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KOREA

February. 2012 VOL. 91

I n d u s t r y & Te c h n o l o g y T i m e s
What the Future holds for Education, technology, medicine, culture, and Finance...

Korea IT Times - KOTRA Joint Article Series

e-Learning Jumps into Smart-Learning

Dr. Kwak Duk-hoon, CEO of EBS

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CONTENTS
Cover Explanation
Chairman Han Kon-ju Publisher
Kim Tae-sub, Chung Youn-soo

President
Chung Youn-soo (Monica),

Board of Advisors
Dr. Shin Kook-hwan, Dr. Yang Seung-taik Dr. Kim Hak-su, Dr. Youn Hwa-Jin Dr. Park Ho-gun, Dr. Kim Wan-soon Cha Joo-hak, Seo Doo-won

Editor In Chief Monica Chung Director Chun Hyung-gyu Managing Editor


Chun Go-eun (clair), Yeon Choul-woong

Editor
Matthew Weigand, Meeagan Lunn

Assistant Editor
Ryan Schuster, Nick Antolini

Marketing Manager
Lee Chun-sic

Dr. Kwak Duk-hoon, CEO of EBS As a middle school student, he attached a rubber band to his bedroom wall where he I n d u s t r y & Te c h n o l o g y T i m e s studied. He would place his head inside and What the Future holds For education, technology, study, so if he fell asleep the pressure of the medicine, culture, and Finance... band would awaken him so he could return e-Learning Jumps into to his studies. This is the ultimate examSmart-Learning ple of pulling an all-nighter and how he moved from his rural town in Korea to Seoul for continuing his education. He wanted to learn VOD (Video on Demand) system so he traveled to the U.S as a visiting professor. He was nicknamed the geeky college professor who wanted to provide high quality education for students who were unable to afford a quality education. His idea led him to review the TV broadcast channels (OUN) for Korea National Open University. His idea of e-learning was far from popular, but he pursued his idea of combining IT with education and developed Smart Learning based on Cloud computing. Dr. Kwak has led EBS to provide highquality contents such as heartfelt educational programs through Smart Learning along with Emotion Networking.
KOREA
February. 2012 VOL. 91
Korea IT Times - KOTRA Joint Article Series

Dr. Kwak Duk-hoon, CEO of EBS

U.S $ 10.00 / KOR. 12,000

02

ISSN 1739-2950

13th oor, iStation B/D, 561-31 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea (133-890) Government registration No. Seoul-Ra-10914 Tel: (82-2) 3459-0671 Fax: (82-2) 3459-0656

www.koreaittimes.com

Staff Reporters
Kim Sung-mi, Lee Jeong-yoon, Kim Yearim, Song Kyu-yeol, Lee Hyeong-jin, Lee Kyung-min, Suh Jin-yung, Daniel Ko, Lee Si-young, Yoon Yo-tam, Kim Jee-hyung, Kim Sun-hong, Park Jeong-jun,

Realtime News Team


Oh Hae-young, Han Hee-ji, Kang Ju-bin

Issue & Topic 09 Apple VS Samsung 15 Samgsung Electronics Aims at New App System Using Smart Connecting Strategies Commentary 11 Fostering Creative Digital Contents Industry Analysis 12 Welfare is Well Being? 14 Mobile and Social Networking Rule Korean Politics Opinion 16 Beyond 3G - Integration and Convergence 17 Google Dubbed Big Brother of Information Power Cover Story 18 Along with e-Learning and Cloud Computing, Comes the Advancement of Smart Learning Space 21 The Pre-eminent Girls Independent School, Branksome Hall Asia opens in Jeju

Columnists
Choi Sung, Ko Ki-wan Emanuel Yi Pastreich Lee Edward, Song Kyu-yeol

Freelance Reporter
Tim Alper Shin Sung-won Photographer

N.America
Minnesota Pennsylvania Illinois Boston New York Wasington D.C.

Correspondents
Natasha Willhite Lee Edward Steve Kwak, Yoon Yo-tam Kim Sun-hong Park Sejin, Kim In-sik Lee Jun-young

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KOREA IT TiMES | FEBRUARY, 2012

Apple VS. Samsung

ISSUE & TOPiC 09

The Fifth Avenue Store in New York City

The top sales for the years 4th quarter were between Samsung and Apple. Though Samsung is a strong competitor, Apple ranked higher in popularity in 2011. The iPhone 4S, the last of its series created by former Apple CEO, Steve Jobs, enjoyed immense popularity in the USA and abroad to keep this American brand at the top of its game. Apple brought the iPhone 4S to China in mid-January, and will commence distribution of the iPad 3 during the latter half of the year. In addition, Apple will introduce a top of the line product, Apple TV. Some experts are speculating that Apple will continue its popularity reign over Samsung in annual sales. Apple sold KRW 52.3 trillion and KRW 19.6 trillion in operating income in the latter part of 2012, while Samsung earned KRW 47 trillion in sales and KRW 5.2 trillion in operating income. This means that Samsung dropped in sales in comparison with Apple, with the operating income of Apple being quadruple that of Samsung. The business performance of Apple in the fourth quarter was higher than most financial market experts antici-

pated. The performance of Apple in the fourth quarter was due to the immense iPhone sales in major markets such as the U.S. and Japan. Apple increased its market shares in the U.S. and Japan after releasing the iPhone 4S. Apple announced that its iPhone sales reached 37.04 million in the fourth quarter. Sales of the iPad stood at 15.43 million, an increase of 111 percent from last year. The growth of Apple is strong, said CEO Tim Cook. We have amazing products to make our customers happy. Apple is expected to lead the electronic industry in 2012. Recently, the iPhone 4S landed in China and has enjoyed explosive popularity. The most innovative IT company of today is planning to continue to take the lead in the IT industry by launching the iPad 3 with HD-class resolution in the second quarter and Apple TV in the second half. Therefore, the launch of the Apple TV means that Apple may become a big threat to Samsung and LG Electronics in the TV market. Apple announced that it would achieve KRW 36.6 trillion in sales and earnings per share of USD 8.5 in the first quarter. Apple is expected to accomplish the goals with ease due to its immense popularity. Apple is also expected to run neck and neck with Samsung in terms of annual sales by launching its new products. Samsung will also launch a counterattack with its smart pads, semiconductors and TVs. In particular, Samsung expects a big increase in TV sales thanks to this years London Olympic Games. But some experts point out that Samsung needs a better content market like Apples iTunes and App Store to stay competitive in the future.
Meagan Lunn / info@koreaittimes.com

http://www.koREAittimEs.com | KOREA IT TiMES

10

CONTENTS

Policy 22 Does Koreas Economy have a Brignt Future? 24 MEST Pushes for Brain Return 500 Project to Attract Young Talents from Abroad 26 Mapping Out New-Year Plan for SMEs 23 International ICT Exhibition Schedule People 28 IT-based, Smart 2018 Pyeongchang Olympic Winter Games 30 KERI to Focus on Development o f Next-Generation Power Grids 32 Brain Pool System for Consultancy Services for SMEs Key to Globalization The Culture 34 KOCIS to Set Up Korean Cultural Centers in Developing Countries Finance 36 KODIT to Actively Support SMEs Through Extension of Credit Guarantees 38 Korean Re Strives to Become a World-class Reinsurer 40 The Next Generation of Korean Superstar Companies Will be Groomed Business 42 UPA to Make a Strong Push for Expansion of Port Infrastructure Oriental medicine 44 Traditional Korean Medical History of Oriental Medicine Dept. at Kyung-Hee Univ.
KOREA IT TiMES | FEBRUARY, 2012

e-GoVERNMENt 48 Seoul Proves Value of Advanced e-Government Software 50 Top 30 Korean Software Companies Worthy of Global Recognition 52 Hancom Takes Vision of Information Independence to the Globe 54 Sundosoft Boasts of Advanced GIS Technology through Convergence Country Report 56 India, the worlds fastest growing country 60 KOTRA Seal of Excellence Events 58 Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish. Do What You Love. 70 IPAK Holds New Years Greeting Meeting 71 Leading Asian Manufacturers to Showcase Latest NFC and RFID Products Editorial 72 Lessons Learned from South Koreas Real-Name Policy Column 74 Workplace Flexibility in the Public Sector 75 Raise expectations Korean Language Competency in International Students

Dr. Chos Briefing

COMMENtaRY 11

Fostering The Creative Digital Contents Industry

By Cho Sung-kap (skc1777@naver.com)

