SEOUL, Republic of Korea — August 27, 2026 — K-DEX 2026 is placing business and industrial engagement at the center of its first integrated edition, as Korea prepares to bring domestic defense companies together with overseas procurement, military and industry stakeholders in December.
The exhibition, scheduled for December 8–11 at KINTEX Exhibition Center 2 in Goyang, follows the integration of KADEX and DX KOREA into a single ground defense exhibition platform. The new structure combines the networks and institutional relationships developed through both events while creating a unified setting for international business engagement.
Demand for exhibition space has developed strongly ahead of the event. Applications covering more than 1,700 booths have been received, and subsequent requests are now being handled through a waiting list as remaining space becomes limited.
At the same time, national pavilions from nine countries have been confirmed, representing the United States, India, Canada, Norway, the Netherlands, Finland, Sweden, Latvia and Portugal. Additional coordination is under way with overseas defense organizations, embassies, industry associations, companies and official delegations.
The international component is significant because the relationship between Korea’s defense industry and overseas markets is becoming increasingly industrial in nature. Beyond equipment exports, Korean and foreign companies are pursuing localization, co-development, technology cooperation, production arrangements and participation in cross-border supply chains.
K-DEX is being designed to give those discussions a dedicated setting. Its business program will connect official military and government delegations, procurement authorities, defense attachés, defense-industry representatives and international buyers with participating companies through G2G, G2B and B2B meetings.
For overseas companies, the program is intended to provide more direct access to Korean manufacturers and relevant institutional stakeholders. Korean companies, meanwhile, will be able to assess overseas requirements and explore partnerships with foreign organizations seeking technology, production or market cooperation.
The meeting program will be supported by conferences, seminars and networking activities, with the emphasis placed on concrete topics such as procurement, market entry, industrial partnerships and technology cooperation. The aim is to make business development an integrated part of the exhibition rather than a separate or informal activity.
K-DEX will also host the National Defense Briefing, through which participating countries can present defense priorities, capability requirements and procurement environments to government, military and industry audiences. The format is intended to help companies identify areas where national requirements and industrial capabilities may align.
The business-focused approach is being developed as part of a broader effort to position the unified exhibition as a connecting point between Korea’s defense ecosystem and international markets. The nine confirmed national pavilions and continuing overseas coordination provide an institutional base for that engagement, while the level of exhibitor applications indicates substantial industry interest in the new format.
As preparations move forward, the organizers will announce additional details on participating companies, official delegations and international programs.
K-DEX 2026 will take place from December 8 to 11, 2026, at KINTEX Exhibition Center 2 in Goyang, Republic of Korea.
The exhibition is hosted by the Korea Defense Industry Association (KDIA), the Association of the Republic of Korea Army (AROKA) and the Korea Defense Industry MICE Association (KDM), and organized by Defense Expo, MindsGround and MESSE ESANG.
