350 Young Physics Talents Gather in Busan as the 'Asian Physics Olympiad' Opens

27 Countries from Asia and Oceania to Participate; 16 Korean Representatives to Compete
Theoretical and Experimental Exams at Pukyong National University and BEXCO
Research Institute Visits and Cultural Exchange Programs Also Planned

An international competition where talented young physicists from the Asia-Pacific and Oceania regions gather in Busan to test their physics skills will be held. Korean student representatives will also participate, competing in both theoretical and experimental physics.

The Ministry of Science and ICT, the Korea Foundation for the Advancement of Science and Creativity, and the Korean Physical Society announced that the 26th Asian Physics Olympiad will be held from May 17 to May 25, 2026, at Pukyong National University and BEXCO.

The Asian Physics Olympiad (APhO) is an international competition where students under the age of 20 from the Asia-Pacific and Oceania regions test their knowledge of physics theory and experiments, as well as their problem-solving skills. Since its first event in Indonesia in 2000, it has been held annually in different host countries.

This year's competition will feature a total of approximately 350 participants, including over 210 high school students from 27 countries. Korea will send a total of 16 representatives: eight members of the "Challenge Team," selected through the International Physics Olympiad training program, and eight members of the "Dream Team," chosen through a national competition for students from general high schools across the country.

The participating students will attend the opening ceremony on May 18, followed by theoretical and experimental physics exams. In addition, they will take part in visits to major research institutes and companies such as Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), and Hyundai Motor Company, as well as cultural exchange programs among participating countries.

Korea has consistently achieved outstanding results in recent competitions. In the 2023 competition, Korean students won two gold medals, four silver medals, one bronze medal, and one honorable mention. In 2024, they won five gold medals, one silver medal, and two bronze medals. In the 2025 competition, they secured four gold medals and four silver medals.

Yoon Jinhee, President of the Korean Physical Society, stated, "This competition will be more than just a contest; it will be a festival where students from across Asia who love physics can build friendships and foster exchanges beyond competition."

Koo Hyukchae, First Vice Minister of the Ministry of Science and ICT, said, "We hope that this event, where gifted science students from Asia gather to share their wisdom, will inspire students and further fuel their passion for science."

Information related to the competition can be found on the official Asian Physics Olympiad website.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.