South Korean companies' network software capabilities have room for improvement, the South Korean government will step up its foster programs for network software companies while helping telecom operators develop next-generation network solutions. In respect of upstream technologies, South Korea will pick up the pace of developing core components for wired and wireless communication that are currently imported, and new compound semiconductor components for next-generation communication.
South Korea expects network architecture to move toward cloud- and software-based, so apart from fostering network software companies, it will also leverage the existing academic KOrea advanced REsearch Network (KOREN) to develop next-generation network solutions.
Open virtualized Radio Access Network (Open vRAN or Open RAN) will also play an important part in South Korea's cloud- and software-based network transformation. The South Korean government plans to drive 5G open core network technology research projects and create an Open RAN ecosystem in three phases. The long-term goal is to dominate the Open RAN market in 2028 and beyond.
Table 1: K-Network 2030 strategy influence on the South Korean 6G industry
Table 2: South Korea network infrastructure key characteristics and architecture directions
Table 3: Plans of K-Network 2030 strategy for nurturing network software companies
Table 5: South Korea K-Network 2030 strategy schedule on Open RAN ecosystem
Table 6: South Korea K-Network 2030 strategy on solidifying Open RAN industry foundation
Table 8: South Korea K-Network 2030 strategy on potential 6G results
