Science and ICT Minister Yoo Sang-im (left) visits KT’s booth at MWC 2025 in Barcelona, Spain, on March 3 with KT CEO Kim Young-shub (right).” (Joint Press Corps)

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South Korea is stepping up efforts to secure sixth-generation (6G) mobile communication technology and quantum technology as its key future technologies.

6G is a crucial infrastructure for next-generation communication that will pave the way for more immersive and experiential services than the current fifth-generation (5G) networks.

“We are steadily preparing for the early acquisition of core 6G technologies via proactive research and development (R&D) investments and securing radio frequencies, as well as taking the lead in standardization,” Korean Minister of Science and ICT Yoo Sang-im said recently. “Our goal is to secure more than 30 percent of global 6G standard patents.”

Yoo also emphasized that quantum technology is another strategic industry that Korea must not overlook. He stressed the importance of gradual investments in quantum technology, given its wide applications in artificial intelligence (AI), telecommunications, and security.

“It will take a considerable amount of time for quantum technology to be fully industrialized,” Yoo noted. “But if we fall behind in quantum technology, we may miss out on crucial research opportunities related to key technologies moving forward. We cannot afford to let it happen.”

One of the key challenges in these initiatives is transitioning to a leading-edge R&D structure that ensures excellent research outcomes smoothly flow into the private sector.

“In terms of research competitiveness, Korea is by no means lagging behind,” he said. “Even for projects like ‘Horizon Europe,’ many countries are eager to collaborate with us.”

Horizon Europe is the European Union’s (EU) financial support initiative and the world’s largest multinational research and innovation (R&I) program.

He also pointed out a structural challenge, saying, “Our domestic market is too small for globally competitive technologies to grow solely within the country. We need to break down barriers so that companies can expand and reach unicorn status (a company valued at over $1 billion).”