[Edaily Reporter Lee So-Hyun ] “After artificial intelligence (AI) comes quantum computing.”

The opening ceremony for “Quantum Korea 2026” was held on the 2nd at the Art Hall of the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) in Seoul. In his opening remarks, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT Bae Kyung-hoon identified quantum technology as the key technology following AI.

This year’s event slogan is “Quantum Becomes Reality: A Bold Challenge for Innovation.” Inside the exhibition hall, this phrase was more than just a slogan. Scenes unfolded everywhere showing how quantum technology—once considered a laboratory concept—is now connected to the semiconductor, telecommunications, security, artificial intelligence, healthcare, and materials industries.

Deputy Prime Minister Bae’s emphasis on quantum technology stems from concerns about the limitations of AI computing. “Current AI computing methods require enormous costs and power,” he said, adding, “At some point, they will reach their limits.” While large language models (LLMs) are evolving toward artificial general intelligence (AGI), he explained that bringing this technology into everyday life requires a new computing paradigm that transcends existing computing methods. As the government pushes forward with the “Three Major Mega-Projects for Korea’s Great Leap Forward,” centered on semiconductors, physical AI, and AI data centers, quantum technology has been presented as the next piece of the puzzle to make these initiatives sustainable.

The keynote speech that followed the opening ceremony also supported this trend. Professor Isaac Chuang of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) emphasized that quantum computing has moved beyond the stage of simple physics experiments and has become a challenge in “systems engineering.” The point is that for quantum computers to be used in industrial settings, it is not enough to simply increase the number of qubits; they must also reduce errors, ensure stable control, and have a structure that allows for programming and debugging. Professor Kim Myung-sik of Imperial College London pointed out that quantum technology is shifting from the language of scientists to that of industry and business.

Companies at the forefront of the quantum industry filled the exhibition hall. At the IBM booth, a model of a quantum computer cooling device—a massive cylindrical structure—was on display. The sight of golden wiring and copper-colored components cascading in layers evoked the image of a futuristic chandelier.

The IONQ booth showcased ion trap chips and related equipment. The small golden chip housed inside a transparent case was smaller than the palm of a hand. A booth representative explained, “This device is the core component of IONQ’s quantum computing system,” adding, “It traps and controls individual ions using electric fields, enabling us to solve complex industrial problems in fields such as logistics, chemistry, and artificial intelligence.”

Domestic telecommunications companies also showcased their quantum technologies. SKTelecom(017670)introduced photonic integrated circuit (PIC)-based quantum key distribution (QKD), quantum random number generators (QRNG), and wireless and satellite QKD technologies under the theme “Next-Generation Quantum Cryptography Security for the AI and 6G Era.” KTCorporation(030200), under the slogan “KTCorporation: Where the Quantum Future Begins,” showcased a suite of quantum key distribution equipment—manufactured by domestic companies using technology transferred from KTCorporation—along with proof-of-concept cases in the public, financial, and defense sectors.

SDT, which positions itself as a domestic full-stack quantum technology company, exhibited foundational equipment necessary for quantum computer implementation, such as cryogenic systems, pulse-tube refrigerators, and gas handling systems for dilution refrigerators. This demonstrated that quantum technology is not limited to chips or algorithms alone, but rather involves competition within an industrial ecosystem that includes cooling, control, and measurement equipment. On that day, the SDT booth attracted attention when a Canadian delegation, including Victor Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development for the Province of Ontario, visited to explore business cooperation opportunities.

The event served not only as a showcase for technology companies but also as a stage for “quantum diplomacy.” Booths from government agencies of various countries, including Canada and Australia, were set up at the exhibition, and the United Kingdom also introduced its national quantum ecosystem through forums and industry sessions. An official at the event explained, “Quantum technology can only be commercialized when integrated with semiconductor manufacturing, communication networks, cloud computing, AI data centers, and the precision equipment industry,” adding, “South Korea is a market that possesses all these foundations, which is why countries are sending their companies and research institutions to seek cooperation opportunities with Korea.”

Near the entrance to the exhibition hall, a public exhibition space was set up to explain quantum concepts in an accessible way. A panel titled “What Is Quantum?” explained that a quantum is the smallest unit of physical properties—such as energy and momentum—that do not have continuous values. In the “Quantum Superposition” section, Schrödinger’s cat appeared alongside the phrase, “Is it dead or alive?” This example—in which the cat exists in both a dead and alive state simultaneously until measured—conveyed the complex concept of quantum mechanics in an intuitive way.

The exhibition on superconducting quantum computers was also designed to be accessible to the general public. An accompanying explanation noted that while classical computers process bits consisting of 0s and 1s, quantum computers utilize qubits, in which 0 and 1 can exist simultaneously.

Quantum Korea 2026 is being held through the 4th at Art Halls 1 and 2 of the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) in Seoul. The event features research and industry exhibitions, an international conference, the Quantum Frontier Forum, and public lectures, and admission is free. Although pre-registration has closed, visitors can still attend by registering on-site. The exhibition is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily during the event.