The 21st century is called the age The city of Incheon suggests ve visions for foster- Agency) will start a new program this year. Promising Digital Conof creativity or the digital content ing the local digital content industry: tents Companies were selected to industry. This industry has given birth to a variety of new services as First, development of cultural products that inte- represent the city and benefit from financial support, marketing and prowell as creating opportunities to dis- grate the local cultural and industrial resources tribute new contents. The scale of the Second, establishment and sophistication of a spe- motion opportunities, and additional points when applying for the busiworlds digital content markets grew cialized local culture industry cluster by 50 percent, from USD 238.5 bil- Third, cultivation and inducement of local content ness program in the following year. The agency will continue to provide lion in 2005 to USD 478.9 billion five enterprises with technological competence years later. This brought change to Fourth, active collaboration of industry, academy, support for the selected Promisthe digital industry environment and government, and research institutions led by cor- ing Digital Contents Companies to become a leading competitor in the potential economic growth of the porations Korean market and abroad. It is cer- Fifth, raising awareness of, participation in, and global market. IITPA also boasts a close collaboratain that the digital content industry support for culture contents among the public tion system with the local promotion has become a vital part of national agencies, culture, and art communicompetence. ties as well as businesses operating Incheon has limitless potential to within the city. To nurture creative lead the culture industries. The city local culture contents, it is important has more materials that boast being to establish policies and provide supthe first, best, or the only more than port to encourage creative activities any other region in Korea. For inof culture, art communities and busistance, Aegwan Cinema was built in nesses. Incheon 110 years ago and was the The idea that Incheon is a city cafirst movie theater in Korea. It was pable of creating a new and original opened 13 years before Koreas first culture must settle in the minds of national movie theater, Wongaksa. entrepreneurs; first, Incheon must The charm of the century old theater strengthen the platform for culture adds historical significance to the contents production and see the outcity. come of its efforts. The renowned animation film diThe next-generation of tangible rector Miyazaki Hayao also made contents industry, for example, was many masterpieces in Yokohama, chosen as the main fostering field Japans biggest port city. Cultural refor the Culture Industry Promotion sources are not particularly devised Cluster. This will materialize the but naturally created within the day Dr. Cho Sung-kap, vision of the Incheon digital industo day life of the citizens. In that President of Incheon try and will create a new business sense, it is safe to say that Incheon ICT industry Promotion Agency (IITPA) model through collaboration projects is a repository of sources for digital among the industry, academy, government, and research institucontents creation. Moreover, Incheon has the optimal environment for the industry, tions. Our last policy is to raise awareness of digital contents and as the home of diverse cultural facilities and culture content-relat- bring out voluntary participation and support from the citizens. ed businesses, colleges, and research institutes, especially around When the citizens enjoy the atmosphere, onlookers will realize that Incheon is a city of culture. Though those projects and polithe Culture Industry Promotion Cluster. Incheon ICT Industry Promotion Agency is constructing differ- cies prepare to activate the culture industry, IITPA will continue ent projects to support and centralize competitive content busi- to discover diverse resources and establish local culture businesses nesses to the promotion cluster and boost next-generation tangible with the citizens. Despite having been overshadowed by Seoul, Incheon has uncontents as the main field of the industry. In addition, the agency selects digital content companies with deniable and infinite potential in the contents industry. I hope the exceptional growth potential that can contribute to development culture contents industry will become an engine for Incheon to of the local contents industry, while aiding them in production, move forward as Koreas economic capital. It will be IITPAs role technological support, domestic and overseas marketing, and hu- to make a link among the local government, culture and art comman resources supply. IITPA (Incheon ICT Industry Promotion munity, and culture industry.
http://www.koREAittimEs.com | KOREA IT TiMES

12 ANaLYSiS

Welfare is Well Being?


Sharing A Pie
By Kim Tae-sub, Co-Publisher of Korea IT Times and Chairman of KDC Group

As election season follows, people frequently speak of welfare and free. Lately, once hotly debated issue free school meals finally elected a new Seoul major. And the newly elected leader of the Democratic Party Han Myeong-sook expressed her strong will to extend social welfare by taking over the political spirit of former president Roh Moo-hyuns era. Park Geun-hae said that she would walk away from her conservative position toward progressive social welfare. This time, women rather than men are challenging to prove an old saying wrong. However, it teaches us that even the head of state becomes humbled before the poverty. I have no taste for political ideology but feel uncomfortable when hearing electionwise stories about welfare and distribution. Recent issues like free-three set and half-tuition are part of such a hodgepodge, which never discriminates and attracts both the conservative and the liberal. I am sure that even those who are less into politics probably have thouought of welfare once, especially free, and welfare below is what I make of it. But first, we need to be familiar with the political definition of free. free originated from the policies of socialist countries; Prime examples are free allocation and free confiscation. During the proletariat revolution, they were promoted in order to win the heart of commoners like farmers and laborers. Most of them gleefully shouted and praised socialism, but changed their tune later. Here are some interesting cases. Argentinas GDP once ranked 6th in the world. Even European emigrants became hesitant between U.S. and Argentina. And now? The GDP plummeted to 86th. What happened? Peron Governments welfare populism was to blame. He was desperate and concentrated on winning a popularity contest. The successful campaign was doomed and deluded with free education and
KOREA IT TiMES | FEBRUARY, 2012

free medical. U.Ks cradle to grave is no exception. The British were fully supportive when the Labor party in the 1970s extended the social welfare. However, it was the green light for the rich and companies to escape into overseas tax heavens. Among southern European countries, Greece might have reached the epitome of such populism. Spain suffers from the unemployment rate of 20 percent and is strike-prone. And the Greek government is facing financial collapse. Some quirky rumor was spreading and hurting social atmosphere, which decreased productivity. For Japan, welfare policies children benefit and free high school education resulted in the worlds worst ratio of national debt 200 percent and the downgrade of their credit rating. People become near-sighted when they yearn for the free welfare. Here balloon effect works; if you put pressure from one side and the other one pops out. The same applies to the free welfare. Where does all necessary resources come from ? well, from our taxes, national budget, and borrowings. Greeces default took place months ago. The Greek government could not return the money back to her creditors. Where did the money go? They poured all into the social welfare. A local crisis created domino effect across Europe and is now threatening the existence of the Euro zone. Tax problem is more serious. Foreign debt could be dismissed in denial but the tax issue directly affects people. The free welfare is to help the low income, but not really. The rich and companies will find ways to avoid heavy taxes as witnessed in U.K. Domestic consumption, employment, and workers with their monthly paychecks will suffer once the free welfare extends. Look at some of Northern European countries social welfare heavens where the governments take away nearly 50 percent of peoples income. Korea stands at 26.5 percent

but, with such social welfare model that doubles the rate, and overspending is unavoidable. The budget allocation for free school meals in Seoul is around USD 103 million targeting only few students. Though it is not at all a tiny portion, another extra budget share will be added this year. Certain social organizations and the media claim that the combination of free and paid school meals will cause friction among different social classes. But only free school meals welfare policy work? There always have been social struggles between two classes. Would not it be better if the government can offer free school meals to only the real need and some educational opportunity like free extra academic courses to others instead? I grew up in poverty and can say it is not a shame, because many great people with poor background, we must remember, were able to become who they are by fighting personal difficulties and social rejection with hard working and sweats. Free medical is the center of the welfare populism. In Europe, a patient can never fully benefit from it until the patients condition becomes fatal. Koreas aging generation is another issue. The Korean society is aging quickly into aged society. By 2022, it will be the fastest one among OECD members. If this rapid transition completes, the government will be forced to inject a record amount of money into free medical. Koreas social welfare budget for 2011 stood at USD 7 billion, which was the largest cut of 28 percent. On top of that, additional USD 5 billion will be available next year. These two combined constitutes almost a half of Koreas total national budget. Then, how will the government allocate money for the future of unified Korea? The Cambridge dictionarys definition of populism betrays reality, since it always begets negative effects. It is just a political logic which is indiscriminately free and has no

