What is the Korean Defense Ministry planning for the military academies in Daejeon?

It is pushing to combine the Army, Navy and Air Force academies into a single institution at Jaundae in Daejeon. The envisioned school is being called the National Military Academy.

Why is the government pushing to integrate the Army, Navy and Air Force academies?

The ministry says the move follows President Lee Jae Myung’s election campaign pledge. It is also trying to gather opinions through the public hearing before drawing up an optimal plan for the new academy.

What objections has the armed forces raised against the integrated military academy plan?

The armed forces oppose the plan because they say each military service requires specialized training tailored to its own operational environment. That opposition has remained strong as the ministry advances the proposal.

Public hearing set for Wed. over integration plan of military academies

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Summary

The defense ministry will hold a public hearing on Wednesday at 2 p.m. over its plan to integrate the Army, Navy and Air Force academies into one institution in Daejeon. The hearing will feature debate and a Q&A session with six participants, including academy graduates and professors. The ministry said it will use views from the hearing to draw up a plan for the envisioned National Military Academy. The push faces strong opposition from the armed forces, which say each service needs specialized training.

Key Facts

The integrated academy is planned for Jaundae, a compound of military training and education facilities in the central city of Daejeon.
The ministry said the plan is part of President Lee Jae Myung’s election campaign pledge.
Six participants, including graduates of the military academies and professors, will take part in the debate and inquiry session.
The ministry said it will closely monitor the perspectives raised in the hearing before drawing up an optimal plan for the National Military Academy.

By Yonhap

Published Aug 25, 2026 9:54 am KST

Blueprint of the envisioned 'National Military Academy' to be established at Jaundae, a compound of military training and education facilities in Daejeon / Courtesy of Ministry of National Defense — Blueprint of the envisioned "National Military Academy" to be established at Jaundae, a compound of military training and education facilities in Daejeon / Courtesy of Ministry of National Defense

The defense ministry will hold a public hearing this week to collect opinions over its plan to integrate the academies of the three military branches, officials said Tuesday.

The public hearing is scheduled to take place at 2 p.m. Wednesday and will include debate between professionals and an inquiry session, according to the ministry.

The move comes as the ministry pushes to combine the military academies of the Army, Navy and Air Force into a single institution at Jaundae, a compound of military training and education facilities in the central city of Daejeon. The plan is part of President Lee Jae Myung's election campaign pledge.

During the hearing, six participants, including graduates of the military academies and professors, will engage in debate, followed by a Q&A session.

The ministry said it will closely monitor various perspectives from the hearing and draw up an optimal plan for the envisioned establishment of the "National Military Academy."

The drive for the integrated military academy has faced strong opposition from the armed forces, as they argue each military service requires specialized training tailored to their distinct operational environment.

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