S. Korea secures $3.2 bln deal to provide anti-missile system to Saudi Arabia

SEOUL -- South Korea has secured an export deal worth $3.2 billion to supply a medium-range surface-to-air missile system to Saudi Arabia. The weapon called "Cheongung-II" features the function of intercepting aircraft and ballistic missiles at an altitude of about 15 kilometers (9.3 miles). The missile interceptor is South Korea's core air and missile defense system against North Korea's ballistic projectiles. The defense solution can continuously fire a maximu

February 7, 2024

S. Korea succeeds in development of 155 mm extended-range artillery shell technology

SEOUL -- South Korea has succeeded in the development of a 155-millimeter diameter extended-range cannon artillery system. The technology, developed by domestic ammunition producer Poonsgsan, can increase the range of current projectiles by 30 percent or more. To extend the range, the 155 mm range extension project incorporated base bleed technology, designed for drag reduction of shells, and a rocket-assisted projectile. According to Poongsan, the existing range of about 40 kilom

February 6, 2024

S. Korea partners with Saudi Arabia for mid-to-long-term defense cooperation

SEOUL -- Through a joint committee, South Korea's arms procurement agency will collaborate with Saudi Arabia on mid-to-long-term defense development plans. The task force will consistently carry out research and development projects to advance technology and industry in the defense sector for both nations. During South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol's state visit to the Middle Eastern country in October 2023, Yoon reached a consensus with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mo

February 5, 2024

Hanwha Systems leads development of S. Korea's homemade rotary-wing unmanned aircraft 

SEOUL -- Hanwha Systems, a key defense contractor affiliated with Hanwha Group, was selected to lead the development of an unmanned aerial vehicle that would be used for surveillance and reconnaissance missions. The homemade rotary-wing solution can be operated on land or naval vessels, especially in areas where constructing conventional runways is challenging. Rotary-wing aircraft operate through wings that constantly spin during flight. Using a camera featuring optical and infra

January 29, 2024

Türkiye to send first astronaut on maiden space mission

SEOUL -- Türkiye will send its first astronaut on the country's maiden space mission. The Turkish Space Agency announced that the spacecraft will launch from a facility in Florida, United States, to dock with the International Space Station orbiting the Earth. The space mission by Türkiye was initiated in 2021 after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the national program. The Turkish Space Agency (TUA) selected the first Turkish astronaut from candidates based

January 18, 2024

Poland becomes S. Korea's fifth-largest trade surplus country thanks to military equipment exports

SEOUL -- Poland has now emerged as South Korea's fifth-largest trade surplus country, contributing approximately $9 billion, primarily fueled by exports of military equipment such as FA-50 light fighter jets and K-9 self-propelled howitzers, as reported by the Korea International Trade Association. Owing to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Poland has played a crucial role in supplying military equipment to Kyiv, aiding its neighbor in repelling the Russian inva

January 18, 2024

Poland signs mutual certification deal with S. Korea for military aircraft

SEOUL -- Poland's defense department has signed a mutual airworthiness certification agreement with South Korea's arms procurement agency for military aircraft. Under the agreement, Poland will acknowledge the flight safety of military aircraft verified by the South Korean government, and vice versa. The airworthiness certification is designed to ensure the safety of an aircraft and evaluate the essential criteria for its design, production, and operation. Poland is the fift

January 2, 2024

S. Korean military to revise enlistment criteria for conscription of excessively obese men

SEOUL -- South Korea's defense forces would draft severely obese men to follow suit with the revised eligibility criteria for mandatory military service. Based on the proposed criteria, a 174-centimeter-(5'8.5")-tall overweight man weighing 120 kilograms (265 pounds) can also be conscripted. Unless they have valid reasons for exemption, males aged 18 or older must complete their military service in South Korea, which is still technically at war with North Korea. Those

December 15, 2023

Korean pork broth menu selected as New York's top dish of 2023

SEOUL -- Dweji Gomtang, a pork broth menu served with rice and cabbage kimchi, was selected by the New York Times as one of the "Top 8 New York City Dishes of 2023." The Korean pork soup is available at the Big Apple branch of a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant in Seoul. Gomtang means Korean-style soup or broth that is simmered for hours using ingredients such as the spine, leg bones, the tail, and the meat of an animal. While Gomtang is normally made with cow bones and be

December 14, 2023

Indian Embassy in Seoul collaborates with state food promotion agency to hold special Indian cuisine presentation

SEOUL -- The Embassy of India in South Korea and the Korean Food Promotion Institute, a public Korean food promotion agency operated by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, to hold a special presentation on Indian cuisine. Ms. Surabhi Amit Kumar, the spouse of Mr. Amit Kumar, the Indian Ambassador to South Korea, introduced Indian cuisine through a keynote speech "Indian food, a culinary journey through the flavors of India" at the Korean Food Promotion I

December 8, 2023