The Korean photonics specialist leverages proprietary technology and in-house chip production to drive innovation in 5G, quantum cryptography, and autonomous driving.
Over the past few months, Korean SMEs have become more dynamic and competitive. Could you share your thoughts on this development?
Korean SMEs must fundamentally shift their mindset. On one hand, they need to diversify opportunities domestically, and on the other, actively pursue international prospects. Recently, international corporations have begun to recognize the potential of Korean SMEs as gateways to overseas markets.
Global companies are opening doors for Korean SMEs to enter international markets. In this complex landscape, Korean SMEs face both challenges and opportunities within the global supply chain. Given the current environment, with intensified trade barriers and rising tariffs, I believe companies like ours, classified as mid-sized enterprises, simultaneously encounter crisis and opportunity.
The challenges before us are clear. Protectionist trade policies have pushed raw material costs higher, and the risk of supply chain disruptions has significantly increased logistics and inventory expenses, imposing a considerable burden. However, these shifts also present a critical opportunity for well-prepared companies like us.
I see global companies prioritizing supply chain resilience more than ever. Korean firms such as ours, endowed with technological independence and a strong track record of delivering high-quality products reliably on time, are witnessing surging demand. We manufacture key components domestically and possess robust R&D capabilities, positioning us as trustworthy partners in the supply chain.
Compared to larger corporations, we also have the agility to rapidly provide highly customized products tailored to client needs, an immense advantage. This dynamic environment propels us to expand into cutting-edge global technology sectors beyond 5G infrastructure, including quantum technology, autonomous driving, and defense. In sum, despite current uncertainties, we are confident that our core technologies and strategic partnerships will secure a vital foothold for Wooriro on the global stage.
Furthermore, as supply chains evolve, the costs of customized products inevitably rise. While this poses challenges, it simultaneously offers growth opportunities for agile, well-prepared firms like ours. We are continually enhancing our technological capabilities to meet increasing performance demands.
Our commitment to high performance and innovation has become a defining trait of Wooriro. Our role in the advancement of Korea’s cutting-edge 5G and quantum technologies is to further enhance core components that fit the systems and to ensure their smooth supply to the market.
As I mentioned earlier, our technologies possess a high degree of independence, and we maintain reliable partnerships across various communities. These relationships, in particular, demonstrate our competitiveness in the fields of 5G, quantum communication, and automotive.
As you emphasized portfolio diversification, going beyond 5G infrastructure, including quantum technology, autonomous driving, and defense, how are these sectors shaping your growth strategy?
Our core technology revolves around photodiodes, materials that convert light signals into electrical signals. In defense, for example, we supply photodiodes used in laser systems for precision targeting and detection. In autonomous driving, we manufacture materials essential to LiDAR systems, which detect objects by receiving reflected laser signals. Although the quantum cryptography market remains nascent, we are already producing components in anticipation of future demand.
To be more specific, regarding 5G, we supply optical receiver components that are used in transceivers, key parts of data centers responsible for handling massive data traffic. In addition, we mass-produce PLC (Planar Lightwave Circuit) splitters that support broadband connectivity for AI data centers, contributing to the expansion of broadband internet across South Korea. These products also serve emerging markets in Southeast Asia, where demand for broadband infrastructure is rapidly growing.
Moreover, we have begun supplying WDM (wavelength-division multiplexing) products to AI data centers, supporting high-spec data speeds of 400 Gbps, 800 Gbps, and 1.6 Tbps.
On the quantum front, though the market is still developing, we have already secured a leadership position in SPADs (Single Photon Avalanche Diodes) key components of quantum key distribution (QKD) systems, by capturing about 60% of the global market share.
Given that Western markets now account for over 95% of 5G coverage, and with major companies continuing to invest heavily in 5G infrastructure, how do you view your prospects for success in this highly competitive space?
We have been supplying PLC-based FTTH (fiber to the home) products since the early 2000s, so we are no strangers to fierce competition, especially from Chinese manufacturers offering low-cost alternatives. Our strategy focuses on delivering high-specification, premium products that target niche segments where quality and performance are paramount.
Just to clarify, our PLC refers to high-quality SiO₂-based Planar Lightwave Circuit technology, which is fundamental to non-uniform optical splitters used in 5G networks. While simple optical splitter components are now predominantly produced by Chinese competitors, we maintain our competitiveness by leveraging PLC-based CWDM and DWDM AWG technologies capable of implementing wavelength division multiplexing.
This advanced wavelength separation technology creates a significant technical barrier, allowing us to maintain a unique position in the market despite price competition.
Turning to the Southeast Asian market, which has undergone a unique evolution. Its rapid development has allowed it to leapfrog from 3G and 4G directly to 5G. How does Wooriro view this region’s role in its growth strategy?
Southeast Asia is indeed a uniquely positioned market. Unlike Western and more developed Asian markets, many Southeast Asian countries are skipping intermediate generations of mobile technology and transitioning straight to 5G.
From our perspective, Southeast Asia represents a distinct industrial stage, offering tremendous growth potential. Thanks to our advantageous geographic location and mid-range technologies, the products we develop are highly competitive and well-suited for this market.
Moreover, the region’s participation in trade agreements such as AFTA facilitates tariff-free trade among member countries (excluding China), enhancing intra-regional business opportunities. Wooriro operates a manufacturing facility in Vietnam, enabling us to leverage these trade agreements by supplying tariff-exempt products throughout Southeast Asia.
