South Korea Launches Nationwide Open Quantum Testbed Expansion Led by KT and SK Broadband
AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication
South Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT and the National Information Society Agency have launched the “Open Quantum Testbed Advancement and Expansion Project,” a three‑year effort to extend quantum communications nationwide. Beginning in 2026, the initiative will build on the Seoul‑Pangyo‑Daejeon corridor, deploying terrestrial QKD, hybrid post‑quantum cryptography links, and free‑space wireless QKD. KT Corporation will operate the Commercial and Future Hubs, while SK Broadband will manage the International Hub, connecting to research sites in Singapore, Poland, and Bulgaria. The first‑year budget totals 7.4 billion won, split evenly between government and private investors.
💡 Why It Matters
- · By creating an open, multi‑vendor testbed, South Korea positions itself as a global leader in secure quantum infrastructure, enabling domestic manufacturers to validate interoperable QKD and PQC solutions before commercial deployment.