The ceremony commemorating the 1st Aerospace Day was held at the Space Aviation Agency in Sannam-myeon, Sacheon City, Gyeongnam Province, on May 27, 2025, marking the first anniversary of the agency's establishment.
More than 150 guests attended the ceremony to celebrate the first anniversary of the Space Aviation Agency.
Distinguished attendees included Acting President and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Lee Jooho, Minister of Science and ICT Yoo Sangim, Administrator of the Space Aviation Agency Yoon Youngbin, Governor of Gyeongnam Province Park Wansu, Chairman of the Gyeongnam Provincial Council Choi Hakbeom, Mayor of Sacheon Park Dongsik, as well as representatives from industry, academia, and research, and contributors to the aerospace sector.
Aerospace Day was designated as a national commemorative day to mark the opening of the Space Aviation Agency on May 27, 2024, and to raise awareness of the importance of the aerospace industry.
Following Governor Park Wansu's proposal, discussions began at the Central-Local Policy Council in April 2024, and after gathering feedback from 10,000 provincial residents, the day was officially designated on November 25, 2024.
Park Wansu, Governor of Gyeongnam Province, is speaking in front of the Space and Aviation Agency at the ceremony commemorating the 1st Aerospace Day. Provided by Gyeongnam Province
Governor Park emphasized the significance of the day, stating, "Aerospace Day is not just a commemorative day, but a symbolic occasion for reaffirming our determination and passion as the Republic of Korea strives to become a major player in the space economy."
He added, "Based on Gyeongnam's status as the largest aerospace industry cluster in Korea, we will work together with the Space Aviation Agency to vigorously pursue our goal of becoming one of the world's top five space powers."
Acting President and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Jooho Lee (left) and Gyeongnam Province Governor Wansu Park are shaking hands at the 1st Aerospace Day ceremony. Provided by Gyeongnam Province
He further explained, "The Aerospace Convergence City is envisioned as an innovative cluster centered around the Space Aviation Agency, where industry, academia, research, and government are organically connected. It will be a city that integrates research and development (R&D), tourism, culture, administrative functions, and an excellent residential environment." He continued, "Currently, we are pursuing a two-track approach: advancing urban development projects in Sacheon and promoting a national government-led model through the enactment of a special law for the Aerospace Convergence City."
Acting President Lee Jooho remarked, "Aerospace is a key industry that determines national competitiveness. The government will actively foster the aerospace industry with the Space Aviation Agency at its center, develop core leading technologies such as reusable launch vehicles and ultra-high-resolution satellites, and set new global standards in aerospace."
Park Wansu, Governor of Gyeongnam Province, is inspecting the Sacheon Aerospace National Industrial Complex, the planned site for the new Aerospace Administration building. Provided by Gyeongnam Province
After the ceremony, Governor Park visited the Sacheon Aerospace National Industrial Complex, the planned site for the new Space Aviation Agency headquarters, to inspect the site.
At the site, he stated, "With the new headquarters located at the heart of the industrial complex, the Space Aviation Agency will be able to fully function as the control tower for aerospace. I request active support from relevant agencies to secure sufficient land and building scale."
He also stressed, "The Aerospace Convergence City should not be a simple urban development project, but must be differentiated in structure and function from existing cities. The plan should ensure a harmonious integration of work, research, residential, educational, and industrial functions, and include pleasant urban spaces such as radial roads and parks."
The 2025 International Space Industry Conference was held to commemorate the 1st Aerospace Day. Photo by Jinju City
Earlier, to commemorate 'Aerospace Day,' Gyeongnam Province held the 'International Space Industry Conference' in Seoul on May 26, 2025.
In addition, the province plans to promote public consensus and awareness for 'Korea's leap to become one of the top five space powers' and for 'Gyeongnam as a global aerospace capital' through various initiatives, including a special discussion broadcast presenting its vision for Aerospace Day.
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