Busan is good

MADEX 2025 to Be Held Amid Global Interest in K-Defense Industry

내용

Busan Metropolitan City (Mayor Park Heong-joon) announced that it is hosting the 2025 International Maritime Defense Industry Exhibition (MADEX 2025) for four days from May 28 to 31 at BEXCO Exhibition Center 1, in cooperation with the Republic of Korea Navy, Korea International Trade Association (KITA), and the ROKN Alumni Association.

The International Maritime Defense Industry Exhibition (MADEX) is the only specialized maritime defense exhibition in Korea, held biennially since 2001. As a global event showcasing cutting-edge maritime defense technologies and equipment, it takes place in Busan, the heart of the global shipbuilding and marine industry.

Now in its 13th edition, MADEX 2025 is expected to reach its largest scale ever, fueled by the global popularity of Korea’s defense industry. A total of 200 companies from 14 countries will participate, featuring 700 booths—a 30% increase in exhibition area compared to the previous edition.

Over 100 high-ranking officials and military leaders from the navies and marine corps of 30 countries, along with defense attachés and experts, will gather for active military diplomacy and substantial business opportunities aimed at expanding the exports of domestic defense companies.

Participation of Major Domestic and Global Companies

Notably, Korea’s leading shipbuilders specializing in naval vessels—HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, Hanwha Ocean, and HJ Shipbuilding & Construction—will present their large ship construction technologies.

Leading Korean defense firms such as LIG Nex1, Hanwha Systems, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), Korean Air, and Poongsan, as well as global companies including QUANTUM AERO, LEONARDO, BABCOCK, GE AEROSPACE, and THALES will also exhibit, drawing keen interest from both domestic and international stakeholders.

Export Consultations and Networking

The Korea International Trade Association will co-host a networking event with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) by inviting high-level foreign defense officials to promote export opportunities for Korean defense firms.

In addition, a business matchmaking event will be organized in cooperation with KOTRA (Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency), inviting buyers from key export markets to facilitate tangible export results for Korean companies.

Public Events and Performances

During the exhibition period, various public events will be held at BEXCO Plaza, including performances by the Navy Honor Guard and Band and Taekwondo demonstrations by the Kukkiwon.

In Yongho-dong, the Republic of Korea Fleet Command will open state-of-the-art naval vessels to the public, including the ROKS Marado.

<Public Event Schedule by the Republic of Korea Navy Headquarters>

Event	Date and Time	Location	Remarks
Honor Guard and Band Show	May 28 (Wed) – May 30 (Fri), 11:30–13:00	BEXCO Exhibition Center 1 Plaza
Naval Ship Tours	May 28 (Wed) – May 31 (Sat)	Naval Operations Command, Yongho-dong	◦ General visitors must take shuttle buses and hold an exhibition pass.
◦ Shuttle buses depart hourly from the flagpole in front of BEXCO Exhibition Center 1 (13:00–16:00).

Opening Ceremony

The opening ceremony took place at 10:30 AM on May 28 at the outdoor plaza in front of BEXCO Exhibition Center 1. The event was attended by Mayor Park Heong-joon, key officials, domestic and international navy and marine corps members, Ministry of National Defense personnel, defense industry representatives, and citizens—a total of approximately 200 participants.

Mayor Park stated,

“We must turn the global interest in Korea’s shipbuilding and defense industries into a valuable opportunity to strengthen industrial competitiveness,”
emphasizing that
“The City of Busan will spare no effort in supporting the shipbuilding, maritime, and defense industries.”