AnAlYSiS

13

Any nation that heavily depended on welfare populism either faced its own financial downfall or retreated to join the league of the underdeveloped.
growth and distribution. And he said near the end of his term When I went overseas, I realized that real patriots were our companies The only government that fell short of the growth rate of world economy belongs to Roh. And, noticeably, during only both Kim Young-sam and Roh Moo-hyuns tenure, the low income brackets earning increased relatively little. Explanation for Kim was IMF, but what happened to Roh? I still respect the late Mr. Roh most I think he was an honorable president who introduced true democracy. He bestowed power upon his people, which eventually cost his life. Controversy between growth and distribution, in particular, is about which comes first: focusing on growing or distributing the pie. The Greek youth can take advantage of free education until university. But their free ride ends with graduation. And no job is up for grabs and the government cannot afford a quarter of Greek population that was put on national payroll in order to create more jobs. The pronoun of the distribution welfare destroys their dreams and makes them take to the street throwing rocks and fire bombs. The concentration of wealth is a concern for the growth-oriented policy, but it is only a matter of how to distribute it; let us think of the pyramid structure built with cups, water keeps pouring from just above a cup at top to fill up all the below ones in succession. So, it is about who gets first. As the wealth increases, all of us can benefit from it. During the Joseon dynasty, Jeong-jo known as a revolutionary ruler came up with an idea of growth welfare theory saying A king may not save his people in poverty, but he can nurture the rich that can use people, and this way, the poor can redeem themselves. The above anecdote gives us an important insight into the issue. Even in old days, their witty principle was well expressed; simply improving the cycle of gathering and sharing cannot be a solution. I am not against the welfare itself. I must say that it should be selective when it comes to directly benefiting the weak. And the distribution without the growth is baking bread without flour. When speaking of evaluating the wealth, how much other people have in their pockets is a barometer, not what I have in mine, that is to say, sharing means creating the true wealth. What growth to distribution is what needle to thread. Righteous growth comes first isnt this something that we are looking for?
http://www.koREAittimEs.com | KOREA IT TiMES

responsibility. Now Korea is at critical crossroads and faces a number of different issues. And its national debt is at alert level. In the era of participating government, there was an interesting satirical hearsay which tells about how former presidents burned their rice. Its implication shows how confusing each of former presidents economic policy was. The late Mr. Roh at the beginning of his presidency talked about growth based on distribution. Yet, in the mid, he emphasized both

14 ANaLYSiS

Mobile and Social Networking Rule Korean Politics


trade wishing to sell Twitter accounts to Korean politicians has emerged, which is outrageous. To sum it up, the IT industry involves brains working together. Knowledge is shared and merged, but its fundamentals are not an equation that states one plus one is two, but an infinite expansion of the brain. Are politicians aware of the fundamentals when they use it? Smartphone Knows Everything Youve Done Google and Naver are powerful internet entities. It is because when people use mobile phones or computers, the phone or PC knows everything about their owner. This includes private life, tastes, friends, financial status and political disposition. In the past, credit card records told everything about a persons life. Now it is your smartphone. Scary, isnt it? It is a frightful record telling everything youve done over the past few years. Korea is the haven of entertainment delivered via IT and media. The fad for Mr. Ahn Cheolsoo has led politicians to become more entertaining. As the Naggomsu emerged, both the IPTV and SNS are all entertainment-oriented. However, there is a time and place for laughter and seriousness. 40 percent of the US national budget is for national defense and another 40 percent is for medical and social welfare services. The country dispatches its army to other countries and is at war while trying to bring more welfare to the nation, which makes the budget as high as USD one trillion. The same applies to Korea. Beginning from free meal services to children and extending to university tuition fees and apartment housing, welfare is in excess. Every party and every color of politics is dedicated to welfare policies without a clue to a question, who will pay the tax? Politicians debate what the

By Jeon Byeong-seo, Professor of China MBA at Kyung Hee University

best answer is to this question, but few may have the answer. IT To Strengthen National Competitiveness and Investment Techniques The IT network in the US including Facebook and Twitter brings in millions of dollars every year. China boasts of 970 million mobile phone subscribers, 510 million internet subscribers and is busy making money online and via SNS. Chinese politicians are no twitter users but completely control the online world, including and blocking Google, Facebook and Twitter. Some led to business successes of national online companies such as Baidu, Tencent and Renrenwang. Tencent, famous for QQ messenger, is the most expensive online game company in the world. China ranks first in the internet and SNS use. In fact 100 million out of 500 million Angry Bird users are Chinese. Korea developed friend-making sites for the first time in the world but failed to globalize them. Rather, they produced several social vices. Online games and cyber outcasts play a certain role in childrens suicidal attempts. While there are negative impacts of IT in Korean society, no politician, public official or business has spoken of it. IT shall not go down just as a source of entertainment, infringement on privacy, or rumors. Its genuine role is to enliven agriculture and manufacture the industry which are failing and losing their power. IT shall be aimed at strengthening national competitiveness and be a business tool to earn money and help its citizens. Apple launched iBooks 2 to bring digital revolution to the area of education and now aims at the textbook market. Koreas IT market shall set a similar goal. We want to see the Korean IT industry earn money through innovation, design, and customer satisfaction and not as a means for politicians to gain power.

The new Korean politics are all about IT, mobilization, and social networking. The political arena is a fierce jungle of analogue where force, anger and group mobilization answer to everything. They all have a smartphone too! Politicians opinions appear in SNS first before their opponent presents their ideas. Small commentating on twitter, facebook, or myspace could cost potential leaders of small towns, cities or countries the election if there were many followers to these social media frenzies. Though the individuals who air their opinions (positive or negative) they can elect a party leader. They may do this via mobile voting that equals to a public opinion survey. Party politics undecided by party members cannot be properly called party politics. SNS is currently being contaminated by politics when it should be an arena of communication and sharing of ideas and thoughts. Even the wisest of people can become senseless and thoughtless once they are involved with a political party. In fact a
KOREA IT TiMES | FEBRUARY, 2012

ISSUE & TOPiC 15

Samgsung Electronics Aims at New App System Using Smart Connecting Strategies
Is There an App for That?
device. For example, when using the dart game app, you may hold a smart phone and use hand motions for the dart throwing. Afterward, the dart will hit the TV screen. This way you will be able to enjoy the X Box or Nintendos interactive games via smart TVs or smart phones. Choi Gee-sung, CEO of Samsung Electronics said, When the technology enabling Smart TVs and smart phones are ready for sales, a new app store will also be available. In addition to dart games, the company is developing a system to use the smart phone like a 3D TV by utilizing it as a 3D converter. The technology that converts 2D games or moving images to 3D images will be applied to the next-generation strategic phone Galaxy S3 so that users can enjoy the various types of apps on the Android market via TV. It is expected to solve the shortage of 3D contents, a weakness of 3D TVs, via smart phone. Samsung Electronics attempts to separate itself from competitors such as Apple, based on smart connecting strategies. Currently, there are few companies that have unfolded the smart TV and smart phone convergence businesses including LG Electronics, Sony, and Samsung Electronics. Overseas smart phone providers such as Apple, HTC, Nokia and Research in Motion do not possess TV businesses and smart connecting strategies that are not relevant to these companies. Hence, the companys strategy is to be the best where Apple ranks lowest. When the Connected App strategy becomes successful, the concentration of Samsungs information terminals and services such as smart phones and smart TVs, ranking first in the world, is likely to be increased. Smart connecting strategies became even more attainable thanks to the launch of DMC Division, supervised by Choi Geesung, Vice Chairman of Samsung Electronics. The strategy will combine and connect information home electronic appliances as finished goods of Samsung Electronics such as TVs and mobile phones to create the convergence service ecosystem of new concepts. Mr. Choi held a global strategic meeting where major executives including Yoon Bu-geun and Shin Jong-gyun, co-presidents, took part and made a decision on these strategies.
Lee Hyeong-jin / info@koreaittimes.com

Choi Gee-sung, CEO of Samsung Electronics

Smart Connecting is a strategy to converge Smart TV and smart phone services. It is a strategy that includes video materials, games and entertainment that connects various information devices and smart phones. As this emerges, an all-out war is expected with top competitor, Apple. This is based on the capacity of information and communication technologies of Samsung Electronics. An industry source explained that Samsung Electronics began developing applications to connect Smart TVs and smart phones. The intention is to become a leader in the market by connecting TVs and cell phones. The companys Media Solution Center recently started the Connected App Development project which connects smart TVs and smart phones via wireless communication or recognition sensors. The Connected App deploys a concept more advanced than N Screen technology where the same screen is shared via smart TV and smart phone. Using a smart phone like a wireless controller permits other technology and smart TVs respond on a real-time basis to work. Once the smart connecting application becomes available, information devices such as smart phones and TVs can be used as a single, comprehensive entertainment

http://www.koREAittimEs.com | KOREA IT TiMES

16 OPiNiON

Beyond 3G Integration and Convergence


By Cha Joo-hak (jhcha@kwuglobe.com)
Cha Joo-hak, CEO/Representative Director of Korea Information Strategy & Technology Corp, KW U-Globe Corp

