2025. 12. 24

"Korea’s Space Industry: ‘Connection and Patience’ Are the Answer”

More than six months have passed since Korea’s new government took office, and even within this short period, the country’s capacity for change has become evident. Leadership—at both national and corporate levels—has proven to be a true game changer in today’s global competition. As an entrepreneur competing in the global space market, I have felt these political and atmospheric changes faster than most, along with growing interest from global space companies seeking strategic partnerships with Korea.

At recent major international space conferences—from the UK and the US to Europe and Central Asia—the dominant keywords were clear: connectivity and collaboration. The global space industry is rapidly restructuring through cross-border alliances, joint funding, and consolidation. Cooperation is no longer optional; it is the foundation of survival.

Meanwhile, the global space ecosystem is changing at an unprecedented pace. Even after more than 20 years in this industry, I have never experienced such rapid technological and structural shifts. Unfortunately, Korea’s space policy and long-term strategy have struggled to keep up with industry speed. Government-led satellite platforms and launch systems remain expensive and structurally uncompetitive, while NewSpace companies abroad deliver similar capabilities at a fraction of the cost.

In the security domain, space assets are becoming critical strategic infrastructure. Technologies such as space situational awareness networks, orbital data centers, satellite-to-satellite optical communications, and dual-use systems are already being commercialized in the US and Europe—while Korea is only beginning to discuss them.

So where should Korea’s space industry go from here?

The answer is connection and patience.

Korea needs real international cooperation, joint government-backed projects, and stronger links between global companies and domestic firms. Strategic M&A between large enterprises and SMEs must also be part of the equation. At the same time, the government must focus investment on areas where Korea can realistically build global competitiveness—and, most importantly, allow time for results to mature.

Despite growing emphasis on AI and traditional strengths such as semiconductors and shipbuilding, space policy in Korea has often been event-driven and politically fragmented. The delayed stabilization of the Korea Aerospace Administration (KASA) has added uncertainty, making international collaboration more difficult in a market that operates in real time.

Korea’s space budget for 2026 stands at just over KRW 1.1 trillion—far behind major spacefaring nations. Markets do not emerge without sufficient capital, and innovation does not survive without patience. Korea’s space market remains small not only due to manpower limitations, but because of insufficient investment and a lack of tolerance for long-term outcomes.

Korean space companies inevitably turn overseas to survive, yet global markets are brutally competitive for SMEs. I vividly remember the early days of pitching abroad—waiting hours for a two-minute presentation, crossing multiple countries in days just to secure a meeting. Growing globally as a small Korean space company has never been easy.

This is not a call for unconditional support or political favoritism. It is a call for clear philosophy, coherent policy, rational decision-making, sufficient capital, and patience. If the government firmly supports the market, and the private sector leads the ecosystem, Korea can compete with space leaders worldwide.

As once said, “Government cannot defeat the market, but the market cannot defeat government policy either.” When government and industry truly align, K-Space can become a meaningful presence on the global stage.

Finally, Korea’s space achievements—from Naro to Nuri—were built on years of sacrifice by local communities, engineers, and researchers. To honor that legacy, the government must fully commit to science and technology investment.

Korea’s future economic and strategic strength depends on science and technology—and space is no exception. What the industry needs now is not haste, but focused support, meaningful connection, and the patience

to wait for results.

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