South Korea Pledges Over KRW 200 Trillion for R&D to Target AI, Semiconductors and Robotics Leadership
Creatrip Team
18 days ago
The South Korean government will invest more than 200 trillion won over five years (2026–2030) in a national R&D strategy aiming to become a top-three AI power and to keep global leadership in semiconductor manufacturing. Priorities include developing physical AI (AI that operates in the real world), next‑generation AI data centers, advanced semiconductors (HBM, PIM, neuromorphic), and domestic production of robot core parts (gears, sensors, actuators, grippers, controllers). Targets include raising semiconductor materials-and-equipment self-reliance to 50% and robot parts localization to 80%. Ambitious goals also cover three blockbuster drugs, two full-stack quantum computer products, a 100 km quantum network, and a private lunar landing by 2030. The plan abolishes the project‑based salary system (PBS) at government research institutes, will fully fund staff salaries by 2030, expand regional R&D to 15%, create block funding for research universities, attract 2,000 overseas experts, and grow domestic unicorns from 27 to 50. AI will be used across R&D budgeting, evaluation and disaster prediction. (PBS: project-based salary system)
