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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.

Seoul South Korea's political, economic and technological center

Seoul is the heart of South Korea's industrial and innovation landscape. The metropolitan region 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 market and procurement structures in the Defense & Space sector
  • Visits to industrial companies and government actors
  • Discussions on cooperation and market entry opportunities
  • Networking formats for exchange with Korean company representatives

Daejeon Research and science location with a security-relevant focus

Daejeon is one of the country's most important science centers. State research institutes, applied research and technological development are concentrated here, 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 central production and development location for the South Korean defense and aerospace industry. Numerous system providers and suppliers are based here with their production sites.

Planned activities:

  • Company visits to industrial and system providers
  • Exchange on supply chains, supplier structures and technological requirements
  • Discussion of concrete cooperation and business potential
  • Networking dinner

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:

  • Access to leading industrial companies, procurement offices and research institutions
  • Individual B2B meetings and tailored matchmaking
  • Network formats for initiating sustainable cooperations
  • Market and partner insights for dual-use products and robust high-tech components.

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:

  • Optics / Photonics
  • Sensor technology
  • Microelectronics
  • Materials
  • security-relevant systems

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:

  • Technical and organizational framework program
  • Briefings, information events and group visits
  • Organization of individual meeting appointments and networking formats
  • Group transfers on site according to program

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

  • On-site transfers can only be guaranteed if participants are accommodated in the designated hotel and take part in the official program.
  • The respective cancellation conditions of the providers apply for cancellations of flight or hotel bookings.
  • Binding registration for the trip is possible until June 5, 2026.

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

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Your contact

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Thomas Dobrowsky

Thomas Dobrowsky Project Manager East Asia

Thuringia International

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