South Korea’s moon landing, quantum chips: Seoul bets big on post-AI economy

South Korea is investing heavily in futuristic technologies in a bid to boost its sluggish growth amid an aging population and growing dependence on semiconductor exports. The country unveiled a plan to develop seven next-generation industries over the next two decades, aiming to secure a foothold in emerging areas that could shape a post-AI world.

These industries, dubbed "Strategic Emerging Engines for Disruptive Innovation" (SEEDs), include quantum technology, small modular reactors, nuclear fusion, advanced renewable energy, space and aviation, advanced biotechnology, and advanced supply chains. The government aims to achieve significant milestones in these fields, such as landing a spacecraft on the moon by 2030, becoming the world's leading manufacturer of quantum chips by 2035, and generating electricity through nuclear fusion by the next decade.

With South Korea facing a projected record-low growth rate of 1.52% in 2027, as reported by the OECD, the government believes these initiatives will help diversify the economy and position the country competitively against superpowers like the United States and China, which are heavily investing in "post-AI" technologies.