▲ The multiple launch rocket system Chunmoo fires toward the sea off Goseong, Gangwon Province, northeastern South Korea, as the Army's 3rd Artillery Brigade conducts a two-day nighttime live-fire drill from April 16, 2025, in this undated photo released by the Army on April 18. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
▲ This photo, provided by the Army on Nov. 22, 2024, shows a Qatari soldier (L) learning how to operate a Korean-made K2 tank as part of the Korea-Army International Course (K-AIC) program. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

Korean weapons-overseas branding

From lobster to Norse god: How Korean weapons get new names abroad

By Chang Dong-woo

SEOUL, Feb. 17 (Yonhap) -- South Korean weapons systems are often sold overseas under different names, reflecting localization efforts and industrial partnerships with purchasing nations.

A key example is seen in the K239 Chunmoo multiple launch rocket system developed by Hanwha Aerospace Co. Chunmoo roughly translates to "sky dance" in Korean, evoking the image of multiple rockets soaring through the air.

In Poland, the Chunmoo is referred to as Homar-K, part of Warsaw's Homar-branded rocket artillery program. Homar means lobster in Polish.

Warsaw's Homar artillery family also includes Homar-A, the Polish version of the M142 HIMARS produced by Lockheed Martin of the United States.

In Norway, Hanwha Aerospace's K9 self-propelled howitzer is called the K9 Vidar.

Vidar is the name of a son of Odin in Norse mythology, associated with strength and survival. The name aligns the system's image with Norwegian heritage. Vidar also stands for versatile indirect artillery.

The Polish version of Hyundai Rotem Co.'s planned K2 battle tank, to be produced locally starting in 2029, has been renamed K2PL, with the PL standing for Poland, reflecting the specific requirements for the country's needs.

In the missile field, LIG Nex1 Co.'s Cheongung-II surface-to-air missile is marketed as KM-SAM Block II, or Korean medium-range surface-to-air missile. Cheongung translates to "sky bow," symbolizing an arrow shot into the sky to intercept incoming threats.

LIG Nex1's portable surface-to-air missile system Shingung, which means "new bow," is marketed internationally as Chiron, a mythological creature in Greek mythology.

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[ⓒ K-VIBE. 무단전재-재배포 금지]