HANJIN HEAVY INDUSTRIES

- Demonstrates unrivaled technological excellence as Korea’s sole shipbuilder capable of 100% in-house design and construction of LSFs
- Sets sights on global market expansion at the nation’s premier naval defense exhibition ‘MADEX 2025’ 
 

HJ Shipbuilding & Construction (HJSC) will participate in the 2025 International Maritime Defense Industry Exhibition (MADEX), held from May 28 to 31 at BEXCO in Busan. At this major event, the multinational shipbuilder plans to not only showcase its flagship naval vessels but also engage actively in marketing efforts to tap into overseas markets.

MADEX is Korea’s largest naval defense exhibition, hosted biennially by the ROK Navy since 1999. It features the latest in maritime defense technologies and weapon systems. 

In particular, it is recognized as a major international event in the maritime defense sector, attracting not only defense and export companies but also the Navy and Marine Corps, maritime-related enterprises, research institutes, and military delegations from around the world.

In 2023, MADEX hosted 150 companies from 15 countries, 110 naval representatives from 26 nations, 2,470 defense officials, and 15,089 professional buyers. With global interest in defense continuing to grow amid today’s geopolitical landscape, the 2025 edition is expected to be the largest yet, featuring over 700 booths, up from 565, and delegations from more than 30 countries.
 
This year’s event will feature Korea’s leading naval defense companies, including HJSC, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, and Hanwha Ocean, alongside key players like Hanwha Aerospace, Hanwha Systems, LIG Nex1, KAI, Korean Air, the Agency for Defense Development, and the Korean Register. Major global defense firms such as Lockheed Martin, Rolls-Royce, GE, and Thales will also be in attendance.

HJSC will showcase its flagship models across the amphibious, transport, and patrol vessel sectors, where it has built a strong track record of technological expertise and operational excellence. The exhibit will feature the ROK Navy’s largest amphibious assault ships—Dokdo and Marado—alongside high-speed air-cushion landing craft (LSF-II), guided-missile patrol killers (PKGs), and 3,000-ton and 500-ton class rescue and patrol vessels for the Korea Coast Guard.

Since becoming Korea’s first official naval defense contractor in 1974, HJSC has built over 1,200 state-of-the-art naval vessels, patrol ships, and logistical support systems. The global shipbuilding company is recognized as a full-lifecycle provider in ship design, construction, and MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) services.

HJSC gained prominence by constructing Korea’s largest naval vessels, Dokdo and Marado, and remains the only company in Korea capable of building LSF-II, the critical over-the-horizon asset deployed from these ships. 

It has successfully built and delivered all eight LSF-I and LSF-II units commissioned by the ROK Navy, while also handling their full MRO needs. Even the first two LSFs delivered nearly 20 years ago are still operating at peak performance, demonstrating HJSC’s technical excellence.

For over 5 decades, the South Korean shipbuilder has delivered optimal solutions for maritime sovereignty through its global track record in naval construction and MRO. As a recognized leader in Korea’s maritime defense industry, the company now aims to strengthen its presence and influence through this exhibition, while accelerating its push into the global market through aggressive marketing efforts.

On the opening day, May 28, HJSC will sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Korea’s mid-sized shipbuilders and the Busan Marine Equipment Association (BMEA) to establish a joint supply platform. On May 30, the company will host delegations from countries including Australia and the United Arab Emirates at its Yeongdo Shipyard, reinforcing its commitment to strengthening global defense export networks.

HJSC CEO Yoo Sang-cheol remarked, “Even ahead of the exhibition, we have received numerous inquiries from international delegations, including requests to visit our Yeongdo Shipyard, which is clear evidence of the strong global interest in our naval vessels.” He added, “As Korea’s leading naval defense contractor, we are confident in our global competitiveness, built on decades of experience and relentless innovation.”