Quantum Technologies and Quantum Computing in South Korea

Historical Overview of Quantum Research in South Korea

South Korea’s engagement with quantum technology has evolved from niche academic research in the late 20th century to a coordinated national priority in the 21st. Early efforts in quantum optics and cryptography laid the groundwork, but major milestones began appearing in the 2010s. South Korea’s largest telecom operator, SK Telecom, launched a dedicated Quantum Tech Lab as early as 2011 and commercialized its first quantum key distribution (QKD) device in 2014. By 2019, SK Telecom—together with its Swiss partner ID Quantique—deployed quantum cryptography on a commercial 5G network over 330 km, introducing quantum-secured 5G service for the first time. These industry-led breakthroughs signaled the viability of quantum communications and spurred broader national interest.

On the government side, initial support was modest until the late 2010s. Quantum technology was included in South Korea’s Digital New Deal initiative around 2020, which funded pilot QKD networks across public institutions. A turning point came in April 2021 with the announcement of the National Strategic Plan for Quantum Science and Technology, aiming to make Korea a leading quantum country by 2030. This plan dramatically scaled up R&D funding – government investment in quantum tech jumped six-fold from 2018 levels, reaching ~94 billion KRW (≒$75 M) annually by 2023. In 2022, quantum technology was further elevated as one of 12 National Strategic Technologies, recognized as critical for future industry and security. By mid-2023, South Korea enacted a landmark Quantum Science and Technology Promotion Act, establishing a legal framework to boost quantum R&D, industry, and workforce development. This flurry of activity – from early telecom experiments to national strategies and laws – illustrates how South Korea’s quantum program rapidly evolved from isolated research to a whole-of-nation endeavor in just a decade.

Quantum Computing in South Korea

Government-Backed Quantum Initiatives and Strategy

The South Korean government has launched comprehensive initiatives to support quantum computing, communication, cryptography, and sensing. The National Strategic Plan for Quantum S&T (2021) outlined a broad vision with four pillars: (1) investment in high-risk fundamental research, (2) aggressive workforce development, (3) building critical infrastructure (from fabrication facilities to quantum testbeds), and (4) nurturing industry applications to jumpstart a quantum business ecosystem. In practice, this meant funding quantum research projects, creating academic programs, and incentivizing companies to explore quantum technology. By 2023, annual government spending on quantum R&D had more than doubled since the plan’s launch, and the government signaled intentions to invest roughly $1 billion over 5–7 years going forward. Importantly, quantum technology was formally designated an “essential base technology” alongside AI, advanced robotics, and next-gen communications – emphasizing its strategic priority for national competitiveness.

To coordinate these efforts, Korea’s National Quantum Strategy was unveiled in June 2023, aligning all ministries and stakeholders toward 2035 goals. This strategy highlighted the need to catch up with leading nations by expanding the talent pool and sharply increasing funding. It also proposed establishing “quantum innovation zones,” clustering government labs, top universities, companies, and international researchers to collaborate on R&D and commercialization. A significant outcome was the Quantum Technology Promotion Act (enacted May 2023, effective Nov 2023), which provides a legal mandate for funding programs, startup support, research centers, and international cooperation in quantum tech. The Act defines government responsibilities and strategy implementation mechanisms, ensuring continuity beyond electoral cycles. Through this law, Korea created a governance structure (including a high-level Quantum Strategy Committee) to steer quantum initiatives and to regularly monitor and evaluate progress toward its 2035 vision.

Funding and programs have followed suit. In March 2025, the government held the first meeting of the Quantum Strategy Committee, announcing a dedicated quantum investment fund and new R&D targets. A ₩1 trillion Science and Technology Innovation Fund was launched, with a ring-fenced ₩20 billion per year for quantum startup investment (₩80 billion total over four years). At the same time, the government set out ambitious technical goals: development programs for 1,000-qubit quantum computers, quantum repeaters for long-distance quantum communication, and GPS-free quantum navigation sensors for defense are being initiated. There is also a plan to train 2,500 new quantum researchers (a seven-fold increase in the talent pool) to support these projects. South Korea is boosting quantum infrastructure as well – investing in quantum fabrication facilities (“quantum foundries”) and national testbeds to help researchers and companies build and evaluate quantum devices.

