The Hungarian water industry further strengthened its successes in Asia through the active participation and leadership presence of the Hungarian Water Partnership (HWP) and the Hungarian Water Association (HWA) at the Water Korea 2025 international event.
The largest professional water event in South Korea, held in Seoul this year, attracted hundreds of exhibitors and hosted an international conference. Alongside South Korean scientific, professional diplomacy, industrial, and partnership experts, the Hungarian water industry and water management expertise were represented at the highest level by the Hungarian Water Partnership (HWP) and the Hungarian Water (HWA).
Invited by the Korean Water Utility Association and the Korea Water Partnership, the Hungarian delegation was not just present as visitors but actively participated in the event.
Dr Károly Kovács PhD, President of HWP and HWA, founder of Pureco Ltd., and Zoltán Horváth, Director of HWP Nonprofit Ltd., delivered presentations on water infrastructure developments in Central and Eastern Europe, European and international sustainability trends and principles, and the internationally recognized achievements of the Hungarian water industry, some of which are already being applied in the Republic of Korea.
Expanding Asian connections - International cooperation and future developments
Through its member organization Puraset Ltd., HWP has been present in South Korea for two years in the field of fluoride removal from industrial and drinking water. The Hungarian-manufactured regenerable adsorbent-based technology is particularly important in industries such as steel, aluminium, fertilizer, semiconductor, glass manufacturing, and coal-fired power plant operations, where fluoride contamination of water is significant.
Building on the success of fluoride removal, a professional dialogue has begun between South Korean and Hungarian stakeholders (Puraset) on boron contamination management, with several fruitful negotiations taking place at the current event.
Strengthening cooperation
To enhance the already successful business and professional cooperation between South Korea and Hungary, the Korean Water Utility Association, HWP, and HWA signed a tripartite cooperation agreement. This agreement aims to develop professional capacities, share knowledge, and promote the training and career development of young water professionals. The agreement is expected to further strengthen the international position of the Hungarian water industry.
As part of the agreement, a South Korean professional delegation is expected to visit Budapest later this year. Additionally, the Korean side has already indicated its intention to participate in the Planet 2026 Sustainability Exhibition and Expo next year.
International Collaborations and Joint Challenges
The Hungarian delegation held numerous professional consultations with leaders of Korean professional organizations, associations, and representatives from government and public administration. Meetings were also held with the Vietnamese Water Supply and Sewerage Association (VWSA), with whom Hungarian professional associations have maintained good relations for two decades. Discussions covered the HWP’s participation in Vietwater in August and the thematic aspects of the professional forums to be held within Vietwater. Furthermore, the successful pilot project launched in Hanoi for improving water supply and quality was also a key topic.
Similar challenges and common goals
Hungary and South Korea face similar challenges in water supply and sewage management, including issues caused by ageing infrastructure, development limits, and recruitment difficulties. The professional structures and water management frameworks in both countries also show similarities.
South Korean companies, equipped with advanced technology and ODA financing programs funded by the Korean state, are actively present in the markets targeted by HWP.
The Hungarian presence at Water Korea 2025 not only supports expansion into Asian markets but also opens up global cooperation opportunities for the South Korean water industry through HWP and HWA leadership positions in Eurasian Cooperation (ASEM Water) and the African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA). South Korean partners have expressed their intention to join these organizations, further strengthening the international network of the Hungarian water industry.
The event was also attended by the Economic Attaché of the Embassy of Hungary in Seoul. The results of the Water Korea 2025 event and the newly signed cooperation agreement are expected to have a long-term positive impact on the global involvement of the Hungarian water industry, further strengthening its export activities.
