Korea to Establish Largest-Ever Integrated Pavilion at CES 2026

S. Korea - January 5, 2026 - The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) and the Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS, Minister Han Seong-sook) announced that they will engage in a whole-of-government collaboration to establish the largest-ever Korea Pavilion at CES 2026 (Consumer Electronics Show), to be held in Las Vegas in the United States, from January 6 to 9, 2026 (Tuesday to Friday).

CES is a leading global exhibition showcasing cutting-edge technologies in IT and consumer electronics. Under the theme “Innovators Show Up,” CES 2026 is expected to feature a wide range of innovative products and services applying AI technologies across sectors, including consumer electronics, mobility, and healthcare.

The exhibition will bring together approximately 4,500 companies from more than 150 countries. Korea will be represented by around 1,000 companies, ranging from major conglomerates such as Samsung, LG, Hyundai, and SK to innovative SMEs and promising startups with advanced technologies.

This year, centered on MOTIR’s Integrated Korea Pavilion and MSS’s K-Startup Integrated Pavilion, the government will build and operate a Korea Pavilion with unified booth designs, logos, and other branding elements, involving 38 organizations and 470 companies. Through large-scale national pavilion operations and “Korea Premium” marketing, the initiative is expected to enhance the effectiveness of participating Korean companies’ export marketing efforts.

Participating companies will be offered business networking opportunities with global firms—including Walmart and Intel—through a series of programs, such as an on-site expert seminar on January 5, technology demonstration sessions on January 6 and January 9, and the K-Innovation Pitching Challenge from January 7 to 8. 

Meanwhile, according to the first-round results of the CES Innovation Awards announced in early November by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), 168 Korean companies were named among the 284 overall award-winning companies.

Despite intense competition with more than 3,600 products submitted this year, Korea ranked first in the number of award recipients for the third consecutive year, once again demonstrating its global technological competitiveness on the international stage.

More than 80 percent of the 168 Korean award-winning companies were SMEs, totaling 137 firms. With AI expected to be the core theme of CES this year, Korean companies not only swept all three Best of Innovation Awards in the AI category, but also recorded the highest number of Innovation Awards, with 28 awards.

Minister Kim noted, “Amid intensifying competition for technological leadership in AI, CES—the world’s premier showcase of innovative technologies—will be an opportunity for Korean companies to demonstrate their technological capabilities and potential.” He added, “The government will actively provide support to ensure that innovation translates into export outcomes.”

Minister Han stated, “By delivering strong results at CES 2026, Korea’s venture and startup companies have made a clear impression on the global stage that Korea has the technological capabilities to lead future markets.” She added, “The government will continue to support innovative companies so that they can leverage CES as a stepping stone to expand globally.”

Source: Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources