Asia’s Manufacturing Boom Begins at SIMTOS – Joined by 30 Countries

SIMTOS 2026, Korea’s largest exhibition for manufacturing technology, recorded 5,272 booth applications within just 25 days of the early bird application period?marking the shortest time and highest early bird application volume in SIMTOS history. This represents 87.8% of the total booth target.

Amid global economic challenges?including the pandemic, supply chain restructuring, prolonged high interest rates, and tariff disputes?this achievement signifies more than just numbers. It reflects the revitalization of the domestic market and rising expectations for economic recovery.

Given this context, SIMTOS has emerged as a core platform for global companies in machine tools, metal processing, and automation seeking entry into the Korean market. At SIMTOS 2024 last April, 1,300 exhibitors from 35 countries participated, attracting more than 100,000 visitors from 68 countries over five days. Building on this success, SIMTOS 2026 is already gaining strong traction among global manufacturers.

SIMTOS 2026, scheduled for April 13?17, is already seeing a wave of international companies swiftly confirming their participation.

As of the early bird application deadline on May 31, leading tech firms such as FANUC, Yamazaki Mazak, TRUMPF, Bystronic, AMADA, GF Machining Solutions, GROB, DN Solutions, SMEC, HK, WIA, and Hwacheon had confirmed their participation in SIMTOS 2026.

Additionally, countries including the U.S., Germany, China, Japan, Italy, Taiwan, and India are organizing national pavilions to support their companies’ global market entry through SIMTOS 2026.

SIMTOS is recognized as a key platform for global manufacturers to establish strong business relationships. To expand collaborative opportunities, it offers a specialized pre-show matchmaking program called “MM4U (MatchMaking for You).”

The program goes beyond basic consultation matching by thoroughly analyzing the profiles of both exhibitors and buyers?including their products, procurement needs, and compatibility?to deliver customized matchmaking that leads to tangible business results.

SIMTOS 2026 will see an early rollout of the MM4U program, designed to match exhibitors with optimal buyers based on data-backed profiles and product relevance.

Participating in SIMTOS enables companies to streamline key business functions?from partner discovery and brand promotion to on-site order acquisition?in a single event. This all-in-one approach gives SIMTOS a unique competitive edge.

“Overseas participation continues to grow as SIMTOS evolves beyond a traditional exhibition. It’s now a platform where global suppliers and buyers are matched through a smart, curated process that delivers real results,” according to the SIMTOS Secretariat.

This evolution has positioned SIMTOS as a global industrial strategy platform, offering more than just exhibition space. For international firms eyeing the Korean market, SIMTOS represents both a strategic entry point and a growing opportunity. Broader participation from various countries and sectors is expected.

SIMTOS 2026, scheduled for April 13?17 at KINTEX Halls 1 and 2, will showcase six specialized pavilions categorized by manufacturing technology:

– Metal Cutting & Die/Mold

– Materials, Components & Control

– Tooling & Measurement

– Cutting & Welding

– Press & Forming

– M.A.D.E. in SIMTOS (Manufacturing Automation & Robot Digital Transformation Exhibition)

This dedicated pavilion will highlight the latest trends and innovations in smart factories, automation, and industrial robotics, highlighting the future direction of manufacturing through smart automation and robotics.

Under the theme “AI Autonomous Manufacturing Meets Talent,” SIMTOS 2026 will bring together global buyers, innovators, and future talent through a lineup of dynamic side events?including MatchMaking4U, the Global Digital Manufacturing Innovation Conference, the Digital Manufacturing Technology Zone, and Career Connect Program.