4G is characterized by three words: ubiquitous, mobile, and broadband. 3rd Samsung 4G Forum, Jeju Island, Korea, August 2005 4G shall explore more on application level using available networks and should be a Mediator of all the existing and emerging networks that should be easily accessible by everybody wherever, whenever, whatever. First 4G International Workshop, New Delhi, India, November 2004
Wireless mobile communication comprises a wide range of technologies, services, and applications that have come into existence to meet the particular needs of users in different deployment scenarios. Wireless mobile systems can be broadly characterized by content and services offered, reliability and performance, operational frequency bands, standards defining those systems, supported data rates, bidirectional and unidirectional delivery mechanisms, degree of mobility, regulatory requirements, complexity, and cost. Versatile communication systems, offering customized and ubiquitous services which are based on diverse individual needs, require flexibility in the technology in order to satisfy multiple demands simultaneously. Wireless mobile multimedia traffic is increasing far more rapidly than word of mouth, and will increasingly dominate traffic flows. The paradigm shift from predominantly circuitswitched air interface design to full IP-based delivery has provided the mobile users with the ability to more efficiently, more reliably, and more securely utilize packet-switched services such as e-mail, file transfers, mobile instant messaging, mobile Web browsing, mobile blogging, gaming, voice-over Internet protocol, locationbased, multicast, and broadcast services. Today, the capacity of current 3G and 3.5G networks is still sufficient for the bandwidth requirements of these applications and the number of users. There are a number of trends, however, which are already visible and will increase bandwidth requirements in the future: Rising use - due to falling prices, more people will use mobile applications that require network access. Multimedia content while mobilizing the Web resulted in mostly text-based Web pages, graphical content is now the
KOREA IT TiMES | FEBRUARY, 2012

norm rather than the exception, which increases the amount of data that has to be transferred for a Web page. Video and music downloads are also becoming more popular, which further increases in bandwidth requirements. Mobile social networks - blogs, podcasts, picture-sharing sites and video portals are now reshaping the Internet, as users no longer only consume content, but use the network to share their own ideas, pictures and videos with other people. Applications let users upload pictures, videos and blog entries from mobile devices to the Web. In particular, picture, podcast and video transfers multiply the amount of data that users transmit and receive. Voice over IP - many of fixed line circuit-switched voice networks will have migrated towards IP-based voice transmission. Likewise, on the network access side, many users will use VoIP as their primary fixed line voice service. A similar trend can be observed in wireless networks. Here, however, the migration is much slower, especially due to the higher bandwidth requirements for transporting voice calls over a packet-switched bearer. Fixed-line Internet replacement - while the number of voice minutes is increasing, revenue is declining in both fixed line and the wireless networks due to falling prices. In many countries, wireless operators are thus trying to keep or increase the average revenue per user by offering Internet access for PCs, notebooks and mobile devices over their UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System )/HSDPA (High-Speed Downlink Packet Access) or CDMA (Code-Division Multiple Access) networks. Thus, they have started to compete directly with DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) and cable operators. Again, this requires an order of magnitude of additional bandwidth on the air interface.

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Competition from alternative wireless Internet providers - in some countries, alternative operators are already offering wireless broadband Internet access with Wi-Fi or WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access)/802.16 networks. Such operators directly compete with traditional UMTS and CDMA carriers The trend toward integration and convergence of wireless mobile systems and services can be characterized by connectivity, content, and e-commerce. This trend may be viewed as the integration and convergence of information technology, telecommunications, and content. This has resulted in new service delivery dynamics and a new paradigm in wireless mobile telecommunications, where value-added services have provided significant benefits to both the end users and the service providers. From a wireless mobile communication point of view, it is expected to have a much higher data transmission rate, one that is comparable to wire line networks as well as services and support for seamless connectivity and access to any application regardless of device and location. That is exactly the purpose for which 4G came into the picture. What is 4G? Unlike 3G, which refers to a specific mobile standard and allows the transfer of data at a minimum accepted speed, 4G, or the fourth generation of wireless communications, refers to a collection of technologies and standards that will find their way into a range of new ubiquitous computing and connections systems. In its earliest stages, 4G offers the promise of allowing users to connect to the Internet and another through a variety of devices and standards anytime, anywhere, and at a wide range of speeds, from narrowband to broadband. The 4G will be a fully IP-based integrated system of systems and network of networks achieved after the convergence of wired and wireless networks as well as computer, consumer electronics, communication technology, and several other convergences that will be capable of providing 100 Mbps and 1 Gbps, respectively, in outdoor and indoor environments with end-to-end QoS (Quality-of-Service) and high security, offering any kind of services anytime, anywhere, at affordable cost and one billing.

Google Dubbed Big Brother of Information Power


There is a concern that there is a 21st century Big Brother (a big power monopolizing information) under which peoples online activities are monitored. This is because Google, the worlds largest internet business, has announced its plan of integrated management of users personal information. Based on the Associated Press report on January 25, Google plans to integrate personal information policies of about 60 different services covering the Google website, Gmail, YouTube and Google Plus. The intention is to comprehensively collect information pertaining to users tastes and needs to provide custom services. The ulterior motive of Google introducing this is for profit increase. The companys advertisement income is 96 percent of total sales. While Google occupies a large market share as high as 80 percent in the search engine market, they have a new competitor in the market, Facebook, one of the most popular social networking sites on the internet. The companys average income per click during the fourth quarter of 2011 decreased by 8 percent, compared with last years period, 2010. When Googles new policies are implemented, advertisers can make advertisement plans based on users information collected by Google. Jeffrey Chester, Executive Director of the US Center for Digital Democracy explained. This will enable advertisers a one-stop shop of users personal information. Google has no plan to seek users agreement on this new policy, which is a deprivation of the minimum rights that permit users to allow or disallow the company to collect personal information. Al-Jazeera online said, Googles policy is just throwing away its management philosophy that users rank first and then comes advertising revenues. Experts are concerned that Google may rule the online era as a big brother. Larry Dignan, Editor in Chief of ZDNet, told the ICT news, Google will integrate and trace everything on your monitor. The US Atlantic Monthly commented that Google should question about the nature of relations and to what extent we can allow the exposure of our personal information. A spokesperson from Google Korea said, Googles new policy aims to integrate information for better services. Once logged out, your search records wont remain. So anyone can sufficiently control the collection of his personal information.

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http://www.koREAittimEs.com | KOREA IT TiMES

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Along with e-Learning and Cloud Computing, Comes the Advancement of Smart Learning
EBS, the Heart of Smart Learning and Lifelong Education
The first story of the e-learning in a sixth part series
Yu-jin, a fifth grade elementary student never forgets to bring her tablet PC in her school bag; it is the most indispensable device she needs for school. The tablet PC serves as her textbook, notebook and organizer. Before the term begins, she downloads all necessary lessons for her classes from the internet, while her mother helps her download additional texts and videos daily from her school teachers websites, so no additional textbook or Dr. Kwak Duk-hoon, CEO of EBS and Chairman writing material is necof Smart Learning Forum essary. Today, at school, she takes out her tablet PC to view digital textbooks as the teacher presents the lesson about dinosaurs and volcanoes on the monitor installed in the classroom. After school, while Yu-jin enjoys her snacks, her mother helps her check the schedule, homework, and preview of the lecture on the tablet PC. Whats more, she can watch TV for homeschooling instead of attending private teaching institutions for supplementary learning. Yu-jins parents also take advantage of this technology to practice foreign languages by studying online materials for thirty minutes and talking to native speakers via the internet video system for an extra thirty minutes. As for Yujins grandparents, they watch a TV documentary about Antonio Gaudi and his lifelong achievements in constructing edifices and buildings as they prepare to travel to Spain. Smart learning has become even more widespread as the number of smart phone subscribers has reached 20 million in October, 2011. This increase gives us a glimpse into what the future holds for this amazing technology. In our aging society, life expectancy can reach as old as 100 years and the demand for education is changing constantly according to age. Education becomes digitalized as information and communication technology evolves requiring further enhancement of the education system based
KOREA IT TiMES | FEBRUARY, 2012

on the demands of consumers from children to adults who want to receive lifelong education. The combination of education and cloud computing has created the wind of change to the education system. Today, we live in a world of digital information, which makes us enjoy smart education unhindered by spatial or time restrictions. Smart education or smart learning is construed as the new education system emerging from the development of information and technology. We have come to the age of smart Learning after e-Learning (electronic Learning), m-Learning (mobile Learning), and u-Learning (ubiquitous Learning) developed in the onset of the21st century. Dr. Kwak Duk-hoon, CEO of Educational Broadcasting System (EBS) in Korea and Chairman of Korean Smart Learning Forum, is the pioneer of smart learning and lifelong education. He is the fearless leader who led EBS to become the worlds best education media group and helped the country to learn more about the significance and vision of smart learning. Smart Learning is Emotion Networking Emotion Networking and Human Networking are international smart learning terms emphasized from the beginning by Dr. Kwak envisioning Emotional Technology as its core. Emotional education focuses on the qualitative and quantitative effects of learning stirring the learners curiosity. Hence, smart learning also refers to Human-centered Education prioritizing consumers convenience so that they can learn without constraints. Smart learning is cloud computing-based and device-free, enabling consumers to use it more conveniently while e-learning pro-

