Korea is rapidly expanding its commitment to future data security by extending its post-quantum cryptography (PQC) pilot program to encompass five critical new sectors: telecommunications, finance, transportation, defense, and space. Building on an initial rollout in medical, energy, and administrative areas, the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) has selected Dream Security, KSmartech, Mobilitus, Daeyoung S-Tek, and a KSign-led consortium to implement PQC within their respective industries. This shift utilizes complex mathematical structures like lattice and hash-based schemes, a departure from current cryptography reliant on prime factorization and discrete logarithms, to counter emerging threats from quantum computing. Lim Jung-kyu, Director General for Information Security and Network Policy at MSIT, stated that quantum security is essential for protecting national security and the daily lives of citizens, as the nation aims to become a leader in quantum security.
Korea’s Five-Sector Post-Quantum Cryptography Pilot Expansion
Korea is expanding its national pilot program for post-quantum cryptography to include the telecommunications, finance, transportation, defense, and space sectors; this builds upon initial deployments within medical, energy, and administrative infrastructure, demonstrating a commitment to safeguarding its digital future. Five Korean firms have been specifically selected to lead this transition: Dream Security will focus on the National Science and Technology Research Network (KREONET), while KSmartech will secure Hana Card’s payment infrastructure. Mobilitus is tasked with integrating PQC into the intelligent transportation system in Pangyo Zero City, a project undertaken with the Korea Road Traffic Authority; Daeyoung S-Tek will fortify the Ministry of National Defense’s Smart Unit Integrated Platform, and a KSign-led consortium will implement PQC within Contec’s satellite communication infrastructure. These deployments are designed to identify and resolve practical technical challenges and establish standardized conversion procedures for widespread adoption.
Beyond these initial pilot projects, MSIT is investing in research and development to achieve full technological self-reliance in PQC by securing core technologies throughout the entire process, from automated vulnerability identification to rapid system conversion and operational verification. The ministry anticipates that these efforts will position Korea as a leader in quantum security, demonstrating a proactive approach to a rapidly evolving technological landscape and the associated security risks.
Lattice & Hash-Based Schemes Drive PQC Technology R&D
PQC utilizes more complex mathematical structures, specifically lattice and hash-based schemes, designed to resist decryption even by powerful quantum computers. Four new initiatives will focus on building an autonomous PQC conversion platform, optimizing PQC for lightweight hardware, developing conformance verification technology for cryptographic modules, and combining PQC with quantum key distribution (QKD) technologies. This proactive approach demonstrates a clear understanding of the evolving cybersecurity landscape and a determination to remain ahead of potential vulnerabilities posed by advancements in quantum computing.
Quantum security is no longer a choice but an essential core task for protecting national security and the daily lives of our citizens.
Lim Jung-kyu, Director General for Information Security and Network Policy at MSIT
