On September 17, 2025, the city of Ulsan found itself at the heart of two landmark events—each underscoring the city’s growing stature on both the industrial and community fronts. At the sprawling headquarters of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, the air was thick with anticipation as dignitaries, naval officials, and business leaders gathered for the launch of South Korea’s latest technological marvel: the 8200-ton class Aegis destroyer, the Dasan Jeong Yak Yong. Meanwhile, just across town, a different kind of ceremony took place as BNK Gyeongnam Bank reaffirmed its commitment to the people of Ulsan, distributing traditional market gift certificates to thousands of vulnerable households in time for the upcoming Chuseok holiday.
The launch of the Dasan Jeong Yak Yong destroyer marked a significant milestone for HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and the South Korean defense industry at large. According to Ulsan Ilbo, the ship is the second vessel in the KDX-III Batch-II class and represents the pinnacle of current destroyer technology. Measuring an impressive 170 meters in length and 21 meters in width, it boasts a displacement of 8200 tons and can reach speeds up to 30 knots (about 55 kilometers per hour). This makes it not just a formidable presence on the seas, but also a symbol of the nation’s growing naval capabilities.
The Dasan Jeong Yak Yong is equipped with the latest iteration of the Aegis combat system, a major leap forward from its predecessor, the Sejong the Great-class destroyer. This upgraded system more than doubles the ship’s detection and tracking capabilities, a crucial advantage in modern naval warfare. Of particular note is the integrated sonar system, which increases submarine detection ranges threefold—an innovation that dramatically enhances the ship’s ability to counter underwater threats such as enemy submarines and torpedoes. With its advanced interception features, the destroyer is positioned as a cornerstone of South Korea’s “three-layered defense system,” designed to provide early warning and robust missile defense against regional threats, including those posed by North Korea’s missile program.
The significance of this achievement was not lost on those in attendance. South Korea’s Minister of National Defense, Ahn Kyu-baek, declared, “K-shipbuilding not only strengthens our maritime power, but is also the source of defense capability that will drive us to become one of the world’s top four defense powers and a growth engine for the national economy. The Dasan Jeong Yak Yong is the embodiment of K-shipbuilding technology and the will of our Navy.”
The launch also stands as a testament to international cooperation, particularly between South Korea and the United States. The destroyer incorporates the latest U.S. destroyer technologies, and its development was the result of a collaborative effort between the two nations. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has worked closely with American partners, including Huntington Ingalls Industries, with whom it signed a memorandum of understanding in April 2025 to deepen technological collaboration. This partnership has not only elevated the technological prowess of South Korea’s shipbuilding industry but also strengthened its position in the global defense market.
Joo Won-ho, head of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ special ship division, expressed his pride in the achievement, stating, “This is a moment in which the construction technology of Korea’s state-of-the-art Aegis destroyer, recognized even by the United States—the original developers of the Aegis combat system—has once again been certified. We will continue to enhance the stature of the Republic of Korea Navy and lead in warship exports and the MASGA project with our ability to deliver high-performance, high-quality ships on time.”
The Dasan Jeong Yak Yong is expected to undergo sea trials and final outfitting before being delivered to the Navy in 2026. Its arrival will further solidify HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ reputation as a world-class builder of advanced warships. The company had previously made history in 2008 by designing and constructing the 7600-ton Sejong the Great-class Aegis destroyer, becoming only the third country in the world to do so with its own technology. The successful completion and delivery of the new 8200-ton destroyer, as well as ongoing work on the third ship in the Batch-II series, underscore the company’s continued leadership in the field.
Yet, while technological triumphs drew international attention, Ulsan’s sense of community shone just as brightly. On September 16, 2025, BNK Gyeongnam Bank held a ceremony at Ulsan City Hall to donate 100 million won worth of traditional market gift certificates. These certificates, distributed through the Ulsan Community Chest of Korea, will reach 2,000 vulnerable households recommended by the city, offering much-needed support as families prepare for Chuseok, one of Korea’s most cherished holidays.
Kim Tae-han, president of BNK Gyeongnam Bank, remarked, “We donated traditional market gift certificates so that the region’s vulnerable groups and traditional market merchants can have a more abundant Chuseok. We hope these certificates will ease the burden of preparing holiday meals for disadvantaged families.” He added, “As Ulsan’s representative financial institution, BNK Gyeongnam Bank will continue to pursue various social contribution projects for the vulnerable and citizens.”
This act of generosity is part of the bank’s broader commitment to the region. In 2025, BNK Gyeongnam Bank’s Ulsan branch received the highest rating—‘Best Grade’—for six consecutive years in the regional reinvestment evaluation by financial companies, a distinction achieved by no other domestic bank in the area. The branch, operating with about 2,000 employees, has also been recognized with the ‘best sales award’ for six straight months in the Ulsan and Gyeongnam region, reflecting its growing influence and dedication to supporting the local economy.
Looking ahead, BNK Gyeongnam Bank plans to expand its reach and social contribution efforts even further. The bank’s leadership has emphasized their intention to strengthen sales targets, broaden the customer base, and maintain their role as a pillar of the Ulsan community. The recent donation event is just one example of how the bank seeks to blend business success with social responsibility, ensuring that economic growth benefits everyone, especially those most in need.
These two events—one celebrating technological innovation, the other reaffirming community solidarity—paint a vivid picture of Ulsan’s dynamic spirit. Whether building world-class warships or fostering a culture of care and support, the city continues to chart a course toward a future that is both prosperous and inclusive.
As the Dasan Jeong Yak Yong prepares for its maiden voyage and families across Ulsan ready themselves for Chuseok, the city stands as a testament to the power of progress and compassion working hand in hand.