A Student is learning English Via Tablet through Smart Learning

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vides web-based PC client services. Hybrid thinking aims to identify and realize consumers needs and plays a significant role in empowering smart learning that covers learning through communication with colleagues, providing intelligent and tailored methods according to a learners intelligence and level of comprehension. Korea Ranks First in Smart Learning Dr. Kwak emphasized, Korea ranks first in the web-based smart learning environment from the perspective of services that consumers receive. This means that Korea has the world class IT infrastructure and generic technology which contributes greatly to the countrys leadership in smart learning making education digital and smart. Asia Media Summit was held in Vietnam in May 2011. Dr. Kwak presents his speech. The term, e-learning was first introduced in the early 2000s when the development and distribution of information and communication networks started sibility for immediate and lifelong education as well. Their intellectual properties cover childrens programs such as Pororo, secto play a key role in this innovation. EBSs market leadership lies in the fact that Koreas smart learn- ondary education programs to supplement public education and ing was developed based on the College Scholarship Ability Test cultural programs such as documentaries. It also plans to secure (CSAT). EBS is an educational broadcasting system providing not about 40,000 additional clips this year as they assist the curricula only public education including CSAT programs, but also the out- with five-minute clips to be incorporated into the Educational Digital Resource Bank (EDRB). standing lifelong educational contents. Dr. Kwak said, Compared to BBC of UK and PBS of USA, our Twenty-one affiliated Korean universities, the highest in the world, provide cyber lectures in their own local areas. The Korean databases are completely insufficient. We need to expedite the deEducation & Research Information Service (KERIS) operates ten velopment of the Korea Digital Resource Bank (KDRB), an open units of Korean Open Course Ware (KOCW) across the country to national knowledge platform. This means that the knowledge and support them. In addition, KOCW manages a free website (www. information system, integrating and managing Koreas multimekocw.net) where you can benefit from online lectures of Korean dia materials is necessary. According to Dr. Kwak, KDRB largely consists of the Educational Digital Resource Bank (EDRB) and and overseas scholars. It was designed for users to download the Korean contents via Cultural Digital Resource Bank (CDRB). In addition to independent contents production, databases can mobile applications suited for all smart phone devices in the country or to use the materials at home via the internet. A systemically be qualitatively and quantitatively expanded in association with configured structure has been arranged to benefit from the terres- related overseas institutions. There is also a way of constructing trial broadcasting services without watching the actual and real- and using a common database by sharing contents from other time broadcasting. Korea has secured about twenty million smart countries that are different from ours. During the general assembly phone subscribers and manufactures contents that fully reflect con- of the 24th International Council for Distance Education (ICDE) sumers need for information and convenience. Smart learning in in Bali, Indonesia in October 2011, Dr. Kwak suggested a project Korea is expected to grow even faster this year due to the nation- named The Asian Educational Digital Resource Bank (ADRB) wide launch of LTE (Long Term Evolution) and cloud computing. to resolve the worlds education gap. The ADRBs objective is to open EDRB services, launched by EBS on 12th of May in 2011, overseas through multi-language Substance as Core Along with the facilitation of smart learning, the importance of services starting the latter half of 2013. The EDRBs independent information digitalization and service advancement is highlighted website will edit and provide EBS programs such as five-minute more. Smart learning, an educational method using various con- clips, various keywords and additional educational materials nectents and database security, has become a crucial issue. Dr. Kwak essary for research. The ADRB will be managed as an open platpointed out that, currently, there is an overall shortage of materials form where cultural video contents from various countries can be being used by teachers at schools which leaves the teachers with shared. Provided in English, there will be functions to add captions no other option but to rely on the internet for their class materials. and subtitles in different languages. Furthermore, video materials EBS has set and vigorously promoted a goal to produce vari- of a wide range of pixel quality will be provided in consideration ous educational and cultural contents to enhance the educational of the status of communication in each country, creating an enquality of human development and lead the country to a further vironment for users from various countries to communicate with progress. The aim is to produce contents of high quality and acces- each other.
http://www.koREAittimEs.com | KOREA IT TiMES

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sold at the highest price ever by a Korean broadcasting company, making EBS more optimistic in pursuing this years goal of further exporting smart learning based on one of their core values Global EBS. As the revised e-learning Industry Development Act has taken effect on 26th of January, 2012, the government specifically MKE (the Ministry of Knowledge and Economy) and MEST (the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology) announced to join forces and work closely to promote the export of smart learning. The ministries will implement the business reporting system, where the development of e-learning contents and R&D projects designated by the MKE will be limited to subjects excluding large conglomerates. Additionally, to cope with the fast-changing industrial environment, the cycle to establish the basic plan to promote e-learning will be reduced from five to three years. In order to promote the industrial application, KERIS will join the National IT Industry Promotion Agency, the agency responsible for e-learning standardization and quality certification. MEST will provide e-learning contents and systems to educational institutions while extending services to socially vulnerable classes overseas. MKE will provide e-learning education and training to the industrys human resources to enhance productivity and capacity of the SME (Small and medium sized enterprises) workforce.

The ICDE, Chinas Tianjin Open University, Malaysias Wawasan Open University, and Indonesias University as Terbuka responded positively to cooperate. We will also establish The Committee of Experts for the ADRB Promotion, which will consist of experts from all around the world, said Dr. Kwak. Once the ADRB becomes available, database vulnerability suffered by Asian countries is likely to be resolved. The World Aspires to Adapt Korean Educational Scheme On the other hand, a growing number of developing countries are benchmarking Koreas smart learning based on their realization of the importance of education as a key to Koreas economic development. The know-how of EBS has gained admiration in Central and South America, Southeast Asia, and Africa making it more sought-after and paving the way for Smart Learning Export putting Korean Wave in Education on a global stance. The Korean government plans to help developing and underdeveloped countries with their establishment of educational broadcasting stations and there EBS stands as a part of the Knowledge Sharing Program (KSP). Smart learning combines our education broadcasting services and IT is an economic development model aspired by African countries, explained Dr. Kwak. Their interest has increased based on the fact that despite Koreas geographical limit and scarce natural resources, has cultivated global companies such as Samsung, LG,
KOREA IT TiMES | FEBRUARY, 2012

and Hyundai, and launched the high quality products, such as mobile phones through its empowerment of human resources. Dr. Kwak mentions, EBSs contribution will be great in terms of reducing illiteracy in Africa and providing neglected and excluded classes, including women, opportunities to learn to by sharing and supporting excellent educational data. EBS plans to extend further contributions to improving the learning environment by providing educational facilities and supplementary items aside from the know-how transfer.

MKE and the MEST to Jointly Facilitate Smart Learning As the co-editor of ICT based learning terminologies (ISO/IEC JTC1 SC36 WG1), Dr. Kwak articulates, Korea needs Kim Sung-mi / info@koreaittimes.com more than anything else to arrange and establish the terminology system for smart learning and databases simultaneously to The Articles about e-Learning will be lead smart learning, and forecasts, Coun- continued with following issues. > tries completing smart learning terminologies which is the most critical stage to set international standards, will lead the smart learning market. If Korea preoccupies the market, export combining IT and education will become more active. EBS earned one million dollars by exporting its documentary programs especially The Land of Gods, Angkor, a EBS and the Columbian Ministry of Education had single documentary program signed the memorandum of understanding.

