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Thuringia meets Korea:
Corporate trip to the optoelectronics cluster
Applications include those in the fields of security and aerospace

September 14th to 18th, 2026

As part of the "Internationalization of Regions in Structural Change (ISW)" program, 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 being organized by enviacon international with support from Source of Asia. The target group is companies that want to market dual-use products for defense and space applications in the South Korean market.

What can you expect on the business trip?

South Korea is among the most innovative and dynamic markets worldwide – particularly in the areas of defense, aerospace, and cybersecurity. Increasing defense budgets and new security policy requirements are creating significant market opportunities – especially for suppliers of optics/photonics, sensors, specialty materials, microelectronics, and precision engineering.

The trip offers direct access to relevant industrial companies, government procurement agencies, and research institutions. The program includes tailored B2B meetings, company visits, and networking opportunities – with the clear goal of establishing Contact , business opportunities, and sustainable collaborations.

Itinerary & stops The following stops are on the agenda, each offering valuable industry insights for the participants.

Seoul Political, economic and technological center of South Korea

Seoul is the heart of South Korea's industrial and innovation landscape. The metropolitan area is home to corporate headquarters, procurement and regulatory authorities, as well as numerous research and development centers – particularly in the fields of defense, aerospace, electronics, and high-tech components.

Planned activities:

  • Briefing on the market and procurement structure in the Defense & Space sector
  • Visits to industrial companies and government actors
  • Discussions on cooperation and market entry opportunities
  • Networking formats for exchanging ideas with Korean business representatives

Daejeon Research and science location with a security-relevant focus

Daejeon is one of the country's most important scientific centers. It is home to state research institutes, applied research, and technological development, particularly in the fields of aerospace and security.

Planned activities:

  • Visits to leading research and development institutions
  • Insights into government-funded innovation and development programs
  • Discussions on technology transfer, pilot projects and industrial cooperation

Changwon Industrial Center for Defense and Systems Engineering

Changwon is a key production and development hub for South Korea's defense and aerospace industries. Numerous system providers and suppliers have their production facilities located here.

Planned activities:

  • Company visits to industrial and system suppliers
  • Exchange on supply chains, supplier structures and technological requirements
  • Discussion of specific cooperation and business potentials
  • Network dinner

Your benefits Why this trip is particularly relevant for Thuringian companies

Participation helps Thuringian companies prepare concrete market steps in South Korea and establish targeted Contact in defense and aerospace ecosystems. The focus is particularly on:

  • Access to leading industrial companies, procurement agencies and research institutions
  • Individual B2B discussions and precisely tailored initiation of conversations
  • Networking formats for initiating sustainable collaborations
  • Market and partner insights for dual-use products and robust high-tech components.

Target audience Who is the trip for?

The business trip is aimed at companies, start-ups and R&D institutions focusing on dual-use technologies, particularly in:

  • Optics / Photonics
  • Sensors
  • microelectronics
  • Materials
  • safety-relevant systems

Travel dates and costs

The company trip will take place from September 14th to 18th, 2026 (program days). Arrival and departure will be on September 13th and 19th, 2026, respectively.

Participation in the professional and organizational program of the business trip is supported by LEG Thüringen and Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI). However, participants will still incur travel and incidental expenses, which must be borne independently.

Which costs are covered?

The costs for the joint on-site program will be fully covered. This includes, in particular:

  • Technical and organizational framework program
  • Briefings, information events and group visits
  • Organization of individual appointments and networking formats
  • Local group transfers as per program

There are no additional costs for participants for these services.

What costs do the participants incur?

The following costs are not eligible for funding and are fully supported by the participating individuals:

Flight costs (indicative figures, as of March 3, 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

Flight prices are subject to daily changes. The prices valid at the time of booking apply. Payment for flights is made directly by the travel provider.

Accommodation costs

  • 6 nights at approximately €250 per night
  • In total: approximately €1,500

Hotel bookings are made through the local partner. Participants will be billed directly for their hotel costs.

Organization and catering fee

  • €390 per person

The organization and catering fee will be invoiced by LEG Thüringen / Thüringen International after the trip has been completed.

Total costs (guideline value)

Depending on the chosen flight class, total costs per person start from approximately:

  • from approx. €3,240 (Economy)
  • correspondingly higher for Premium Economy or Business Class

The amounts mentioned are for guidance only.

Important instructions

  • Local transfers can only be guaranteed if participants are accommodated in the designated hotel and participate in the official program.
  • When cancelling flight or hotel bookings, the respective cancellation policies of the providers apply.
  • Binding registration for the trip is possible until June 5, 2026.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about the Business Trip to South Korea 2026

Contact person (left column)

Your contact person

Contact person (left column)

Thomas Dobrowsky

Thomas Dobrowsky Project Manager East Asia

Thuringia International

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