South Korea unveils 'Seven Major SEED' tech plan, moon landing by 2030

South Korea has unveiled a sweeping technology roadmap aimed at securing new growth engines beyond its current strengths in semiconductors and artificial intelligence. The plan, announced on Wednesday at a Blue House meeting chaired by President Lee Jae Myung, is built around seven flagship projects spanning nuclear energy, quantum computing, space, and biotechnology.

Dubbed the "Seven Major SEED" initiative, the strategy sets concrete targets: commercial deployment of domestically developed small modular reactors by 2035, a moon landing by 2030, a homegrown 100-qubit quantum computer by 2029, and the commercialisation of brain-computer interface products by 2035.

Science Minister Bae Kyung-hoon outlined the seven focus areas: small modular reactors, fusion energy, next-generation renewables, quantum technology, space and aviation, advanced biotechnology, and critical minerals and materials supply chains.

The move comes as South Korea braces for slower long-term economic growth and intensifying global competition in technologies that governments increasingly view as vital to both economic competitiveness and national security.

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