The main mission objectives of the KOMPSAT-2 system are to:

• Monitor large scale disasters and to provide data to support future disaster prevention activities
• Acquire high resolution images for GIS (Geographic Information Systems)
• Compose printed and digitised maps for domestic and overseas territories, supporting balanced development of Korean territories,
• Survey natural resources
• Provide data continuity for KOMPSAT-1

The satellite carries a high-powered digital camera, which is capable of acquiring up to 1 metre resolution imagery, enabling identification of individual vehicles on the ground.

In 2012, KOMPSAT-2 was confirmed as an ESA Third Party Mission.

KOMPSAT-2's instruments are designed to acquire high- and very-high-resolution imagery with a footprint of 15 km. The satellite has the capacity to acquire 20 minutes of imagery on each orbit and it can steer its sensors both ways out to 30° off track. Panchromatic and multispectral images can be acquired at the same time.