Reference: Registration button
Thuringia meets Korea:
Business trip to the optoelectronics cluster
Applications including in the fields of security and aerospace
September 14 to 18, 2026
As part of the program "Internationalization of Regions in Structural Change (ISW)", Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI) in cooperation with LEG Thüringen is conducting a cluster marketing trip to South Korea for companies from the optoelectronics cluster in Thuringia. The trip is organized by enviacon international with support from Source of Asia. The target group is companies that want to place dual-use products for Defense & Space in the South Korean market.
What awaits you on the business trip?
South Korea is one of the most innovative and dynamic markets worldwide – particularly in the areas of defense, space, and cyber security. Rising defense budgets and new security policy requirements are opening up tangible market opportunities – especially for providers of optics/photonics, sensor technology, special materials, microelectronics, and precision engineering.
The trip offers direct access to relevant industrial companies, government procurement agencies, and research institutions. Planned are tailored B2B meetings, company visits, and networking formats – with the clear goal of establishing Contacte, business opportunities, and sustainable collaborations.
Route & Stations The following stops are on the agenda, each offering valuable industry insights for the travel participants.
Your benefits Why this trip is particularly relevant for Thuringian companies
Participation supports Thuringian companies in preparing concrete market steps in South Korea and specifically building contacts in defense and aerospace ecosystems. The focus is particularly on:
Target group Who is the trip aimed at?
The business trip is aimed at companies, start-ups, and R&D institutions focusing on dual-use technologies, particularly in:
Travel dates and costs
The business trip takes place from September 14 to 18, 2026 (program days). Arrival and departure are on September 13 and 19, 2026 respectively.
Participation in the professional and organizational framework program of the business trip is supported by LEG Thüringen and Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI). Participants must still bear their own travel and incidental expenses.
Which costs are covered?
The costs for the joint program on site are fully covered. These include in particular:
No additional costs are incurred by participants for these services.
What costs do the participants bear?
The following costs are not eligible for funding and are fully borne by the participating individuals:
Flight costs (reference values, as of 03.03.2026)
Example:
Outbound flight 13.09.2026, Germany → Seoul,
Return flight 18.09.2026, Seoul → Germany
- Economy Class: approx. €1,350
- Premium Economy Class: approx. €2,950
- Business Class: approx. €4,500
The flight prices are current daily rates. The prices at the time of booking apply. The flight costs are billed directly by the travel provider.
Accommodation costs
- 6 overnight stays at approx. 250 € per night
- Total: approx. 1,500 €
Hotel bookings are made through the local partner on site. The hotel costs are settled directly with the participants.
Organization and catering flat rate
- 390 € per person
The organization and catering flat rate will be invoiced by LEG Thüringen / Thüringen International after the trip.
Total costs (estimated value)
Depending on the selected travel class, total costs per person start at approximately:
- from approx. €3,240 (Economy)
- correspondingly higher in Premium Economy or Business Class
The stated amounts are for orientation purposes only.
Important notes
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about the South Korea Business Trip 2026
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When does the business trip to South Korea take place?
The trip takes place from September 14–18, 2026; arrival and departure are individual (arrival on September 13, departure on September 19).
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Who is the trip particularly suitable for?
The Thuringian business trip to South Korea is particularly suitable for companies, start-ups and R&D institutions from Thuringia with a dual-use focus, including in optics/photonics, sensor technology, microelectronics, materials and security-relevant systems.
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What content is planned?
During the trip, company visits, B2B meetings, and networking formats with industry, procurement, and research are planned in Seoul, Daejeon, and Changwon.
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What costs are incurred for the trip?
Participation is free of charge for Thuringian companies; travel/hotel/meals are borne by the participants themselves. Local transfers as well as organization/program are covered by GTAI (De-minimis).
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When is the registration deadline?
The Registration deadline is June 5, 2026.








