New facility positions Jeju Island as Korea’s next satellite manufacturing and data hub, supporting SAR production, downstream industries, and a growing private-led space ecosystem.
Hanwha Systems has officially launched the Jeju Space Center, a 100 billion won ($68 million) megahub for satellite production located on the Hawon Techno Campus in Seogwipo. The facility now stands as the largest private-led satellite manufacturing site in South Korea, marking a major advance in the country’s commercial space capabilities. Beginning next year, the center will be able to produce up to 96–100 small low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites annually, giving Korea its first true mass-production satellite line.
The complex includes integrated facilities for development, assembly, testing, and mission control — all critical for industrial-scale satellite production. Clean rooms, environmental testing chambers, antenna measurement systems, and assembly bays allow Hanwha to oversee the full satellite lifecycle on-site.
A Core Platform for Korea’s Growing Private Space Industry
At the completion ceremony, Hanwha Systems CEO Son Jae-il underscored the strategic significance of the megahub.
“These satellites will significantly contribute to the growth of Korea’s space industry and help strengthen the national economy and security,” Son said, adding that the center will become a key engine of Korea’s private-led space ecosystem following the successful Nuri rocket launch.
Hanwha plans to gradually incorporate autonomous manufacturing systems into the facility to improve production efficiency and scale capabilities as demand grows.
SAR Satellites at the Heart of Jeju’s Manufacturing Strategy
A major focus of the Jeju Space Center will be the production of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites — a technology central to next-generation Earth observation. SAR systems can capture precise images regardless of weather or lighting, making them vital for:
- Disaster detection
- Climate monitoring
- Resource exploration
- Security and reconnaissance
Hanwha’s SAR roadmap is rapidly evolving. The company launched its first 1-meter resolution SAR satellite in 2023 and is developing 0.5-meter and 0.25-meter models. It is also working on an ultra-high-resolution VLEO SAR system capable of producing 15-centimeter class imagery from altitudes below 400 km.
Jeju’s Geographic Advantages Strengthen Korea’s Space Value Chain
Jeju’s southern latitude and surrounding ocean give it natural advantages for satellite operations, including optimal launch angles and secure drop zones. Jeju Governor Oh Young-hun described the new center as the beginning of Jeju’s emergence as the “heart of Korea’s new space era.”
The Jeju site is one of the few regions in Korea capable of supporting both satellite production and launch operations. Combined with the recently secured Korea Positioning System (KPS) ground infrastructure, Jeju is positioned to become a strategic pillar in the country’s broader space development roadmap.
Jeju Aims to Become the Fourth Vertex of Korea’s Space Cluster
The central and local governments are now working to expand Korea’s established “triangular” space cluster — Daejeon (R&D), South Jeolla (launch vehicles), and South Gyeongsang (satellite components). Jeju officials envision adding the island as the fourth vertex, creating a “diamond-shaped” national space cluster.
According to Kim Ki-hong, director of Jeju’s space mobility division, the island will focus on downstream satellite data utilization — an area that accounts for more than 80% of global space economy value.
“Our goal is to strengthen Jeju’s capabilities in satellite data processing and application,” he said.
Private Players Accelerate Jeju’s Space Ecosystem
Contec, a satellite-ground-station provider spun off from the Korea Aerospace Research Institute, has become a key contributor to Jeju’s growing ecosystem. The company operates six antennas on the island and established Asia Space Park with a 20 billion won investment to serve global satellite operators.
Contec’s services — from telemetry and tracking to satellite data processing — complement Hanwha’s manufacturing operations, strengthening Jeju’s role in the national space supply chain.
Education and Talent Development to Support a Sustainable Space Hub
To build a future workforce, Jeju and the central government are revitalizing aerospace education on the island. Hallim Technical High School is being rebranded as Hallim Aerospace High School, supported by 13.6 billion won in funding to develop aerospace training programs, specialized laboratories, and industry-led curricula.
Principal Lee Chin-seung said the goal is to provide students with hands-on experience before entering the workforce or pursuing engineering degrees.
“We are building specialized infrastructure so students can experience the aerospace field before they graduate,” he said.
