Some seriously state-of-the-art military equipment is being showcased at a huge defense exhibition underway now on the outskirts of Seoul.
Opening the expo Thursday, President Park Geun-hye pledged to open a new era in defense.
Kim Hyun-bin reports.

President Park Geun-hye, at the opening ceremony of the Korea Defense Technology Exhibition in Kintex northwest of Seoul on Thursday, emphasized the importance of civilian and military technology cooperation.


"If our advanced military technology is applied to the private sector, it will create new value we haven't seen before. Our country has advanced in state-of-the-art military technology, and civilian firms have developed advanced scientific techniques, which has created a great synergy for our defenses."

The technical cooperation began in 1970 and has created over one billion dollars in added value.


"Over the past 40 years, we have invested 1.5 billion dollars and in return made 18 billion dollars, a 16-fold increase in economic effect."

The defense industry also creates tens of thousands of jobs, boosting Korea's economy.
Just last year alone Korea's defense industry's total value was worth over 34 billion dollars.
Jointly hosted by the science and defense ministries, the exhibition displays thousands of military gadgetry with some aimed to significantly enhance military performance in the near future.


"I'm wearing state-of-the-art, bulletproof equipment called the Super Soldier. With this strapped on,... a soldier is not only better protected,...but they can march much further and carry much heavier weight."

The exhibition gives the public a small glimpse at the Korean military's capabilities in defense technology... and will be open to the public for four days through June first.
Kim Hyun-bin, Arirang News Paju.

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