What functions does the Hanbit Unit smart camp system combine?

The system integrates functions needed to operate a military base, including surveillance and facilities management, through information and communications technology. Its demonstrated capabilities included using intelligent surveillance cameras and other reconnaissance assets to detect intruders.

Why did South Korea develop a smart camp for U.N. peacekeeping operations?

The Army said the system was intended to improve troop safety and operational efficiency while reducing harm to the environment. South Korea proposed the model at a peacekeeping ministerial conference in Seoul in 2021 and selected the Hanbit Unit as its pilot.

How could the Hanbit Unit smart camp model be used beyond South Sudan?

The Army plans to continue reviewing ways to apply the system to other U.N. peacekeeping operations. The Hanbit Unit base in South Sudan was selected as the pilot for the model proposed by the South Korean government.

'Smart camp' system built at Hanbit Unit in South Sudan

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Summary

The Army established a smart camp at the Hanbit Unit base in South Sudan on Tuesday (local time) to enhance troop safety and base operations. The system integrates functions such as surveillance and facilities management using information and communications technology. It is the first smart camp of its kind at a U.N. peacekeeping operation base, and the Army plans to consider applying the system to other missions.

Key Facts

The South Korean government proposed the smart camp model for U.N. peacekeeping operations at a peacekeeping ministerial conference in Seoul in 2021.
The system demonstrated how intelligent surveillance cameras and other reconnaissance assets could detect intruders in real-life scenarios.
Participants included Army Col. Kim Young-seok, head of the smart camp task force, and Aggrey Kedogo, chief of operation and resource management at the U.N. Mission in South Sudan.
The Hanbit Unit has served in South Sudan since 2013 and has worked on infrastructure, including maintaining and repairing roads and airport runways.

By Yonhap

Published Oct 21, 2026 11:39 am KST

South Korean Army and UN officials demonstrate making a video call using wireless network as part of a smart camp project at the Hanbit Unit base, South Sudan, Oct. 20, in this photo provided by the Army. Yonhap

The Army said Wednesday it has built a "smart camp" system using advanced technology at a military base of the Hanbit Unit deployed in South Sudan for a U.N. peacekeeping mission in an effort to enhance the safety of troops.

A smart camp is an advanced system that integrates various functions needed to operate a military base, such as surveillance and facilities management, by applying information and communications technology (ICT).

A ceremony marking the establishment of a smart camp was held Tuesday (local time) at the Hanbit Unit base in South Sudan, marking the first of its kind among U.N. peacekeeping operation bases, according to the Army.

The move is expected to enhance the safety and operational efficiency of peacekeeping troops as well as reduce harm on the environment.

The South Korean government proposed the smart camp model applied to U.N. peacekeeping operations during a peacekeeping ministerial conference in Seoul in 2021. It has since implemented the project by selecting the Hanbit Unit as a pilot model.

During the event, the participants showcased the key functions of the smart camp applied under real-life scenarios, which included detecting intruders into the base using intelligent surveillance cameras and other reconnaissance assets.

Participants in the ceremony included Army Col. Kim Young-seok, head of the smart camp's task force, and Aggrey Kedogo, chief of operation and resource management at the U.N. Mission in South Sudan.

The Army plans to continue to review ways to apply the smart camp system to other U.N. peacekeeping operations.

South Korea's Hanbit Unit has been deployed to South Sudan since 2013 as part of a U.N. peacekeeping mission and has contributed to infrastructure development, including the maintenance and repair of roads and airport runways.

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