International partnerships form another pillar of the government’s strategy. South Korea is actively cooperating with the United States, EU, and other allies to accelerate progress. In April 2023, during a state visit, the US and ROK signed a Joint Statement on Quantum Information Science and Technology, committing roughly $1 billion over eight years from Korea for joint research centers and collaborative projects with the US and Europe. Korea also joined the US-led Entanglement Exchange program to facilitate global researcher exchanges. This aligns with Korea’s recognition that global collaboration is essential for quantum workforce development and innovation. Regional cooperation is growing too; for instance, Korean institutes have partnerships with Japan (which installed an IBM quantum system in Tokyo) and other countries at the G7 “Quantum Innovation” initiative. By leveraging international expertise and markets, South Korea aims to integrate into the global quantum ecosystem rather than go it alone.

In summary, the government has put in place a multi-faceted support system: national strategy + legislation + funding + infrastructure + human capital development + global partnerships. This concerted approach is designed to propel South Korea into the top tier of quantum-enabled nations by the mid-2030s, with broad capabilities in computing, communications, cryptography, and sensing.

Academic Strength and Research Contributions

South Korea’s academic institutions form the backbone of its quantum R&D ecosystem. Prestigious universities such as the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Seoul National University (SNU), Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Korea University, Yonsei University, and Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) have established specialized quantum research centers and curricula. For example, SNU hosts groups advancing quantum algorithms, error-correcting codes, and quantum simulation techniques for future computers. KAIST operates a Quantum Information and Computation Laboratory that not only conducts research on quantum computing hardware and software but also connects to industry – KAIST joined the IBM Quantum Network to exchange knowledge and give its researchers access to IBM quantum processors. This collaboration with IBM (and other industry players) helps KAIST students and faculty stay at the cutting edge, enhancing Korea’s global position in quantum computing.

Several universities have launched dedicated quantum education programs to build talent. POSTECH recently opened the POSTECH Quantum Graduate School (2024), a PhD-level program aiming to produce 180 quantum experts over 9 years. It offers a four-year curriculum combining multidisciplinary coursework, lab projects, and internships, reflecting the need for diverse skills (physics, computer science, electrical engineering, etc.) in quantum technology. Similar quantum graduate schools at Korea University (since 2022) and KAIST (since 2023) were established with government support. These programs consolidate students from various institutions and train them under experts, addressing the acute shortage of quantum specialists in the country. By 2035, Korea expects to expand its quantum workforce from only ~500 researchers in 2024 to about 2,500 trained experts – a target directly supported by these academic initiatives. The emphasis on education and training cannot be overstated: it is a cornerstone of South Korea’s strategy to become a quantum technology leader.

In terms of research output, Korean universities and national labs have made notable contributions. Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) and Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI), two major government-funded institutes, have active quantum computing programs. KIST has pursued quantum information processing and quantum computing research for years, including developing quantum algorithms and exploring applications. Meanwhile, ETRI (in collaboration with KAIST) achieved a significant result in photonic quantum computing: in 2024 they demonstrated an 8-photon silicon photonic chip achieving entanglement of 6 qubits (6-photon entangled state). This prototype, published in scientific journals, is a stepping stone toward scalable photonic quantum computers. The silicon photonics approach is promising because it allows integration of many qubits on tiny chips operating at room temperature, and ETRI plans to scale it up to 32-qubit entanglement and eventually cloud-based quantum computing services. Such research illustrates the technical strengths of Korean teams in quantum hardware engineering.

Other academic highlights include SKKU’s Quantum Information Research Support Center (Q-Center), created under an MSIT project to foster a quantum ecosystem, and Yonsei University’s Institute for Quantum Information Technology (IQIT), where researchers work on quantum software, algorithms, and system development. Yonsei has also partnered with IBM to establish a Quantum Computing Center with access to a 127-qubit IBM processor (the first of its kind in South Korea) to enable research and industry projects on a state-of-the-art quantum machine. At KAIST, beyond computing, there is cutting-edge work on quantum communications; KAIST researchers collaborate with ETRI on photonic QKD technologies and with Samsung on post-quantum cryptography (as noted later). POSTECH and other institutes contribute on the materials front – for instance, developing quantum nanomaterials and devices (e.g., solid-state qubits or quantum sensors) as part of Korea’s strong semiconductor research tradition. The Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS) focuses on quantum metrology and sensing (e.g. optical atomic clocks, quantum magnetic sensors), complementing the computing and comms research with precision measurement capabilities. In summary, South Korea’s academic ecosystem is broad and growing, spanning fundamental physics (quantum information theory, quantum optics) to engineering (superconducting and photonic qubits, quantum devices) and computer science (quantum algorithms and software). Close collaboration between universities, national labs, and industry ensures that research is translated into practical technologies – a synergy encouraged by government funding programs.

