The country's first commercial quantum computer on Nov. 20 went online. Shown is the device, dubbed IBM Quantum System One, at the International Campus of Yonsei University in Incheon's Yeonsu-gu District. (Yonhap News)

By Yoon Sojung

The nation has rolled out its first quantum computer, which is tens of thousands of times faster than the world's fastest supercomputer.

Yonsei University on Nov. 20 unveiled and launched the operation of IBM Quantum System One at the school's International Campus in the Songdo-dong neighborhood of Incheon, the country's No. 3 city.

The groundbreaking device runs on a 127-qubit IBM Quantum Eagle Processor as a commercial quantum computer for use in research beyond the experimental stage. Korea, which previously had 20-qubit experimental quantum computers, is thus the fifth country to install such a computer following the U.S., Canada, Germany and Japan. 

The processor can perform precise calculations that were impossible with the random force simulation method using conventional computing. News articles from leading domestic media including The Chosun Ilbo said the computer is just the second of its kind installed at a university campus after the first in the U.S. 

Reports said the computer signaled the dawn of the quantum computer era in Korea and that the quantum computer will slash the time needed to find new drug candidates, accelerate computer calculations for drug development and create synergy in domestic biotech research.

"By installing the first IBM Quantum System One in Korea, Yonsei has laid a solid foundation for world-class research and education in quantum computing and advanced biology," the university's president Yoon Dong-sup said. 

"We will actively attract outstanding quantum researchers, work closely with the world's leading quantum research institutions to create innovative research outcomes, and strive to achieve our common goal of improving the quality of human life."

"(With the IBM Quantum System One), we look forward to enabling more research institutions, organizations, companies, and talent across the country to push the boundaries of quantum algorithms that can explore scientific and business value," IBM Vice President Jay Gambetta added.

"Additionally, the IBM Quantum System One in Korea will serve as an important foundation for the development of future quantum talent and the expansion of the region's quantum ecosystem."

The Incheon campus is working with Incheon Metropolitan City to build the world's first high-tech industrial cluster for quantum-bio convergence. This will provide the core hub for the National Advanced Strategic Industrial Complex in biotech.

To mark the university's 140th anniversary and the UNESCO International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, Yonsei in March will host the opening ceremony of the Quantum Computing Complex at the campus's quantum research facility housing the revolutionary computer.

arete@korea.kr