Minister of National Defense (South Korea)

The Minister of National Defense (Korean: 국방부 장관; Hanja: 國防部 長官; RR: Gukbangbu Janggwan) is the head of the Ministry of National Defense in South Korea. The Minister is a cabinet-level position appointed by the President of South Korea and confirmed by the National Assembly. The primary responsibility of the Minister is to oversee the Republic of Korea Armed Forces and manage the national defense policies of South Korea.

The Minister's duties include advising the President on military matters, formulating and implementing defense policies, managing the defense budget, overseeing military readiness, and maintaining relationships with other countries on defense-related issues. The Minister also plays a key role in managing conscription and reserve forces.

Historically, the position has been held by both active and retired military officers, as well as civilian appointees. The Minister reports directly to the President, who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. The office is located within the Ministry of National Defense headquarters in Seoul.