Innovative technologies including laser tunnel excavation on display

Support for small and venture firms through one-on-one consultations

Lee An-ho (fourth from left, front row), acting president of the Korea Rail Network Authority, poses for a photo at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Land and Transport Technology Fair on Wednesday. [Korea Rail Network Authority]
Lee An-ho (fourth from left, front row), acting president of the Korea Rail Network Authority, poses for a photo at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Land and Transport Technology Fair on Wednesday. [Korea Rail Network Authority]

The Korea Rail Network Authority is participating in the country's only land and transport research and development exhibition, unveiling a broad range of next-generation technologies for the future of rail while stepping up cooperative efforts with small and venture businesses.

The authority said it is taking part in the 2026 Land and Transport Technology Fair, a three-day event running from Wednesday at COEX in Seoul. Hosted by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and organized by the Korea Agency for Infrastructure Technology Advancement, the fair aims to promote outstanding R&D achievements in the land and transport sector and to foster technology commercialization and industry-academia-research collaboration.

The authority is operating its own exhibition booth at the event, presenting a variety of innovative research outcomes aimed at improving quality of life and strengthening on-site safety. Technologies on display include a station wayfinding service, high-powered laser tunnel excavation, and Building Information Modeling-based maintenance technology.

In addition, the authority is pairing its technology showcase with practical support measures to help private companies open new markets. It is running a small and medium-sized enterprise technology market consultation booth and participating in a land and transport SME and startup technology matching session, offering one-on-one tailored consultations with participating firms. Through these activities, the authority plans to introduce its co-growth projects and support programs while working on multiple fronts to ensure that promising private-sector technologies can be swiftly applied at rail sites.

Lee An-ho, acting president of the Korea Rail Network Authority, said the fair "goes beyond sharing R&D achievements — it is a meaningful occasion for the public and private sectors to explore together the direction of future technology development." He added that the authority would "continue to focus its capabilities on rail technology innovation that people can feel in their daily lives, while doing its utmost to build a healthy cooperative ecosystem that connects outstanding private-sector technologies to the field."

Meanwhile, the Land and Transport Technology Fair, which opened Wednesday, is being held under the theme "Technology That Changes the Future." A total of 81 organizations are participating, operating five themed zones — mobility, smart construction, AI city, aerospace and innovative enterprises — as well as a special exhibition hall.


hwshin@heraldcorp.com