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The pre-eminent girls independent school in North America, Branksome Hall Asia opens 2012/2013 admissions information session

The Pre-eminent Girls Independent School, Branksome Hall Asia Opens in Jeju

Information session in Orchid Room at Grand Intercontinental at 2pm on Feb 8th Grand opening in October 2012 in Jeju Global Education City Offers the 110 years of tradition and philosophy of Branksome Hall and the cutting-edge facilities including STEM-V Center

Branksome Hall Asia, the first overseas campus of a premier as well as day to day organizational information. To attend the information session, RSVP to events@branksomeall-girls independent school in North America, Branksome Hall, will hold an admissions information session at 2pm on Wednes- hallasia.org. For any other admission inquiries, contact the Admisday, February, 8th in the Orchid Room at Grand Intercontinental sions Office at 02-6456-8402 or email admissions@branksomehallasia.org. Seoul Parnas Hotel. Opening in Jeju Global Education city in October, Branksome Suh Jin-young / info@koreaittimes.com Hall Asia is accepting boys and girls from junior kindergarten to grade 3 and, girls only from grades 4 to 12. For the foundation year, admissions are open through grade 10 only. Branksome Hall Asia will retain the 110 years of tradition and the educational philosophy of Branksome Hall, whose graduates are accepted at worlds stellar universities, many with scholarships. In 2010, 93% of Branksome Hall graduates were offered entrance scholarships. Branksome Hall Asia will offer the internationally recognized IB (International Baccalaureate) Program for all grades, as well as the Branksome Advantage Exchange Program (BAEP), residential exchanges for Branksome Hall Asia students is an integrated part of the curriculum package for all students from grades 7 to 12. The state-of-the-art facilities of Branksome Hall Asia allows excellent educational environment Branksome Hall Asia is accepting girls only from grades 4 to 12 for its students. In an effort to educate and cultivate young girls into women leaders in more diverse fields of profession, Branksome Hall Asia will operate the STEM-V Center, an institution for Science, Technology, Engineering, Math and Visual Arts, of which womens advancement has been traditionally weak. Golf & tennis academy, Yoga and Fitness Studios, Olympic Aquatics Center and Outdoor Sports Fields will be available for a more balanced life and learning experience for students. Based in one of the worlds most technologically advanced countries, Branksome Hall Asia will adopt Ubiquitous learning. Via Branksome Hall Asias Learning Management System (LMS), and students and parents can access information regarding their academic programs and portfolio Branksome Hall Asia is also accepting boys and girls from junior kindergarten to grade 3
http://www.koREAittimEs.com | KOREA IT TiMES

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Does Korea's Economy have a Brignt Future?


2012 Year of the Dragon and a Prosperous Economy
Koreas Economic Status On January 30, 2012, Korea IT Times had the pleasure of listening to Dr. Bahk Jae-wan, Minister of Strategy and Finance discuss the topic of Koreas economic situation. These included factors such as South Koreas relationship with Iran, the new leadership role of Kim Jong-un, FTA with Japan, South Korea, and China, and the common household debt among Korean families. He also discussed the problems with conglomerate corporations and small businesses and the role they play in shaping Koreas economy. South Korea and Iranian Relations The first main topic discussed was South Koreas relationship with Iran. Most countries of the world rely on Middle Eastern nations such as Iran, Kuwait, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for oil. After all, a large majority of the worlds oil lies in the heart of these countries. In fact, 9% of the oil imported to South Korea is from Iran. Dr. Bahk commented that two Korean oil companies have refinery facilities that specialize in Iranian crude oil. This raises the eyebrows of many western countries, where relations with Iran are not the strongest. South Korea was questioned by the United States about its ties to Iran, and requested them to limit a significant amount of energy supplies they import from this Middle Eastern country. But what is a significant amount of oil to purchase from Iran? There will be further discussion between the United States and South Korea to discuss and resolve the matter. If South Korea decides to reduce imports from Iran, Bahk stated that most of the oil imports would come from Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia currently produces 10 million barrels of oil for South Korea, but they are willing to produce 12.5 million barrels of oil to export. Currently, the US domestic laws concerning Iranian sanction are executed when there is no increase in crude oil
KOREA IT TiMES | FEBRUARY, 2012

prices, so they are doing their best to make sure that inflation will not occur in the near future. Death of Kim Jong-il The next topic mentioned was the death of former North Korean leader, Kim Jongil. Kim Jong-il died of a heart attack on December 17, 2011 on a train near Pyongyang. Soon thereafter his successor, Kim Jong-un assumed his fathers former position as the leader of North Korea. Many South Koreans feel that because Kim Jong-un studied in the west that perhaps he will be more open with foreign nations, including South Korea. Others feel that he will follow in his fathers footsteps and continue with the same leadership techniques as Kim Jong-il, and remained a closed and mysterious country. How will this affect the economy of South Korea if the north becomes more open or remains closed? Though the question cannot be answered now because of Kim Jong-uns new role, they are hoping for a new reform for higher economical growth and better relations between the two Koreas.

FTA Between China, Japan, and South Korea The third topic discussed by Dr. Bahk is the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between China, Japan, and South Korea. Dr. Bahk commented that South Korea has very few of its own natural resources, and many imported items come from Japan and China, so a free trade agreement would be ideal. There have been numerous discussions made by these nations about free trade between the three countries but there are still further talks to be carried out be carried out. In fact, the three heads of state (South Korea, Japan, and China) are planning to announce their plans of a free trade agreement by May 2012. Korean Debt Another issue that Dr. Bahk discussed is the family debt situation. Most families borrow money from the bank, whether it be for a new car, house, or sending their child to college. Though Korea has debt, they are certainly not alone. In the United States, a student wanting to attend college will borrow USD 70,000 or more to pay for school. Although Koreas percentage of loans based on fixed interest has increased 2.35 percent since the end of 2011, the overall household debt compared to the GDP has been stabilized and is slowly decreasing. Actually, in comparison with the debt of the United States and United Kingdom, Korea is lower than assets than the US and UK; assets are overvalued and others are underestimated. Although it is uncertain when the economy will boom, Dr. Bahk commented that most likely it will be lower during first quarter and higher in the last quarter. Conglomerate vs. Small Business Dr. Bahks final topic was the problems with conglomerate corporations and small businesses. Most people shop at a huge conglomerate, though some remain loyal to

Minister. Bahk Jae-wan held a media conference at Seoul Foreign Correspondents Club.

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their mom and pop shops. It may seem that these huge conglomerates are ganging up on these smaller stores and stealing their business, there are many, in fact that work together. Some smaller businesses that are being operated that are of in sourcing within the conglomerates. Dr. Bahk emphasized about the ethics and conscience of the large companies in South Korea, though he do not believe it would help the companies through system laws and regulations among the international standards. He also said that large companies and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) needed close collaboration between large companies and their suppliers. Building conglomerate giants like Samsung, LG, Hyundai, and Kia also helps create jobs for the citizens of Korea. This years job creation is said to increase by 3.7 percent by the end of 2012. Some local Koreans have doubts and worry about the new plan, thinking that perhaps there will be longer working hours, low productivity, and a higher rate of industrial accidents. Although we make assumptions and share ideas and thoughts about the future of Koreas economy Dr. Bahk Jae-wan put it best when he said I believe that even though there are more risk factors and uncertainties than ever, the Korean economy is strong enough to overcome such difficulties with its solidly restructured economic system and trust built at home and overseas. In fact, January 13, 2012 was the 50th anniversary of Koreas First Five Year Economic Development Plan. Over the last five decades, Korea has shown the most dynamic development in history, weathering numerous difficulties Luncheon Remarks packet. That being said by Dr. Bahk, lets make the year of dragon, the year for Koreas growth and a prosperous new beginning.
Meagan Lunn / info@koreaittimes.com

February
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March
Mar. 04~07 Mar. 04~08 Mar. 06~09 Mar. 06-10 Mar. 08~15 Mar. 11~13 Mar. 13~16 Mar. 20~22 Mar. 20~22 Mar. 20~23 Mar. 21~22 Mar. 21~23 Mar. 21~23 Mar. 27~29 Mar. 27~29 Mar. 27~29 Mar. 28~30 Mar. 28~30 Mar. 28~31 Focus 2012 OFC/NFOEC 2012 NFC&Smartworld 2012 CeBit 2012 Geneva International Motor Show Milano Optical Exhibition ENADA Primavera Electronic Games Machines Exhibition Semicon China 2012 Solicon China 2012 20th International Electric Electronics Technology Fair Documation 2012 CCBN 2012 Convergence India 2012 Show on Information Technology Utrecht Medical ICT Exhibition Sign & Digital UK 2011 International Security Conference West 2012 (ISC West) LEDTEC Asia 2012 Indonesia Electric Electronics Expo Birmingham (U.K.) LA (USA) Tokyo (Japan) Hanover (Germany) Geneva (Swiss) Milano (Italy) Rimini (Italy) Shanghai (China) Shanghai (China) Prague (Czech Rep.) Paris (France) Bejing (China) New Delhi (India) Madrid (Spain) Utrecht (Netherland) Birmingham (UK) Las vegas (USA) Singapore Jakarta (Indonesia) Mary Walker Exhibitions Ltd. (www.focus-on-imaging.co.uk) Optical Society of America (www.ofcnfoec.org) NIKKEI Inc. (www.shopbiz.jp/ic) Deutsche Messe (www.cebit.de) Palexpo SA (www.geneva-palexpo.ch) Mido S.r.l. (www.mido.it) Rimini Fiera S.p.A (www.enadaprimavera.it) Semi (www.semi.org.cn/solarconchina/en) Semi (www.semi.org.cn/solarconchina/en) TERINVEST Trade Fair Management (www.amper.cz) Reed Expositions (www.documention.fr) SARFT (www.ccbn.cn) Exhibition India Pvt. Ltd. (www.convergenceindia.org) Asociacion @asLAN Clave S.L. (www.siti.es) VNU Exhibitions Europe BV (www.zorg-en-ict.nl) Faversharm House Group (www.signuk.com) Reed Exhibitions (www.iscwest.com) LedtecAsia (www.ledtecasia.com) PT. Globa Expo Management (www.gem-indonesia.net) http://www.koREAittimEs.com | KOREA IT TiMES