Private-Sector Quantum Developments

The private sector in South Korea has become increasingly involved in quantum technology, with both large conglomerates and agile startups contributing to the ecosystem. Major technology companies – Samsung, SK Telecom, LG Electronics, KT, and others – each bring their own strengths: semiconductors, telecommunications infrastructure, and global R&D networks. These firms have recognized the disruptive potential of quantum computing and secure communications, and many have launched in-house projects or partnerships. For instance, Samsung Electronics (and its IT arm Samsung SDS) is active in post-quantum cryptography (PQC) and next-gen security. In 2025, Samsung SDS’s jointly developed algorithm “AIMer” (with KAIST) was selected as the winning digital signature scheme in Korea’s national PQC competition. AIMer, based on one-way functions, offers faster speeds and smaller signatures than comparable NIST-standard algorithms, making it suitable for lightweight devices. Samsung is now working to standardize and deploy this algorithm as part of the country’s migration to quantum-safe encryption, even piloting PQC on its cloud platform and offering a crypto-agility solution (S-CAPE) for enterprises. This exemplifies how Korean tech giants are contributing their expertise (in this case, Samsung’s security and semiconductor know-how) to national quantum initiatives. Samsung has also explored quantum computing hardware research via its Advanced Institute of Technology (e.g. quantum dots and tunneling phenomena for next-gen transistors ), and was one of the first Asian companies to join the IBM Quantum Network for access to quantum systems.

Telecom operators are particularly invested in quantum communications. SK Telecom (SKT) stands out as a leader: it has integrated quantum tech into its core business and global strategy. SKT made headlines by acquiring a major stake in ID Quantique (IDQ) of Switzerland in 2018, injecting $65 million to become a majority shareholder. This gave SKT access to advanced QKD hardware and expertise, and the two companies together built South Korea’s national quantum-secure network infrastructure. By 2022, SK Broadband (an SKT affiliate) and IDQ completed Phase 1 of a nation-wide QKD network (“National Convergence Network”) spanning 800 km and 48 government organizations. This network, among the largest outside China, provides quantum-encrypted links for ministries and regional offices, significantly hardening government communications against eavesdropping. SKT has also commercialized QKD in the telecom arena – in 2019 it applied QKD on live 5G links and even introduced a quantum random number generator (QRNG) for 5G subscriber authentication. The company didn’t stop there: together with Samsung Electronics, SKT released the “Galaxy Quantum” smartphone series (starting 2020), which embeds an ultra-small IDQ QRNG chip in ordinary handsets. These Quantum phones (now on the Galaxy Quantum 4/5 generation) provide secure key generation for apps like mobile banking, payments, and storage, giving consumers quantum-enhanced security by default. SKT’s latest product, unveiled in 2024, is Q-HSM, a quantum-enhanced hardware security module that combines a QRNG and a physical unclonable function (PUF) with software PQC – an all-in-one solution for high-assurance encryption. This kind of innovation shows how Korean companies are blending quantum with classical technologies to create commercial products (from chips to services) even before full-scale quantum computers arrive.

Another example of industry engagement is LG Electronics, which joined the IBM Quantum Network in 2022 to explore quantum computing applications in its business domains (such as materials design for electronics, optimization in manufacturing, AI, and IoT). LG and IBM’s collaboration gives LG access to IBM’s 100+ qubit systems and Qiskit tools, allowing its researchers to develop quantum algorithms for real-world problems. KT Corporation, Korea’s other big telecom, has partnered with international players like Toshiba to test QKD for secure data links (including a successful field trial of a 490 km QKD link protecting bank data transmissions). Even non-IT conglomerates like POSCO (a steelmaker) are eyeing quantum computing for materials science breakthroughs (POSCO participated in the K-QIC quantum industry alliance ).

