SEOUL — Sixteen carbon material and component companies based in Gyeongsangbuk-do are participating in Carbon Korea 2026, held from November 4 to 6 at COEX Magok in Seoul. Hosted by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE), the premier exhibition highlights the region's advanced capabilities in next-generation materials, featuring innovations such as carbon bridge cables, high-heat-dissipation LED components, and mass-produced graphene.

Key Innovations on Display

The Gyeongsangbuk-do pavilion features a diverse lineup of advanced applications developed using carbon composite materials, nano-carbon substances, and artificial graphite. Major exhibits include:

Korea Special Wire (Gyeongsan): Showcasing a newly developed carbon composite cable manufacturing technology backed by joint R&D support from Gyeongsangbuk-do and Gyeongsan City. Designed for large-scale bridges, these carbon cables offer exceptional strength and corrosion resistance, significantly outperforming traditional metal cables to extend bridge lifespans and reduce long-term maintenance costs.
ApexIntech (Gumi): Presenting nano-carbon composite high-heat-dissipation LED assembly parts. Developed through a provincial carbon industry commercialization support initiative, this technology enhances thermal management in high-power environments, boosting component durability and stability for eco-friendly vehicles and next-generation lighting markets.
Graphene Square Chemical (Pohang): Featuring eco-friendly, high-value-added graphene technologies, including platelet and graphene oxide production. Building on the foundational technology that earned its parent company a CES Best Innovation Award, the firm is highlighting commercialization pathways for graphene across energy storage, life sciences, and biomedical sectors.

Strengthening Regional Infrastructure and Global Reach

Gyeongsangbuk-do is actively establishing robust industrial support ecosystems to anchor South Korea's carbon materials sector. Key regional initiatives include building AI-driven verification infrastructures for 2D nano-materials like graphene, establishing carbon component lab factories, and setting up artificial graphite testbeds.

Additionally, the local government fosters regional talent through university-focused research centers and bolsters international competitiveness via the Carbon Material and Component International Cooperation Network Support Project.

"We are committed to helping our local enterprises bridge the gap between R&D breakthroughs, commercial success, and global market expansion," said Yang Geum-hee, Economic Vice Governor of Gyeongsangbuk-do. "By continuously expanding supportive facilities and advancing our technical expertise, we will cement Gyeongsangbuk-do's status as the core hub of South Korea's carbon industry."

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