejeon as a stepping stone to foster K-Defense and continue its bold challenge toward becoming one of the world's top four defense powers."