SK Telecom (SKT) and KT participated in the opening of 'Quantum Korea 2026' at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) in Seoul on July 2, showcasing next-generation quantum security technologies and services. SKT presented semiconductor-based quantum security technology, while KT demonstrated practical applications of post-quantum cryptography (PQC).
According to the Ministry of Science and ICT, Quantum Korea 2026 will run until July 4 at DDP. This year's event features 56 companies and research institutions from 12 countries, showcasing a variety of quantum technologies including photonics, neutral atoms, ion traps, and superconducting methods.
The telecommunications sector is also involved. SKT unveiled technologies such as photonic integrated circuit (PIC)-based quantum key distribution (QKD), quantum random number generators (QRNG), and wireless and satellite QKD technologies. They have implemented a 10 Gbps QRNG in a compact chip and are developing an integrated QKD chip that combines the transmitter, receiver, and QRNG optical system. This aims to facilitate the miniaturization and mass production of quantum cryptography technologies.
SKT also showcased wireless quantum cryptography technology targeting the 6G era. The company is currently developing long-range wireless QKD technology capable of operating over distances of 30 kilometers, with plans to apply it to satellite communications in the future. Additionally, they introduced a quantum security module (Q-HSM) that combines QRNG and PQC, as well as a zero-trust-based security solution (Q-SSE).
KT presented its quantum cryptography communication technology that combines PQC and QKD, along with application cases. They displayed domestically developed QKD technology and equipment, highlighting the current status of both wired and wireless quantum cryptography technologies.
KT has advanced its self-developed wired QKD technology, which operates at 300 kbps, and completed a demonstration of wireless quantum cryptography communication over approximately 4.8 kilometers near the Daedeok 2 Research Center in Daejeon in 2025. They are now working on expanding the transmission distance to over 10 kilometers.
The event also featured application cases in public, financial, and defense sectors. Through the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Korea Internet & Security Agency's '2026 Post-Quantum Cryptography Pilot Transition Support Project,' PQC has been applied to key defense systems. Demonstrations of heterogeneous quantum cryptography communication between Seoul and Busan, Shinhan Bank's hybrid quantum security network, and the National Cancer Center's AI medical data encryption project were also introduced.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT Lee Jong-ho stated, "The innovation of quantum technology is no longer a distant future but is already unfolding before our eyes. Quantum technology, alongside semiconductors and AI, will be a core national strategic technology that leads South Korea's future, and the government will continue to provide various policy support."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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