Alongside conglomerates, startups and SMEs in South Korea are driving quantum innovation in niche areas and commercialization. A few notable startups include:

EYL (Essential Tech) – Founded in 2015, EYL developed a tiny quantum random number generator chip (just 5×5 mm) for IoT devices. Their ultralight QRNG chip is being used in applications like smart cards and even reportedly by the U.S. Air Force to secure drone communications. This demonstrates global demand for Korean quantum components.

First Quantum – A software startup (est. 2022) focusing on quantum algorithms for heavy computing tasks. First Quantum is working on quantum approaches to computational fluid dynamics (solving Navier-Stokes equations) for aerospace and climate modeling, and also algorithms for finance (portfolio optimization, derivative pricing). By targeting high-value industrial problems, they aim to be ready as quantum hardware matures.

QSIMPLUS – A Seoul-based startup (est. 2021) offering QSIMPro, a quantum communication software simulator. Their drag-and-drop simulator allows users to prototype quantum cryptography systems (like QKD networks) without physical hardware, lowering the barrier for organizations to design and test quantum-secure communication. This helps train engineers in quantum protocols and could accelerate adoption of quantum comms in the IT industry.

Qunova Computing – Daejeon-based (est. 2021) focusing on quantum software for drug discovery and materials science. Qunova’s algorithms aim to speed up identification of new pharmaceutical compounds and functional materials, helping clients cut R&D time and cost. This aligns with South Korea’s strength in chemistry and manufacturing – quantum simulations could enhance those sectors.

The startup scene is supported by government incubators and funding (for example, a new ₩20 billion/year quantum startup fund, and inclusion of quantum firms in Korea’s “Top Startup 1000” program ). Collaboration between big companies and startups is also encouraged. Notably, SK Telecom has forged a strategic partnership with IonQ, a U.S. quantum computing leader, to integrate quantum solutions into SKT’s services. In 2025 SKT agreed to exchange its shares in ID Quantique for a stake in IonQ, tying the two companies together. Under this partnership, SKT will combine IonQ’s trapped-ion quantum computing with its own AI platforms and telecom infrastructure, and even merge quantum cryptography (QKD, PQC) into its AI data centers. This bold move shows a vision of convergence: SKT sees quantum computing as a “game-changing field” essential for the future of AI and telecom. By aligning with IonQ, SKT gains early access to cutting-edge quantum hardware, while IonQ gains a powerful deployment partner in Asia – a win-win that could accelerate commercialization in both markets.

In summary, South Korea’s private sector involvement ranges from cryptography and hardware components (QRNG chips, QKD devices) to quantum computing applications and cloud services. The largest conglomerates are investing in R&D, setting up partnerships (IBM, IonQ, Toshiba, etc.), and even influencing international standards (Samsung SDS, for example, is the only Asian firm in a NIST-led PQC migration project). Meanwhile, startups are innovating quickly in specialized areas, supported by a growing venture funding pipeline and government incentives. This dynamic interplay between established corporations, new ventures, and academia is slowly shaping a quantum industry ecosystem in South Korea, aimed at turning lab innovations into real-world technologies.

Quantum Cryptography and Secure Communication Focus

Secure communication is a cornerstone of South Korea’s quantum agenda, given the country’s advanced digital infrastructure and cybersecurity concerns. Two complementary approaches are being pursued: quantum key distribution (QKD) for ultra-secure links, and post-quantum cryptography (PQC) to future-proof encryption on classical networks. South Korea is investing heavily in both, making it a global leader in quantum cryptography deployment.

