South Korea unveils future technology drivers, targets moon landing by 2030

South Korea has unveiled a sweeping technology strategy, the “Seven Major SEED” initiative, designed to cultivate new growth engines beyond its dominant semiconductor and AI sectors. President Lee Jae Myung announced the plan, which centers on seven ambitious projects including nuclear energy, quantum computing, space exploration, and biotechnology.

The initiative sets bold targets: a domestic moon landing by 2030, the development of a 100-qubit quantum computer by 2029, and the commercial deployment of indigenous small modular reactors (SMRs) by 2035. Brain-computer interface products are also slated for commercialization by 2035.

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The seven SEED projects we are discussing today will become next-generation growth engines and core strategic national assets.

"The seven SEED projects we are discussing today will become next-generation growth engines and core strategic national assets," Lee stated. The strategy encompasses SMRs, fusion energy, advanced renewables, quantum technology, space and aviation, biotechnology, and critical minerals supply chains. This comprehensive approach aims to address South Korea's challenges of a shrinking working-age population and slowing potential growth.

Science Minister Bae Kyung-hoon expressed confidence in the plan, saying, "We will help these seeds grow and build a South Korea that no one can rival in 10 or 20 years." The roadmap includes developing ultra-efficient solar cells, advanced offshore wind technologies, hydrogen systems, and AI-based power grids. In the space sector, beyond the moon landing, plans involve a second lunar mission in 2032 and building an independent satellite communications network by 2035. The biotechnology component focuses on AI-driven drug discovery and commercializing brain-computer interfaces.

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We will help these seeds grow and build a South Korea that no one can rival in 10 or 20 years.