That's according to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, which says Korea takes 5 percent of world weapon imports. China was the largest single arms importer with a global share of 12 percent.

Meanwhile, Korea ranked 17th in global arms exports. The U.S. was at the top of the exporters list, taking 30 percent of total market share.

Institute researchers say while big buyer China's domestic manufacturing is increasing, other countries like Saudi Arabia and Taiwan are seen as potentially big markets.

Arirang News