On the QKD front, as noted earlier, the country has built one of the world’s most extensive quantum-secured networks. The National Convergence QKD Network, completed in 2022, connects 48 government departments across an 800 km optical fiber backbone. This network uses advanced QKD devices (e.g. ID Quantique’s Clavis XG) integrated with standard telecom infrastructure to deliver provably secure encryption keys to government agencies. It was engineered with redundancy and software-defined networking to ensure high availability and easy scaling. Remarkably, South Korea was the third country in the world to roll out a quantum-encrypted communication service (after pioneers like Switzerland and China), launching a commercial QKD service in 2022 via its telcos. To ensure trust in this new technology, Korea also introduced the world’s first security verification system for quantum communications in 2023 – essentially a certification program led by the national intelligence agency to test and approve QKD systems for governmental use. Such efforts address the practical challenges of deploying QKD at scale, from interoperability to standardization and compliance. As a result, Korean QKD equipment (and integrated network management software) has achieved official security approval from authorities for the first time globally. This gives Korean industry a potential export advantage as other nations look to secure their networks. Indeed, Korean firms (in partnership with IDQ) have started marketing quantum-safe network solutions internationally, highlighting their experience securing critical infrastructure (for example, Korea Electric Power Corp has adopted QKD to protect power grid control systems).

Concurrently, South Korea is preparing its cryptographic infrastructure for the eventual advent of quantum computers through PQC research and standardization. The National Intelligence Service (NIS) and affiliated researchers have been proactive in this area. In 2023, NIS and the Ministry of Science & ICT published a PQC Master Plan and initiated a multi-year contest (the KpqC competition) to select homegrown post-quantum algorithms for national use. This mirrors the NIST PQC process in the US, but with algorithms tailored and vetted for Korea’s needs. By January 2025, the KpqC competition announced its final four winning algorithms (two for digital signature, two for key exchange). Among these were HAETAE, a variant of the lattice-based Dilithium signature, and AIMer, an innovative hash-based signature developed by Samsung SDS/KAIST, as well as SMAUG-T and NTRU+ for encryption/key exchange. The selection of AIMer (Samsung’s algorithm) as a national standard demonstrates the fruitful industry-academic collaboration on PQC. It also shows Korea’s intent to have indigenous cryptographic options alongside international ones, reducing reliance on foreign standards. The government plans a nationwide migration to PQC in coming years, ensuring that public-sector and critical systems adopt quantum-resistant encryption well before large quantum computers arrive. Samsung SDS has already piloted PQC on its cloud platform and is developing tools to help enterprises transition (like the S-CAPE crypto-agility platform that scans and replaces vulnerable algorithms). This dual approach – deploy QKD where possible for ultimate security, and deploy PQC broadly for resilience – is a hallmark of South Korea’s strategy. It recognizes that QKD, while powerful, is distance-limited and requires new hardware, whereas PQC can retrofit existing systems; by pursuing both, Korea covers near-term and long-term threats.

South Korea’s emphasis on quantum cryptography also ties into national security and defense. Military and intelligence agencies are exploring quantum-secure communication to protect classified information and communications links. Projects include developing quantum repeaters (to extend QKD over longer distances and even satellite links) and quantum-resistant navigation systems that could enable positioning without GPS signals (important if GPS is jammed or compromised in wartime). In fact, at the Quantum Strategy Committee in 2025, officials highlighted how quantum tech could “detect stealth submarines” and secure military communications, underlining its strategic defense value. The government is accordingly integrating quantum cryptography into national security infrastructure – for example, linking military command centers with QKD and testing quantum sensors for surveillance.

In summary, South Korea has become a testbed for quantum-secure communications on multiple levels: from nationwide QKD networks for government and critical infrastructure, to pioneering standards and products in post-quantum encryption. Few countries have such a comprehensive push in both QKD and PQC. This positions South Korea well to safeguard its digital society against future quantum threats, and also creates opportunities to export its quantum security technologies abroad as other nations follow suit. The lessons learned from Korea’s early deployments (technical, regulatory, and operational) are valuable contributions to the global quest for secure communications in the quantum era.