Korea’s SMEs are noted for their agility and ability to deliver customized solutions, notably through the integration of digital technologies. How is Wooriro integrating digital technologies such as AI to sustain this competitive advantage?
Indeed, agility and customer-centric customization define Korean SMEs, and Wooriro is no exception.
Recognizing this, we initiated a rapid digital transformation years ago. In 2025, for instance, we invited external AI experts to provide multiple training sessions for all employees, with the aim of applying AI to the operations of every department.
By integrating AI with our existing ERP systems, we have enhanced data analytics, enabling faster decision-making, cost-effective quality control, and productivity improvements.
These efforts have yielded tangible results, and we see digital transformation as a significant growth driver, not just for this year but for the years ahead. We plan to expand AI training and application further, striving to become one of the most AI-integrated companies in our sector.
Since your founding in 1998, Wooriro has transformed into a photonics solutions specialist. Could you outline some of the key milestones that have marked your growth?
Since our establishment in 1998, Wooriro has achieved several important milestones. Our first major milestone was the localization and mass production of PLC splitters, critical components for Korea’s FTTH infrastructure, where we led the domestic market.
Secondly, through strategic acquisitions, such as acquiring photonic semiconductor design and manufacturing firm Photonic Solutions, we internalized chip design capabilities. This allowed us to develop a turnkey production line from chip design through module assembly.
Our third milestone was portfolio diversification in preparation for the 5G era. We independently developed high-speed photodiode chips and ROSA (Receiver Optical Sub Assembly) components for data communications, significantly enhancing our global competitiveness.
Fourth, our SI (system integration) business has provided a stable financial base. For example, Western Digital’s hard disk drives, widely used in AI data centers, are a critical part of our supply portfolio.
Finally, we ventured into the emerging quantum cryptography market. Through participation in SK Telecom’s Quantum Alliance (comprising Wooriro and six other companies), strategic investments in companies like EYL, and joint research with European firms such as Toshiba Europe, we have secured key technologies like SPAD, positioning Wooriro at the forefront of both quantum communications and quantum sensing.
Regarding your work in LiDAR technology, specifically single-photon detector technologies, how do you see these developments influencing autonomous driving?
Our SPAD technology is notable for its exceptional reliability in real-world environments. We have secured world-class expertise in designing and fabricating indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs) SPAD chips, which operate efficiently in the near-infrared spectrum (1000–1700 nm) with over 35% detection efficiency.
These characteristics make our technology ideally suited for LiDAR applications.
In the development of autonomous driving technology, SPADs significantly contribute to the low-power operation and extended detection range of 1550 nm TOF (Time-of-Flight) LiDAR systems. This is the result of combining the ultra-sensitive single-photon detection capability of SPADs with the eye safety (higher permissible output) of the 1550 nm wavelength, capabilities enabled by Wooriro’s InGaAs/InP-based SPAD technology.
However, while our technology is ready, the market for LiDAR commercialization is still emerging. For instance, Tesla currently relies primarily on camera-based systems for autonomous driving, while companies like Waymo are adopting LiDAR technologies similar to ours, with 1550nm wavelength.
InGaAs Multi-Cell Single Photon Avalanche Diode (MCSPAD)
We have worked closely with domestic automotive LiDAR developers, focusing on the development of high-performance Multi-cell SPAD (MCSPAD) for LiDAR applications. Although there remains uncertainty about the standard technologies that will dominate the market, we are confident in the superior performance and readiness of our products.
In summary, while the market’s direction is still evolving, our advanced SPAD-based sensors position us favorably for future autonomous vehicle sensor integration.
Looking ahead three to five years, how do you envision Wooriro’s role in AI data centers and related advanced technology sectors?
Our clients and partners see Wooriro as a diversified technology company with significant growth potential, largely because we hold core technologies that can serve as engines for future expansion.
Our vertically integrated production infrastructure, from chip fabrication to module assembly, gives us unparalleled agility to respond quickly to rapid market changes. In essence, our PIC (Photonic Integrated Circuit) devices, ROSA, and SPAD technology underpins our key products, and these will continue to remain at the core of advanced sectors such as quantum and autonomous driving.
Could you briefly describe Wooriro’s key strategic areas for the near future?
We're really focused on three main things for the near future.
First, supplying PIC devices for WDM and ROSA modules to support high-capacity data traffic in AI data centers.
Second, advancing SPAD technology for quantum communications and autonomous driving applications.
Third, developing advanced photodiode sensors for defense applications, including drone-based surveillance systems and FSO (Free Space Optics) communication systems.
Finally, could you elaborate on your vision for quantum technology investment and collaborations?
Our goal is to become a total solutions provider in the quantum technology sector. To achieve this, we are pursuing four strategic directions.
We aim to increase the share of quantum technology sales to over 40% of our total revenue by 2027.
In the near term, we will accelerate commercialization of SPAD technologies with partners like Toshiba Europe and IDQ while enhancing production efficiency domestically.
In the mid-term, we aim to break into global markets with next-generation technologies for AI data centers and autonomous driving LiDAR by developing products such as LNOI PICs (Lithium Niobate on Insulator Photonic Integrated Circuits) in collaboration with institutions like Fraunhofer and ETRI, targeting North American and Asian markets.
Through these efforts, we drive innovation via R&D and strengthen supply chains via industry collaboration, all while engaging actively in global conferences to accelerate market entry.
For more details, explore the website at: https://wooriro.com/eng/
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