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MEST Pushes for Brain Return 500 Project to Attract Young Talents from Abroad
The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MEST) is actively pushing for the Brain Return 500 Project to attract young talents from abroad to the domestic science belt, a top official of the ministry said. Noting that the ministry plans to actively foster science belt as the nations basic study stronghold this year, Minister of MEST Lee Ju-ho said, The ministry projects to attract some 500 talents from abroad, including globally distinguished scientists and scholars, to Korea Basic Science Institute by 2017. Minister Lee said that the government will fully support research centers and universities to help them achieve an advanced study system by guaranteeing autonomy of study teams, introduction of open-type manpower system and encouraging innovative operation of basic science. Commenting that the ministry has set the realization of advanced top-tier country through fostering of talents as the 2012 policy goal, Lee said, The ministry will place focus on building an advanced study development system based on harmony and creation, while establishing a firm foothold of major education reform policies it has so far propelled. Related to this, the ministry will accelerate creation of R&D performance based on accumulated research results, while enhancing efficiency of R&D investment, said the minister. For instance, we will expand the foundation for future-oriented R&D fields by strengthening assistance for the stem cell research team, building Korea brain research center and accelerating technology development of carbon dioxide capture & storage (CCS), he said. The ministry aims to enhance technology self-reliance in the nuclear and space fields this year, while expanding the nations advancement into the global market in the sectors.
KOREA IT TiMES | FEBRUARY, 2012

For example, we will make efforts to predominate the unexplored nuclear market by exporting such nuclear technologies, including development of small and medium-sized system-integrated modular advanced reactor (SMART), said Lee. Along with this, the ministry plans to secure ability to develop Korean-type rockets and small and medium-sized satellites for exports. Job creation in the science and technology eld The ministry plans to create more jobs in the science and technology field to attract young talents this year. MEST plans to establish the research fellow system, under which universities take charge of study, in a bid to expand employment of doctor-level manpower and enhance universities study ability, said the minister. In line with this, the ministry projects to foster 2,000 study equipment engineers by 2017 and extend financial assistance to universities employing them.

It also plans to create 1,500 jobs for topclass researchers in the basic science sector by 2012 and expand the number to 3,000 by 2017. In particular, we are moving to help female scientists who left their past jobs return to their posts by implementing a returnee program, which offers costs for research and educational training for study equipment operation, he said. It is planned to introduce the Korean type grant method in an attempt to enhance the degree of immersion on basic study by readjusting the U.S.-type grant method in such a way as to suitable for the Korean situation. The ministry plans to build an advanced research and development system through settlement and spread of various fusion models. To effectively cope with the fusion and compound trend of science technology, the ministry will create the fund to accelerate fusion study and strengthen its existing assistance for fusion study institutions, said Lee.

Minister Lee is giving a special lecture for CEO at Korea National Sport University

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than 100 enterprises, including Hyundai Motor, Samsung Economic Research Center and Samsung Electronics, to participate in the movement this year. For instance, Hyundai Motor has been implementing an educational program for the leadership course for school heads. Under the Samsung Economic Research Centers project, 100 CEOs are offering a special lecture on the students future course in life at schools. Samsung Electronics, SKT and LG are also carrying out an educational program under the topic of creative experience. Tata Daewoo Commercial Vehicle is also offering the educational service for students from underprivileged and low-income families. As a means of strengthening public education and reducing dependency on private education, the ministry will operate the after school program centered on consumers by using excellent private human resources from universities, media and enterprises, and bolstering its administrative supports. The ministry will strengthen personality education to foster talents with a right character through students autonomous activities, improvement of students language culture and prevention of violence at school, he stressed. Related to this, the ministry will increase the number of model schools to teach students about originality and human nature from 95 in 2011 to 200 in 2012. To actively foster future-oriented talents, we will also develop 100 English education models after reflecting regional schools characteristics and spread communication-oriented English education through the pilot implementation of National English Ability test (NEAT), he said. At the same time, the ministry will develop two kinds of storytelling textbooks and establish the mathematics curriculum class on a pilot test to help students cultivate ability to solve problems with their own ability, he said. To improve students language culture, it will stage the Internet sunfull movement to fight cyber bullying and restore peace and civility. It will also expand infrastructure, including CCTV, to protect students from possible school violence. Along with this, the ministry will exert efforts to build an advanced education support system through introduction of advanced fiscal system, enhancement of teachers expertise, and smart education, he said. In order to create the foundation for smart education, we will prepare for an application of digital textbook and cloud-based educational service, said the minister. Furthermore, the ministry plans to establish efficient education and research systems to cultivate the outstanding talents of Korea as the prominent scientists and engineers recognized by the world. The policy support will also be expanded to encourage many talented people to seek the career paths related to science and technology as well as to enable scientists and engineers to demonstrate their capacity with pride. In the coming years, the ministry will concentrate more on ensuring that the existing policies take firm root rather than developing new policies. To attain this goal, we will communicate more with those who are working in the education, science and technology sectors with an open-minded attitude, he added.
Lee Hyeong-jin / info@koreaittimes.com

Lee Ju-Ho, Minister of Ministry of Education, Science and Technology

In addition, we will settle a new cooperative model between universities and state-funded research centers through establishment of the ocean science technology institute, while fostering the linkage between science technology specialized universities and basic science campuses, he said. Along with this, the ministry will actively push ahead with fusion talent education program to foster 10,000 science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) pioneers and designate 80 schools as STEAM leader schools. Settlement of culture helps high school graduates land a job The ministry will expand a system to help high school graduates attain a job first and enter university later, while fostering specialized high schools as those centered on employment. Based on the frame of university structural reform it built in 2011, the ministry will make a strong push for specialized universities according to their function and field, said the minister. Through industrial and academic cooperation and in-depth education for business start-ups, the ministry will make efforts to help university graduates land a job or establish a venture company, he said. For instance, it will establish an entrepreneurship center in 50 universities pursuing industrial and academic cooperation to provide students with specialized education service for business startups and extend financial supports for start-up groups. From March 1, 2012, it will implement the five-year old nuri progress system, under which all children aged five are able to receive preschool education at a kindergarten free of charge. Under the program, households with a five-year old child can receive state supports amounting to KRW 177,000 every month in 2011, 200,000 in 2012 and 300,000 in 2016. The ministry projects to readjust the portion of the people who failed to attain the basic academic standards from the earlier goal of 2.4 percent to a 1 percent level this year, while strengthening adaptation ability of students from multicultural families and families who immigrated from North Korea. Education-donating campaign In a campaign to donate education to society, the ministry will secure various and excellent manpower from enterprises, universities and state-run research centers and use them for teachers training, students future course in life and education on creation and human nature, said the minister. For the pan-national campaign, the ministry will encourage more

