In a world where water scarcity and industrial growth are increasingly at odds, South Korea’s 2026 International Water Week in Daegu offered a compelling glimpse into the future of water management, technology, and industry collaboration. From September 9 to 11, the bustling halls of Daegu EXCO played host to more than 10,000 participants from 60 countries, all converging under the banner: "Water, Energy, AI: Securing Our Future." The event, known locally as '대한민국 국제물주간 2026' (KIWW2026), was not just another conference—it was a statement about the urgent need for innovation and integration across sectors that depend on water as a critical resource.
Perhaps the most striking development at this year’s KIWW2026 was the prominent participation of Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, the titans of Korea’s semiconductor industry. According to Ecofocus, this marked the first time these industry leaders showcased their water management strategies, focusing on ultra-pure water and industrial wastewater reuse—technologies that are now essential for advanced chip manufacturing. Daegu Mayor Chu Kyung-ho, who visited the semiconductor company pavilion on the event’s opening day, listened intently as company representatives explained the intricate ties between water sustainability and industrial competitiveness.
“In the semiconductor industry, the most important things are electricity and water,” Kim Han-seung, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, told reporters during a press briefing at the event. As reported by Ecofocus, Kim emphasized that water is not just for drinking or flood response anymore—it’s a linchpin for the nation’s competitive edge in high-tech sectors. The government, he explained, is now factoring companies’ own water reuse plans into the calculation of water supplied to industrial complexes, acknowledging that while a certain amount of raw water is unavoidable for ultra-pure processes, the industry’s reuse rates are steadily increasing.
The stakes are high. Semiconductor manufacturing, especially at the cutting edge, demands vast amounts of ultra-pure water. As Imaeil noted, both Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix used their KIWW2026 pavilions to highlight the latest advances in water recycling and purification, demonstrating how industrial wastewater can be transformed and reused safely in production. This not only reduces environmental impact but also buffers the companies against the growing risks of localized drought—a phenomenon that’s becoming more common as climate change accelerates.
Addressing these challenges head-on, Vice Minister Kim announced plans to expand a so-called "water grid"—an integrated network connecting reclaimed wastewater, dams, reservoirs, and even seawater desalination. This approach, he explained, is designed to address the increasingly patchy distribution of rainfall and water resources across the country. “If we build a good water grid within a watershed,” Kim said, “we can respond more effectively to regional water shortages.” According to Ecofocus, the government sees reclaimed wastewater as more economically feasible than seawater desalination, which remains costly due to high electricity consumption.
Yet, as Kim was quick to point out, there are hurdles ahead. One of the most pressing is the domestic development of ultra-pure water technology. While research and development are ongoing, he cautioned that “it will take considerable time to test and verify domestic technology before it can be applied to actual semiconductor production lines,” since even minor quality issues could disrupt entire manufacturing processes. The need for robust, proven solutions is paramount.
KIWW2026 was not just about big industry, though. The event shone a spotlight on the struggles and aspirations of Korea’s small and medium-sized water companies. Despite boasting impressive technical capabilities, many SMEs find it difficult to secure the "references" and delivery records needed to win contracts at home or abroad. Kim acknowledged this challenge, noting that public-sector projects like water treatment plants tend to be conservative about adopting new technologies due to safety and responsibility concerns. To address this, the government plans to link R&D projects with actual water treatment facilities, enabling SMEs to demonstrate and verify their innovations in real-world settings—a move that could open doors for local firms both domestically and internationally.
Daegu city, meanwhile, used the global platform to position itself as a rising hub in the water industry. According to Kyongbuk Ilbo, the city’s strategy for KIWW2026 focused on breaking down barriers between industries—bringing together water, energy, semiconductors, and AI under one roof. The city also worked to attract key international institutions, facilitate business matchmaking between large corporations and local suppliers, and upgrade global cooperation. Notably, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) joined as a co-host for the first time, emphasizing the growing importance of water-energy integration, including digital hydropower and pumped storage solutions.
Large construction companies also played their part, sharing technologies and seeking partnerships for both domestic and international water infrastructure projects. This collaborative spirit was designed to expand opportunities for regional water companies to participate in major projects, further boosting the local industry’s profile and capabilities.
Looking ahead, Vice Minister Kim said the government will broaden the scope of future International Water Week events. “From next year, we will include not only the water issues that companies need but also those that the public cares about,” he said, hinting at the possible participation of data centers and AI firms. Foreign attendees, Kim noted, expressed particular interest in Korea’s integration of AI with water management, as well as the nation’s experience in resolving water and environmental challenges during its rapid economic ascent. “Korea’s water management technology and experience are highly regarded abroad, especially by developing countries,” he added.
For all the optimism, there was no sugar-coating the difficulties that remain. Kim admitted, “It’s true that we still have some shortcomings,” especially when it comes to helping SMEs break into new markets and secure the references they need. The government, he promised, will continue to refine its support systems and policy frameworks to ensure that innovation in water technology translates into real-world impact.
As the curtain fell on KIWW2026, one thing was clear: the intersection of water, industry, and technology is no longer a niche concern—it’s central to Korea’s vision for a sustainable, competitive future. Whether through cutting-edge purification systems, integrated water grids, or smarter policy support for local companies, the country is making a concerted effort to turn water challenges into opportunities for growth and collaboration.