Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 3 hrs ago
South Korea names quantum technology a future growth priority
South Korea has made quantum technology one of seven future growth priorities, as governments and industries look to its potential to reshape technology.
Quantum mechanics describes how very small particles behave, and effects such as quantum tunnelling are already used to store data in NAND flash memory.
An earlier wave of quantum science helped enable technologies such as semiconductors, lasers, MRI and atomic clocks.
Researchers are now working toward a second quantum revolution, aimed at directly controlling states such as superposition and entanglement.
The United States and China are investing in quantum technologies, including computing, communications and sensing, as they compete for technological advantage.
South Korea is seeking to build its own capabilities, with the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science working alongside industry, universities and research institutions.
The government has said it is pursuing domestic quantum-computer development and greater technological independence.
South Korea has named quantum technology one of seven areas designated as future growth drivers.
The government says it will work to secure technological sovereignty, including by developing a domestic quantum computer.
The Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science says quantum technologies are attracting attention as technologies that could reshape future industries.
The institute says a second quantum revolution, based on controlling quantum states, could have wide effects across society.
Quantum effects already underpin technologies including semiconductor chips, lasers, MRI scanners and atomic clocks.
- Who
- The South Korean government named quantum technology as a future growth priority.
- What
- It selected quantum technology as one of seven “SEED” areas and is pursuing domestic quantum-computer development.
- When
- The selection was announced in August; the article was published on November 13, 2026.
- Where
- South Korea.
- Why
- The government aims to secure technological sovereignty and develop technologies seen as capable of reshaping future industries.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Werner Heisenberg published matrix mechanics, an early foundation of modern quantum mechanics.
Erwin Schrödinger’s wave equation was established.
The uncertainty principle was established, further laying the foundations of modern quantum mechanics.
The United Nations declared the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology.
South Korea selected quantum technology as one of its seven future-growth “SEED” areas.
- Priority status
- One of seven future-growth “SEED” areas
- Domestic development
- South Korea is pursuing development of a domestic quantum computer
- Research institute
- Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS)
- Article publication
- November 13, 2026
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What people are saying
The second quantum revolution unfolding on the legacy of physics accumulated over the past 100 years will be a powerful catalyst for a huge quantum leap across human society.