A fair bringing together research, industry and policy trends in quantum science and technology from around the world will be held.

The Ministry of Science and ICT said on Tuesday it will hold "Quantum Korea 2026" for three days from July 2 to 4 at the Art Hall of Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) in Seoul.

Quantum Korea is an event where domestic and foreign governments, researchers and quantum companies share the latest technologies and policies. This year, under the theme "Quantum becomes reality, a bold challenge for innovation," it focuses on changes in which quantum technology is implemented in research and industrial settings.

This year's event includes 56 companies and institutions from 12 countries, including IBM, IonQ, Quandela and PASQAL, as well as domestic universities, government-funded research institutes and companies. About 300 people, including delegations from the European Union, Britain, Canada, the Netherlands and Australia, along with industry, academia and research figures, will attend the opening ceremony.

The exhibition hall will introduce quantum computing technologies using various approaches, including photonics, neutral atoms, ion traps and superconductivity. It will also unveil core technologies and research results from South Korean researchers, including the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science, the Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul National University and the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST).

In quantum communications and sensing, SK Telecom, KT and the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute will present quantum cryptography communications and quantum internet technologies they have developed. The Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science's atomic clock and the Agency for Defense Development's defense quantum sensing technology will also be on display.

Keynote speakers include Isaac Chuang (아이작 추앙), a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the United States, and Myung-shik Kim (김명식), a chair professor at Imperial College London in Britain. Chuang will speak on "Quantum engineering: System challenges," while Kim will present on "Quantum technology, the journey so far."

At the "Quantum Frontier Forum," officials from governments, companies and research institutions in major countries will discuss quantum strategies by country, industrial use cases and international standardisation plans. Nvidia, IonQ, Quantinuum and IDQ Korea will also introduce technology achievements in quantum computing and communications.

An international academic conference, "CQI 2026," will also be held during the event. A total of 28 domestic and foreign researchers will present their findings in quantum computing, communications, sensing and converged technologies.

On the final day, July 4, programmes for the general public will include a lecture by science communicator Gwiedo and a talk concert with science creator Science Cookie and broadcaster Heo Seong-beom. Other offerings include talks by quantum experts. A quantum art exhibition, the play "Quantum War" and a physics magic show will also be provided as cultural and hands-on events.

Science and ICT Minister Bae Kyung-hoon said, "Quantum technology innovation is no longer a story of the distant future but is unfolding as reality." He added, "The government will support South Korea's move toward becoming a nation that leads quantum technology and industry through various policy support."