French quantum computing firm Pascal to establish research center in Seoul SEOUL, October 29 (AJP) - The Seoul Metropolitan Government said on Wednesday that it had secured a major investment from Pascal, a leading French quantum computing company. Under a memorandum of understanding signed this week, Pascal plans to invest $52.8 million to establish a quantum computing research and development center in Seoul, a project expected to create 51 jobs. The two sides will also collaborate on talent development and support programs for startups and companies engaged in quantum technologies. The signing ceremony was attended by Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, Pascal’s co-founder and Chief Strategic Alliance Officer Georges Olivier Reymond, French Ambassador to South Korea Philippe Bertoux, and Roberto Mauro, head of Pascal’s Korean operations. Founded in 2019 by Nobel laureate Alain Aspect and four colleagues, Pascal specializes in quantum computers based on neutral atom technology. Headquartered near Paris, the company employs about 300 people across eight countries. It was the first to commercialize a 200-qubit quantum computer and successfully demonstrated a 1,000-qubit system in 2024. The company is also working on error-tolerant quantum computing and collaborates with major global players such as IBM, Nvidia, Microsoft, Google, and LG Electronics. Pascal’s investment adds momentum to Seoul’s growing quantum ecosystem. Earlier this year, the city attracted U.S. cloud data firm Snowflake and Swiss quantum security semiconductor company Silsc. City officials say the goal is to make Seoul a nexus for quantum computing, hosting training programs, research initiatives, and a dedicated technology support center. “Seoul is proactively building a quantum industry ecosystem to lead future technological change,” Mayor Oh said in a statement. “This agreement reaffirms Seoul’s competitiveness and investment appeal, and we will continue to provide administrative and financial support.” * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-29 16:21:31

Ferry service along Han River to resume next week after monthlong inspection SEOUL, October 27 (AJP) - A ferry service on the Han River, which was suspended just 10 days after its bombastic launch, will resume next week following a monthlong inspection, the Seoul Metropolitan Government said on Monday. Starting Nov. 1, the service will begin at 9 a.m., two hours earlier than before, and run until 9:37 p.m., offering 16 daily trips at 90-minute intervals. According to the city, more than 300 trial runs without passengers were conducted to enhance service quality and ensure safety. To prevent any service interruptions due to technical glitches or malfunctions, backup vessels will be on standby. Come spring, when the cold winter season recedes, service will increase to 32 trips a day, including express routes for commuters running every 15 minutes during the morning rush hours from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., connecting seven major stops from Magok in western Seoul, north of the Han River, to Jamsil in southern Seoul. Fares remain unchanged at 3,000 Korean won (about US$ 2.10) for adults, 1,800 won for teenagers, and 1,100 won for children. Alternatively, users can purchase a pre-paid card for an additional 5,000 won, which allows unlimited rides. More detailed information including any changes in schedules and operating hours, seat availability, and weather-related cancellations can be checked on traffic and navigation apps such as Naver Map and Kakao Map. City official Park Jin-young said, "We will continue working to improve service and safety, making it a reliable public transportation option for citizens." * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-27 15:27:38

Seoul gears up for Halloween with safety measures SEOUL, October 24 (AJP) - The Seoul Metropolitan Government said Friday that several safety measures have been implemented in about a dozen areas in the capital, ahead of Halloween later this month. Under the measures effective until Nov. 2, district officials, police, and firefighters in coordination with the Ministry of the Interior and Safety will carry out patrols, inspections, and traffic control in Seoul's entertainment district of Itaewon, trendy alleys around Hongik University, and other popular hip streets in Gangnam and Seongsu-dong. Emergency hotlines, temporary shelters, and other facilities will be set up to ensure safety and respond immediately to any urgent situations or accidents. Medical personnel will be stationed throughout the areas, with ambulances on standby. Starting this weekend, hundreds of safety personnel and other officials will be deployed to manage crowds and monitor density levels to prevent accidents. The latest measures come after the 2022 Halloween stampede tragedy, in which 159 people, mostly young, died in a crowd crush. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-24 16:48:39