Mayor Park Hyungdeok: "From a City of Military Sacrifice to a Center of New Defense Industries"

Roadmap for a National Industrial Complex-Centered Defense Innovation Cluster
Strategies for Advancing the National Industrial Complex into a Defense Innovation Cluster Discussed
Dongducheon Holds Policy Forum to Establish Basic Plan for Fostering the Defense Industry

Dongducheon City in Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Park Hyungdeok) held a policy forum on the 15th in the city hall's main conference room under the theme "Dongducheon National Industrial Complex, Leap to Defense Innovation Cluster!" to establish the "Basic Plan for Fostering the Defense Industry in Dongducheon."

Park Hyungdeok, mayor of Dongducheon, is holding a policy forum titled "Dongducheon National Industrial Complex, Leap to Defense Innovation Cluster!" on the 15th at the city hall's main conference room to establish the "Basic Plan for Fostering the Defense Industry in Dongducheon." Provided by Dongducheon City

This forum was organized to explore visions and practical strategies for developing the Dongducheon National Industrial Complex into a hub for advanced defense industries in northern Gyeonggi Province.

The forum included government policy presentations and expert discussions. Air Force Major Shin Jeongmin from the Defense Acquisition Program Administration explained the "Policy Direction for Defense Innovation Clusters," presenting the Ministry of National Defense's innovation strategies and Dongducheon's growth potential.

Next, Hwang Juryong, Vice Chairman of Dongducheon City Council, emphasized the necessity of a defense industry cluster to revitalize the local economy. Jang Yunseok, CEO of DSTL, discussed corporate strategies utilizing the industrial complex, while Shin Han University Professor Hyeong Seongwoo presented models for collaboration among industry, academia, research institutes, and the military, as well as plans for cultivating advanced talent.

Ryu Geunyeong, Director at the Agency for Defense Development, outlined the role of the Defense Venture Center and support measures for venture companies, while Park Minseok, Senior Researcher at the Korea Institute of Materials and Components, proposed strategies for converting existing industries to defense industries.

During the open discussion with citizens, a wide range of ideas were exchanged on ways for the defense industry and the local community to coexist and prosper together. This forum is regarded as the starting point for Dongducheon to move beyond its identity as a military city and become an advanced defense industry outpost. Based on the outcomes of the discussions, the city plans to develop an implementation roadmap linked to policies of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration and the Ministry of National Defense, thereby enhancing its competitiveness in the public contest for designation as a defense innovation cluster.

Park Hyungdeok, mayor of Dongducheon, is taking a commemorative photo with attendees after holding a policy forum titled "Leap of Dongducheon National Industrial Complex into a Defense Industry Innovation Cluster!" on the 15th at the city hall's main conference room. Provided by Dongducheon City

Mayor Park Hyungdeok stated, "For 74 years, Dongducheon has sacrificed greatly for national security by providing 42% of its area as land for U.S. military bases, but as a result, the local economy has stagnated, with the city ranking at the bottom in employment and fiscal independence in Gyeonggi Province. Now, it is time for compensation commensurate with these sacrifices. We will ensure the successful attraction of a defense industry cluster, foster advanced new defense industries, and create jobs for young people, transforming Dongducheon from a 'city of military sacrifice' into a 'center of new defense industries.'"