South Korea is now one of the world’s leading innovation hubs. In the Global Innovation Index 2025, the country ranks 4th worldwide, achieving top scores for researchers per capita, R&D expenditure, and industry-oriented research. Particularly in areas such as digital communications, semiconductor technologies, energy systems, and medical technology, South Korea is increasingly shaping global innovation dynamics.

For the German U15 universities, cooperation with South Korea is therefore of particular importance:

→ Access to highly dynamic innovation ecosystems
→ Joint development of key future technologies
→ Strengthening resilient partnerships with value-based partners
→ Diversifying international collaborations in a geopolitically fragmented world

The delegation visit of German U15 university leaders to Seoul and Daejeon from 19–22 May 2026 demonstrated that Germany’s strength in fundamental research and South Korea’s strong focus on application and innovation complement each other in a unique way.

Day 1 – Seoul: Launch of the Delegation Visit

The visit began with meetings at the German Embassy in Seoul and a visit to Sogang University. Here, it became particularly evident how closely research and industry are interconnected in South Korea. The delegation gained insights into robotics, AI-supported autonomous systems, advanced materials research, and industry-driven semiconductor and battery research.

Especially impressive were visits to the Center for Noncentrosymmetric Materials, the AI Robotics Lab, and the Industry-Academia Joint Research Labs, which collaborate with partners such as Hanwha TotalEnergies and SK hynix. Research activities are systematically linked to industrial applications and talent development.

Another important milestone of the visit was the signing of a Joint Statement to deepen the partnership between Sogang University and Leipzig University.

Day 2 – Seoul: Batteries, Quantum Technologies and Nanomedicine

On the second day, the delegation visited several of South Korea’s most prestigious universities: Seoul National University, Ewha Womans University, and Yonsei University.

The focus was on strategically important key technologies:

• Battery research for electric mobility and energy storage
• Quantum technologies and quantum computing
• Nanomedicine and interdisciplinary materials research
• Artificial intelligence research

A particularly striking example was the visit to the IBS Center for Quantum Nanoscience, where researchers are working on atomic-scale data storage and novel approaches to quantum computing.

The discussions also highlighted how strategically South Korea leverages international cooperation, including through joint research centers with European partners such as the Max Planck-Yonsei IBS Center.

Day 3 – Daejeon: In the “Silicon Valley of Asia”

Travelling by KTX high-speed train, the delegation continued to Daejeon, South Korea’s scientific hub. There, the group visited the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) and the Institute for Basic Science (IBS).

KAIST exemplifies the Korean innovation model: world-class fundamental research combined with entrepreneurship, technology transfer, and strategic industrial policy. IBS likewise illustrated the long-term vision of Korean science policy, where scientific excellence, international openness, and substantial academic autonomy are regarded as guiding principles.

Day 4 – Seoul: Biomedicine, Robotics and International Connectivity

The final day focused once again on future technologies, particularly biomedicine, robotics, and AI applications at Korea University.

Among the facilities visited were:

→ the Biosafety Center
→ the Distributed Robot Intelligence Lab

A special highlight was the exchange with students from the Tuebingen Center for Korean Studies, a joint academic bridge project between the University of Tübingen and Korea University.

Founded in spring 2012, TUCKU serves as the University of Tübingen’s branch office in Seoul, coordinating academic exchange, support for students on site, and joint research and cooperation projects.

This exchange demonstrated that international scientific cooperation extends far beyond joint research projects: it thrives on personal connections, mobility, and long-term relationships between institutions and people.

Conclusion: A Strong Strategic Match

The delegation visit clearly showed that Germany and South Korea complement each other exceptionally well in science and research.

Germany contributes strong fundamental research, broad scientific expertise, and long-established research structures. South Korea stands out through its speed, innovation-oriented mindset, and close integration of research, industry, and technological application.

Special thanks go to the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Seoul for accompanying and supporting the delegation visit.

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At a Glance

Delegation Visit to South Korea: Future Technologies and Strategic Partnerships

Date: 19–22 May 2026
Location: Seoul and Daejeon, South Korea
Participants: Delegation of university leaders and representatives of German U15

Objectives of the Visit

• Gain insights into South Korea’s research and innovation landscape
• Strengthen strategic partnerships with universities and research institutions
• Deepen cooperation in future technologies such as AI, semiconductors, batteries, and quantum technologies
• Expand scientific collaboration, talent mobility, and international networking
• Increase the international visibility of Germany’s research landscape and the strengths of the U15 universities