South Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT will expand its quantum communication testing infrastructure with three new hubs, commercial, overseas and future, targeting completion by 2028. Building on testbeds established along the Seoul, Pangyo and Daejeon corridor since 2024, the project will see KT lead development of the commercial and future hubs, while SK Broadband focuses on overseas expansion.
“To speed up the commercialization of quantum technology, it is important to broaden the testing infrastructure so that companies can verify their technology and products in a variety of environments,” according to an MSIT official. The three-year initiative will invest 7.4 billion won this year, combining government funding with private sector contributions.
KT and SK Broadband Lead Expansion of Quantum Testbeds
KT will extend the existing quantum test network to include Daegu this year, with planned expansions to Gwangju and Busan in the following year, and ultimately reaching the Gangwon region by 2028. This phased rollout aims to facilitate the application of quantum cryptography communications to critical data transmission in sectors like research, healthcare and finance, while simultaneously verifying the compatibility of equipment produced by various domestic manufacturers.
The strategic expansion beyond the initial Seoul, Pangyo, and Daejeon corridor reflects a deliberate effort to broaden the accessibility and relevance of the testing infrastructure for a wider range of industries and potential users. SK Broadband is tasked with establishing the overseas hub, focusing on cross-border quantum security testing through connections with existing quantum testbeds in Singapore, Poland and Bulgaria. This international collaboration will employ quantum key distribution (QKD) for domestic and short-range overseas segments, while using cryptography (PQC) for long-haul international connections.
Researchers will test the transmission of research data and the protection of data related to emerging technologies like urban air mobility (UAM), alongside assessing the viability of deploying domestic quantum technology internationally. The project’s scope extends beyond mere technological demonstration. It seeks to validate the real-world applicability and export potential of Korean-developed quantum solutions. The future hub led by KT will concentrate on developing a testing environment for quantum communications technologies, including long-distance wireless quantum cryptography communications and the distribution of quantum entanglement across multiple locations.
The entire project, spanning from this year through 2028, represents a total investment of 7.4 billion won, with 3.75 billion won provided by government funding and 3.65 billion won contributed by the private sector. This public-private partnership demonstrates a shared commitment to accelerating the advancement of quantum communications technology and establishing South Korea as a leader in this rapidly evolving field.
The division between KT and SK Broadband, with KT focusing on the commercial and future hubs and SK Broadband spearheading the overseas hub, suggests a strategic approach to both domestic market penetration and international expansion.
To speed up the commercialization of quantum technology, it is important to broaden the testing infrastructure so that companies can verify their technology and products in a variety of environments.
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