Information about upcoming trade missions and exhibitions, incoming buyers missions, exporter education seminars and workshops for Ontario businesses looking to export outside Canada.
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Sector: Defence and Security
Market Region: Asia and Australia
Date: December 8, 2026 to December 11, 2026
The Government of Ontario is leading a Defense Business Mission to Defense Expo Korea (K-DEX Korea), December 8-11, 2026 (new dates), at KINTEX Exhibition Center in Goyang (25km northwest of Seoul), South Korea. KADEX is now part of K-DEX Korea. Outreach B2B program in Tokyo will be held on December 14, 2026 (new date).
Ontario Defense Business Mission to Defense Expo Korea (K-DEX Korea)
Date: December 8-11, 2026 (Goyang, South Korea)
Time: 9:00AM - 6:00PM Korea time
Location: KINTEX Exhibition Center II, Goyang, South Korea
Format: In Person
Defense Expo Korea 2026 (K-DEX Korea 2026) is the 7th edition of South Korea’s flagship land‑forces–focused defense exhibition, held December 8-11, 2026 (new dates) at KINTEX, Goyang (25km northwest of Seoul). It is one of Asia’s major defense expos, backed by the Korean Ministry of National Defense, Korea Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE), Korea Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), and KOTRA. This year DX Korea includes KADEX (Korea Army International Defense Exhibition) as part of the major showcases. KADEX with DX Korea focuses on land systems (armored vehicles, artillery, C4ISR), unmanned systems (UAVs UGVs, robotics), cyber & electronic warfare, aerospace & space defense technologies, AI enabled defense systems, dual-use technologies, and next‑generation weapon systems. KADEX with DX Korea 2026 expects to have 700+ exhibitors from 50+ countries, 3,000 booths, and 70,000 visitors, with large outdoor exhibition.
Who should participate?
Ontario companies that are interested in Korean defense and security markets can showcase their products, services and technologies ranging from aerospace, artificial intelligence, parts, materials, software, testing, connectivity, cybersecurity, sensing, autonomous driving, drones, robotics, production of armored systems and equipment, and emergency response systems and equipment.
Ontario Mission Program Items Include:
Program item 1 – Exhibiting at Defense Expo K-DEX Korea (KINTEX):
Cost: C$1,700 per delegate company • Turn-key exhibit space within the Ontario pavilion (27 sqm) (December 8-11, 2026) • Company listing (as an exhibitor) on event website • 3 Exhibitor Passes per company • Interpretation support at Ontario pavilion • Pre-mission webinar or market briefing • 1:1 export advice and consultation • Company listing on the Ontario “SourceFromOntario” website • Marketing support including company directory • In-market follow-up and support
Program item 2 - Curated B2B matchmaking program at Defense Expo Korea:
Cost: C$1,500 per delegate company • December 8-11, 2026, at Ontario pavilion, Goyang, South Korea • Market briefing, Tailored B2B meeting program with interpretation support • In-market support by the working team
Program item 3 - Outreach Program to Japan B2B program:
Please note that Program Item 1 is pre-requisite to Program Item 2 and 3.
Market Background: South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea, is the 13th largest global economy with a GDP of US$1.87 trillion, a population of 51.7 million, and a GDP per capita of US$37,000. It thrives in sectors like electronics, telecommunications, automotive production, chemicals, shipbuilding, and steelmaking, driven by major conglomerates such as Samsung, Hyundai, LG, SK, Lotte, POSCO, Hanwha, Hanjin, GS, and CJ, which account for 80% of the country's economy. The Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement (CKFTA) grants Canadian exporters preferential, tariff-free access to this significant market. South Korea is a key trade partner for Ontario and an increasing source of foreign direct investment (FDI). Recent major investments include a $5 billion EV battery manufacturing plant by LG Energy Solution and Stellantis, a new EV battery cathode materials production facility by Honda Motor Co. and POSCO Future M., and an e-compressor production plant in Woodbridge, Ontario, by Hanon Systems. In 2024, trade between Ontario and South Korea reached nearly $13.3 billion. South Korea ranked as Ontario’s #13 export and #5 import partner. Ontario's exports to South Korea, totaling C$992 million, include copper ores, soya beans, and optical instruments, while imports, valued at C$12.3 billion, consist of automotive, immunological products, and tractors. South Korean FDI in Ontario was valued at C$306 million in 2024, encompassing projects in the ICT, defence, and automotive sectors.
Contact information: Please reach out to Stephen Ip at MEDJCT (email: stephen.ip@ontario.ca | 437-339-1529), for further information.
Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
Updated: October 5, 2026
Published: July 3, 2026