Geopolitical Position and Competitive Outlook

South Korea’s quantum ambitions unfold against the backdrop of intense global competition in quantum technologies. The country is acutely aware of the strides being made by the United States, China, the European Union, Japan, and others, and is positioning its strategy to remain competitive despite having a smaller economy and R&D budget than the great powers. Compared to the U.S. and China, South Korea’s funding levels still lag – for example, the Korean government committed roughly $136 million for quantum R&D in 2025, which officials acknowledge is modest next to the multi-billion-dollar investments announced by the U.S., China, and U.K. China in particular has poured enormous resources into quantum: its government has a broad tech initiative that earmarked an estimated ₩200 trillion (≒$137 billion) for quantum, AI, and related technologies – orders of magnitude above Korea’s spending. The U.S. launched its National Quantum Initiative in 2018 with sustained funding, and the EU’s Quantum Flagship program (2018–2028) is backed by €1 billion from the European Commission (plus additional from member states). By contrast, South Korea’s plan of 3 trillion KRW (≒$2.3 billion) public-private investment by 2035, while significant, must be efficiently used to close the gap. South Korea is essentially trying to leapfrog by leveraging its niche strengths (like telecommunications, semiconductors, and encryption) and by focusing resources strategically rather than trying to match dollar-for-dollar.

One advantage for South Korea is its agility and clear national focus. The government’s identification of quantum tech as one of four “essential base technologies” for national security and growth means it enjoys high-level political support. Under President Yoon’s administration, South Korea explicitly aims to become a global top-tier quantum player by 2035, even targeting 10% of the world quantum technology market by that year. Achieving this will require not just funding but also galvanizing private industry – something experts have pointed out. Korean industry leaders have called on the government to incentivize large conglomerates to invest more aggressively in quantum R&D, beyond the basic research phase. This is starting to happen with companies like Samsung and SK Telecom ramping up efforts, as detailed above. If Samsung, SK, LG, and others all throw their weight behind quantum, South Korea could punch above its weight in innovation. The government’s role is seen as providing the initial push and a favorable ecosystem to “de-risk” quantum technology for the private sector.

Geopolitically, South Korea is leveraging alliances to augment its capabilities. Close cooperation with the United States is a cornerstone: the 2023 joint statement on quantum cooperation and the establishment of the Korea-US Quantum Technology Cooperation Center facilitate exchange of researchers and the creation of joint research projects. By collaborating with U.S. national labs (e.g. Argonne via KISTI ) and companies (IBM, IonQ, Microsoft, etc.), Korean researchers gain access to advanced facilities and intellectual networks. This international collaboration helps Korea keep pace with cutting-edge developments. Similarly, partnerships in Europe – South Korea funds joint quantum R&D centers in countries like France or Austria (as hinted by the $1B commitment for US/EU joint centers) – allow Korea to be part of the EU’s quantum projects. Notably, Korea has aligned with “like-minded countries” such as those in the EU and adopted open collaboration policies; for instance, it welcomes foreign quantum startups to Korea with generous programs. An example is a Denmark-Korea collaboration initiative, where the Korean government co-funds quantum communication research with European partners. This openness not only accelerates Korea’s learning but also bolsters its image as a global quantum hub in the making. In Asia, Japan is both a collaborator and a competitor. Japan has long-standing quantum programs (it ranks as the 4th largest government investor in quantum tech globally, after the US, China, and EU ) and companies like Toshiba and Fujitsu pushing the frontier. South Korea’s approach has been to quickly build capacity so it does not fall behind its neighbor. The formation of quantum graduate schools and aggressive hiring of talent (including Koreans trained abroad) is partially in response to competition with Japan and China, which have larger pools of quantum scientists. Nonetheless, Korea and Japan also engage via multilateral forums (like the Quantum Summit at the 2023 G7) and through IBM’s quantum network (both have domestic IBM quantum centers), indicating a blend of competition and cooperation.

Another dimension is South Korea’s emphasis on supply chain security and standard-setting. Being a semiconductor powerhouse, Korea sees quantum technology as an extension of its existing tech dominance. Government documents emphasize strengthening the quantum supply chain for materials, components, and equipment. This is partly a response to geopolitical supply chain tensions – Korea aims to produce key quantum hardware (e.g. photon detectors, low-temperature electronics, quantum processors) domestically or within allied nations, to avoid dependence on any single foreign supplier. By fostering local startups (like those making QRNG chips or photonic chips) and involving electronics giants, Korea could become a supplier of quantum tech rather than an importer. Additionally, through the PQC competition and QKD standard efforts, Korea is contributing to international standards in quantum security. If Korean algorithms or protocols get widely adopted, it gives the nation a competitive edge and a voice in global tech governance. We see early signs of this: Korean PQC algorithms like HAETAE and AIMer may become part of global cryptographic standards, and Korea’s work on QKD network integration could inform ITU or ISO standards for quantum networks.

