Jeonnam-Gwangju to Host Korea’s Largest International Photonics Convergence Expo

【Financial News Jeonnam-Gwangju = Hwang Tae-jong, reporter】The International Photonics Convergence Expo, Korea’s largest specialized event for the photonics convergence industry, will be held in Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Metropolitan City (Gwangju Metropolitan City) on the 28th and 29th.
 The expo offers a one-stop look at photonics convergence technologies, considered a key driver of future industries such as artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors and advanced mobility. It is co-hosted by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Metropolitan City, and organized by the Korea Photonics Industry Promotion Association.
 The expo is also expected to serve as a platform for local companies to open up global markets and exchange future technologies amid the rapidly changing era of digital and AI transformation (DX·AX).
 According to Gwangju Metropolitan City on the 26th, it will host the 2026 International Photonics Convergence Expo (The 24th PHOTONICS KOREA) over two days starting on the 28th at Kim Daejung Convention Center.
 Around 80 companies and institutions related to the photonics convergence industry will take part across 109 booths, showcasing innovative technologies and products in fields including △optical components for AI data △AI semiconductors and advanced packaging △quantum and security photonics technologies △smart manufacturing and digital transformation △future mobility and energy △bio-healthcare photonics convergence △optical materials and components, and optical energy.
 In addition, a dedicated “Photonic Semiconductor Zone” will provide full support for the AI and photonic semiconductor transition. It will present directions for the development of next-generation optical communications and data-processing technologies, deepen visitors’ understanding of the technologies, and expand opportunities for technical exchange and cooperation among participating institutions and companies.
 Park Jeong-hwan, head of the AI Mobility Bureau at Gwangju Metropolitan City, stressed, “I hope this expo will widely showcase the technological competitiveness of the photonics convergence industry and provide an opportunity to open up new markets through cooperation among companies.” 
 Gwangju Metropolitan City also plans to help domestic companies enter overseas markets by holding export consultations and inviting around 60 buyers from eight countries. It aims to facilitate about 100 export consultations and export contracts worth approximately 7 billion won, and will provide one-to-one matching and interpretation to generate tangible results, including product and technology consultations.
 The city will also hold the “1st Jeonnam-Gwangju Anchor Project Group Job Fair,” offering a range of programs, including on-site interviews, employment counseling (consulting), recruitment briefings and special lectures by invited speakers. The fair will give job seekers a chance to learn about companies’ hiring needs and prepare for employment, while giving companies an opportunity to meet prospective employees directly.
 Director Park said, “I hope companies and local talent will grow together through the job fair.”

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