According to the Chungcheongbuk-do provincial government, the 2026 3rd Quarter Chungcheongbuk-do Integrated Defense Council meeting took place on August 12 at the Chungmu Facility, led by Council Chair and Chungcheongbuk-do Governor Shin Yong-han.
The meeting brought together roughly 20 integrated defense committee members, including the chairperson of the Chungcheongbuk-do Provincial Assembly, the Chungcheongbuk-do Superintendent of Education, the head of the Chungcheongbuk-do Provincial Police Agency, the commander of the 37th Infantry Division, and the head of the Chungcheongbuk-do Fire Headquarters. Convened to evaluate the region’s comprehensive crisis management capabilities ahead of the upcoming Ulchi Exercise on August 18, the session was conducted as a practical “integrated situation exercise.”
Operational Reports and ‘Euljong State’ Deliberation by Defense Officials
During the meeting, the Chungbuk Provincial Police Agency and the 37th Infantry Division each delivered operational reports detailing local guerrilla-type provocation scenarios. Following these briefings, the council reviewed and voted on a core agenda item: the declaration of the “Euljong State.” This designation applies when enemy infiltration and provocation make short-term restoration of public order difficult, requiring integrated defense operations to be conducted under the direct command and control of the regional military commander.
Governor Shin Yong-han emphasized the gravity of the decision during the session. “The safety of provincial residents begins with thorough preparation in the face of crisis, and there must not be a single day of slack,” Governor Shin stated, according to the official release. He added that the deliberation of the “Euljong State” declaration serves as a vital test to protect residents’ lives during an actual crisis, urging the public, private sectors, military, police, and firefighting forces to unite under a shared mission as the final defense line for resident safety and to build close cooperative systems.
Did You Know?
The integrated defense council meeting convened specifically at the Chungmu Facility under the leadership of Governor Shin Yong-han to prepare for regional crisis management ahead of the scheduled Ulchi Exercise.
Phased Schedule of the 2026 Ulchi Exercise
The regional preparations directly precede the broader 2026 Ulchi Exercise framework detailed by provincial authorities. The annual exercise schedule begins with a Crisis Management Exercise (CMX) running from Tuesday, August 11, through Friday, August 14, focused on crisis management and defensive operations against localized provocations, cyber threats, and drone terrorism.
Following the initial CMX phase, the main exercise will take place over four continuous days and nights from Tuesday, August 18, through Friday, August 21. This main phase centers on the phased transition of Chungmu State operations and the execution of total national defense efforts.
Expert Insight:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the 2026 3rd Quarter Chungcheongbuk-do Integrated Defense Council meeting?
The meeting was held to evaluate the region’s comprehensive crisis management capabilities and to review practical integrated situation exercises ahead of the upcoming Ulchi Exercise.
What is the ‘Euljong State’ discussed at the meeting?
The Euljong State is a defense posture declared when enemy infiltration or provocation prevents the prompt restoration of local public order, placing integrated defense operations under the command and control of the regional military commander.
When is the 2026 Ulchi Exercise scheduled to take place?
The exercise begins with a Crisis Management Exercise from August 11 to August 14, followed by the main exercise spanning day and night operations from August 18 to August 21.