1. Fusion Research Infrastructure
This chapter examines South Korea's fusion and plasma physics research infrastructure, which constitutes one of the most advanced civilian fusion research programs in the world. South Korea operates the KSTAR tokamak, a world-leading superconducting fusion device, and is a founding member of the ITER project with significant domestic agency contributions. The analysis draws upon the network graph of 33 entities and 66 relationships constructed for this investigation.
1.1 KFE: Korea Fusion Energy Research Institute
KFE (Korea Fusion Energy Research Institute, est. 1995 as NFRI, renamed KFE in 2016) is South Korea's national fusion research organization, headquartered in Daejeon. KFE is the central institution in South Korea's fusion research ecosystem, operating the KSTAR tokamak and coordinating South Korea's participation in ITER and other international fusion research programs. KFE has 13 connections in the 33-entity network, making it the second most connected entity after KSTAR.
Key relationships:
- Operates the KSTAR tokamak (since 2008)
- Coordinates South Korea's ITER participation
- Leads the K-DEMO fusion reactor design study
- Funded by Ministry of Science and ICT
KFE's research portfolio encompasses magnetic confinement fusion, plasma diagnostics, fusion materials, superconducting magnet technology, and fusion reactor design. The institute serves as South Korea's ITER domestic agency, responsible for manufacturing and delivering Korean in-kind contributions to the ITER project, including major superconducting magnet components and diagnostic systems.
1.2 KSTAR: Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research
KSTAR (Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research, operational since 2008) is a medium-sized superconducting tokamak located at KFE in Daejeon. KSTAR is one of the world's most advanced superconducting tokamaks and has set multiple world records for plasma performance. With 14 connections, KSTAR is the most connected entity in South Korea's 33-entity network, reflecting its central role in the country's fusion research ecosystem.
Key relationships:
- Operated by KFE (since 2008)
- Supports ITER research and development
- Feeds into K-DEMO design studies
- Collaborates with international fusion research institutions
KSTAR's most significant achievements include:
- 1,800 seconds of H-mode plasma operation: KSTAR has achieved extended high-confinement mode (H-mode) plasma operation, demonstrating sustained plasma performance relevant to future fusion power plants. H-mode is the operational regime planned for ITER and DEMO reactors.
- 100 million degrees Celsius ion temperature (2024): KSTAR achieved ion temperatures reaching 100 million degrees Celsius in 2024, matching the temperature required for deuterium-tritium fusion reactions. This achievement demonstrates the tokamak's ability to reach fusion-relevant plasma conditions.
- Superconducting magnet technology: KSTAR uses NbSn superconducting magnets, the same technology planned for ITER, providing operational experience relevant to ITER construction and operation.
KSTAR's achievements are entirely in the civilian fusion energy domain. The tokamak is operated as a research facility for plasma physics studies and fusion technology development, with no military sponsorship or weapons applications. The 100 million degree Celsius ion temperature is a fusion energy milestone, not a weapons parameter.
1.3 K-DEMO: Korea Demonstration Fusion Power Plant
K-DEMO (Korea Demonstration Fusion Power Plant) is South Korea's planned demonstration fusion reactor, designed to follow ITER and demonstrate the feasibility of fusion power for electricity generation. K-DEMO is currently in the conceptual design phase, with KFE leading the design study. The project represents South Korea's long-term commitment to fusion energy commercialization.
Key relationships:
- Designed by KFE
- Builds on KSTAR operational experience and ITER participation
- Funded by Ministry of Science and ICT
K-DEMO is envisioned as a steady-state tokamak reactor producing electricity from fusion reactions, targeting operation in the 2040s timeframe. The design study incorporates lessons learned from KSTAR operations and South Korea's ITER contributions. K-DEMO is entirely a civilian energy project with no military component.
1.4 ITER Participation
South Korea is a founding member of the ITER project, one of seven domestic agencies (alongside the EU, US, Japan, China, Russia, and India) contributing to the construction of the ITER tokamak in France. South Korea's ITER contributions include:
- Superconducting magnets: KFE and Korean industry are manufacturing TF (toroidal field) and CS (central solenoid) conductor and magnet components for ITER.
- Diagnostic systems: Korean researchers are developing plasma diagnostic systems for ITER.
- Research contributions: KSTAR operational data informs ITER operational planning and scenario development.
South Korea's ITER participation is conducted through KFE as the domestic agency and is entirely civilian. There is no evidence of weapons-related research being conducted through ITER participation.
1.5 Academic Fusion Research
South Korean universities conduct significant fusion and plasma physics research, including Seoul National University (SNU), POSTECH (Pohang University of Science and Technology), KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology), and others. These institutions contribute to the broader fusion research ecosystem through theoretical plasma physics, computational modeling, fusion materials research, and plasma diagnostics development. The academic research is closely linked to KFE and KSTAR through collaborative research programs and personnel exchanges.