In conclusion, South Korea’s strategy in the quantum race is one of focused acceleration and strategic partnership. The country is trying to carve out leadership in areas that align with its industrial strengths (communications, cryptography, hardware manufacturing) while teaming up with Western allies to gain ground in quantum computing. It acknowledges it cannot outspend the US or China, so it must innovate and collaborate to stay relevant. The next decade will be critical – if Korea meets its goals of a 1,000-qubit home-grown quantum computer and a nationwide quantum internet by 2030–2035, it will secure a seat at the table among the quantum superpowers. Conversely, any slowdown could see it eclipsed by larger players. For now, South Korea is firmly on the map as a rising quantum technology contender, with a vibrant ecosystem that spans government, academia, and industry working in concert.

Conclusion and Outlook

South Korea’s quantum technology ecosystem has rapidly matured from obscurity into a well-organized force. Backed by a clear national strategy and increasing investments, Korea is making its mark through cutting-edge research at top universities, substantial government support for quantum computing and communications, and active participation from industry giants and startups alike. The country’s balanced focus – on quantum computing platforms, quantum-safe communications (QKD and PQC), and quantum sensing – reflects a holistic understanding of the quantum revolution’s impact. Technical milestones like multi-qubit photonic chips, large-scale QKD deployment, and novel PQC algorithms showcase Korea’s growing R&D prowess. At the same time, initiatives such as dedicated quantum grad schools and the training of thousands of specialists ensure that human capital will not be a bottleneck.

Significantly, South Korea has embedded quantum technology into its broader economic and security policies – treating it as a critical technology for the future, much like semiconductors or AI. This means support for quantum is likely to be sustained across administrations. The new Quantum Promotion Act and the high-level coordination committee provide institutional continuity. The close involvement of companies like Samsung and SK Telecom means Korea’s formidable industrial base is being channeled toward quantum innovation, which could lead to faster commercialization of quantum devices and services (from quantum-secure phones to cloud quantum computing access). Internationally, Korea is emerging as a valuable partner – collaborating with the US and EU, and also offering a testbed for quantum tech deployment that other countries can learn from. Its approach to quantum cryptography in particular is often cited as a model, with one of the first real-world quantum-secured networks and a clear path to upgrade national encryption standards.

Challenges certainly remain. Korea must continue to increase its R&D investment to keep pace with global leaders and avoid a “quantum divide.” It will need to translate prototype systems (like a 6-qubit photonic chip) into fully functional quantum computers and find practical uses for them. Fostering a quantum startup to grow into a “unicorn” or enabling a breakthrough product from a major company will be key to proving the returns on investment. There is also the matter of global competition – other nations are not standing still, and talent is scarce worldwide. South Korea will have to attract and retain top talent (domestic and foreign) to fulfill its goals. The government’s estimate of 2,500 quantum experts by 2035 is ambitious, and meeting it will require not just education but also offering attractive research opportunities and careers in Korea so that brain drain is minimized.

Despite these challenges, the trajectory for South Korea is very promising. The quantum ecosystem there is both broadening and deepening each year. We see basic research translating into applied projects, and those in turn informing national strategy – a virtuous cycle. If South Korea continues on this path, it is plausible that by the 2030s it will be mentioned in the same breath as the US, China, and EU as a global quantum powerhouse, particularly in the realms of quantum communication security and hybrid quantum-classical computing applications. In the increasingly digital and interconnected world, South Korea’s early investments in quantum-safe infrastructure may also pay off in terms of cybersecurity resilience, giving it an edge in protecting critical information. Moreover, as quantum technologies start to drive economic opportunities (from new pharmaceuticals to optimization of logistics), South Korea’s stake in the game ensures it can capitalize on the quantum-driven economy of the future.

In conclusion, South Korea’s quantum technology ecosystem exemplifies how a mid-sized nation can make outsized progress through strategic focus, public-private collaboration, and global cooperation. Its experience underscores important lessons: the need for a national roadmap, the benefits of integrating academia and industry, and the importance of preparing for security challenges ahead of time.