South Korea aims to land on Moon by 2030

By Alimat Aliyeva

South Korea has unveiled an ambitious strategy to develop seven key technological areas, including small modular reactors, quantum computing, space technology, and biotechnology, AzerNEWS reports.

The “Seven Major SEED” initiative was presented on Wednesday at a meeting at the presidential administration, chaired by South Korean President Lee Jae-myung.

Under the strategy, South Korea plans to achieve the commercial deployment of domestically developed small modular reactors (SMRs) by 2035. The country also aims to conduct a lunar landing by 2030 and develop its own 100-qubit quantum computer by 2029.

Another major goal is the commercialization of products based on brain-computer interfaces by 2035. These technologies could eventually allow people to control certain devices using brain signals, potentially opening new possibilities in medicine, communication, and assistive technology.

According to Reuters, the strategy comes as South Korea faces expectations of slower long-term economic growth and growing international competition in advanced technologies. Governments around the world increasingly view areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, biotechnology, and space exploration not only as sources of economic growth but also as important elements of national security.

The initiative reflects Seoul’s ambition to strengthen its position as a global technology leader. South Korea is already a major player in semiconductors, smartphones, batteries, and advanced manufacturing, and the new strategy is designed to expand that technological advantage into emerging industries.

One of the most ambitious targets is the planned lunar mission. If successful, South Korea would join a relatively small group of countries capable of carrying out advanced lunar exploration, further strengthening its position in the global space race.