http://www.koREAittimEs.com | KOREA IT TiMES

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| sMBAs stRAteGY

Mapping Out New-Year Plan for SMEs


Song Jong-ho, Administrator of the Small and Medium Business Administration (SMBA) sets the major new-year policies to help SMEs cope with the current global financial crisis, buttress the youths business setup, stabilize the economy for medium and low-income classes, and promote eco-systemic development, a term coined by the Korean government to refer to development of SMEs and large conglomerates both. Supporting SMEs affected by the global nancial crisis The SMBAs slogan in 2012 for SMEs competitiveness and preemptive measures to the current global financial crisis is Make SMEs Healthy and Embrace Small Enterprises, aimed at crisis management for SMEs. Song explains, this will be backed by our three major tasks, which covers, the introduction of SMEs Soundness Management System, second, security of occupational safety nets for small enterprises, and, third, facilitation of the youths business setup. According to Song, the first will be based on the support tailormade to SMEs specializing in root industry such as molding and welding. The SMEs Soundness Management System covers support over the three stages of diagnosis, prescription, and recovery. The second will be promoted based on increased sales through Onnuri gifts, certificates exclusively developed to promote sales at local traditional markets (KRW 250 billion as of 2012) and Nadle stores, previously known as smart shops to compete with mega stores in local areas, introduction of Small Enterprises Fund (Account), and more subscriptions to Mutual Aid of Small Enterprises. For the third task, Loan Payment Adjustment Funds (KRW 50 billion) and Business Re-foundation Funds (KRW 20 billion ) will be introduced to alleviate the burdens upon business failures. 13 more Youth Business Incubation Centers will be established and KRW one trillion will be allocated for the youths business setup. The support will cover Youth Business Funds (KRW 730 billion), angel funds (KRW 160 billion), and R&D funds (KRW 94 billion). Funds allocated to cope with the global nancial crisis The recent financial crisis originating from Europe resulted in slow exports by SMEs and further decreased in domestic demand, which is expected to lead to further deterioration of financial status of Korean SMEs during the first half of the year. According to Song, for more stable funding to SMEs against the global financial instability, KRW 81.5 trillion will be provided and more stable liquidity will be guaranteed with KRW 3.3 trillion of policy finance and KRW 71.2 trillion of guarantee funds. Also the takeover size of account receivable ledgers will be increased from KRW six trillion in 2011 to KRW seven trillion in 2012 to strengthen the SMEs management safety nets.
KOREA IT TiMES | FEBRUARY, 2012

Song Jong-ho, Administrator of the Small and Medium Business Administration

Funding will be provided with a focus on SMEs and startups specializing in the areas of great potentials for growth, covering strategic industries such as green, new growth, cultural contents and knowledge services (75 percent). Guarantees for startups, green growth and employment generation will be increased from 13.8 trillion in 2011 to KRW 14.4 trillion in 2012 for business establishment, KRW 4.5 to 6.8 trillion for green growth, and KRW 6.5 to 7.3 trillion for job creation. Song said, Funds amounting to KRW 210 billion for the youths business setup will be separately allocated. At the same time, we will establish the SMEs Emergency Task Force Team and hold meetings of the Commission on Emergency Financial Support to SMEs for close monitoring of their financial status. Also, more flexible funding management will be guaranteed to solve liquidity issues. SMBAs new-year plan to promote the youths business setup The youths business setup plays an important role to generate newly added value and qualitatively and quantitatively sound employment when growth without employment deepens. The national awareness led to establishment of Youth CEO Programs last year to provide education, spatial arrangement, R&D support and funding to young people wishing to set up their own businesses. According to Song, in 2011, 220 young people benefited from this program in Ansan and other local areas and this year, the program will be expanded to more local areas such as Gwangju and Daegu. Song said, This year, we will arrange the conditions for willing and able young people to set up their businesses more conveniently and alleviate the burdens when their businesses fail. Our budget for this plan in 2012 is KRW 1.6 trillion, an increase by 149 percent from the previous year. Also, local SMBA offices and the Youth Business Incubation Centers will establish local Agency Councils

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to Support the Business Setup for closer cooperation among related agencies. At the same time, any entrepreneurs will find the environment more accommodating even upon their failures as we will establish Loan Payment Adjustment Funds (KRW 50 billion) and Business Re-foundation Funds (KRW 20 billion). Finally, the existing joint surety for funding to SMEs will be improved. Major policies for small enterprises and traditional markets in 2012 Koreas 5.22 million small enterprises constitute a foundation of its economy (38.9 percent). Small enterprises take up 87.5 percent (2.69 million) of all enterprises in Korea. Despite government measures to strengthen SMEs competitiveness based on deregulation and establishment of Nadle Stores, the competition becomes even fiercer as large conglomerates occupy more of their market portions and introduce new business types. Song said, In 2012, we will develop our performance for small enterprises and traditional markets even further and focus on establishing stronger safety nets in their businesses. In 2011, Onnuri gifts and Nadle stores resulted in tangible effects such as increased sales of small enterprises and traditional markets. As for Nadle stores, 87.2 percent reported their sales increases and average sales volumes increased by 23.2 percent. The number of stores will increase to 10,000 in 2012 from 5,300 in 2011. The sales volume of Onnuri gifts will also increase from 200 billion to KRW 250 billion this year. In addition, the SMBA plans to establish Small Enterprises Fund (Account) and guarantee more subscriptions to Mutual Aid of Small Enterprises, a planned increase from 120,000 to 180,000 subscribers, which will provide a more stable business environment. Finally, our education (245 thousand beneficiaries) and SMEs TV will help them speedily learn the governmental policies. Incorporation of their representative organizations under the laws will improve communication and cooperation, too, explained Song. Eco-systemic development of SMEs and large conglomerates In 2010, the Commission on Partnered Growth was launched for the private sector to promote the governmental policy aim titled ecosystemic development covering both SMEs and large conglomerates. In 2011, it designated 82 business areas most appropriate for SMEs. Also, the Act on Subcontractors was revised to establish the institutional foundation for fair trade in March 2011. The revision covers authorization of cooperatives to ask for cost adjustment, conversion of the responsibility to prove unfair amount reduction, three-time compensation for abuse of technological materials, and expansion of application of the Act to transactions among SMEs. Song said, In Africa, they say Walk alone if you want to be fast. Walk together if you want to go further. As the subjects of global competitiveness convert from individuals to corporate networks, we need strategies to develop both SMEs and large conglomerates together. What SMEs need is not the allocation of profits generated by large conglomerates. It is proper return that will lead to further technological development and job creation. Consistent ecosystemic development can be achieved only when it is embedded in each corporate culture. With this in mind, we will expand our programs promoting win-win situations between SMEs and large conglomerates. In association with large conglomerates, the SMBA plans to increase funding for R&D and new product development where large companies guarantee purchase of certain quantities from SMEs. Song said, we will try to remove unsound differentiations of SMEs in credit card fees while establishing TV home shopping exclusively for SMEs in January 2012, too.
Shu Jin-young / info@koreaittimes.com

Song Jong-ho, Administrator of SMBA is meeting a merchant in a traditional market. SMBA is planning to vitalize traditional markets. http://www.koREAittimEs.com | KOREA IT TiMES

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IT-based, Smart

2018 Pyeongchang Olympic Winter Games


From Era of IT Infrastructure to Era of IT Use

The report titled Strategies for the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympic Winter Games was co-prepared by the NIA and the PyeongChang Organizing Committee in December 2011. This document stated that a budget amounting to KRW 1.142 trillion has been allocated in the IT industry for the promotion of smart Olympic Games. The strategies are aimed at realizing a genuinely astute society. This will allow people from around the globe experience Koreas smart education, culture, and tourism. The budget allocation includes KRW 8 billion for the design to be finished by the first half of 2012. KRW 35 billion will be contributed to establish an IT system for the Organizing Committee KRW and 303 billion to organize the comprehensive sports game system. KRW 107 billion will be spent on construction of the Olympics communication infrastructure and KRW 561.2 billion for social overhead capital for IT and advanced services. The IT system for the Organizing Committee is for integrated portals and a smart work environment. These will be completed over the next two years while the comprehensive sports game system and advanced services will be promoted from 2013 until 2017 39 new plans for the areas of environment, economy, advancement, and culture were provisionally decided. Advanced services include robotic services, gives the patients medical information without visiting the doctor. There is also a game simulation for players to experience the stadium environment in advance, and N screen-based play watch service for all audiences of the world to see game rules and players information via smart pad. The Olympic area will include 4D Olympics shopping malls, Olympic game virtual experience based on technology of situational awareness, and wireless and wired integrated networking. The environmental area is aimed at Olympics cloud services, integrated management of wastes, and
KOREA IT TiMES | FEBRUARY, 2012

green parks based on new and renewable energy. The area also includes a 4D Olympic museum, bi-directional digital advertisement platforms, and smart volunteer management system. The governments large-scale investment in IT amounts to KRW one trillion. This stems from the realization that the success of Olympic Games since 2000 has been directly related to IT. The 2004 Olympic Games in Athens is often referred to as a failure due to its error with the information system called Info 2004. On the other hand, the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games is called a science and technology-based event thanks to its advanced IT performance that lead to the development of information of in Beijing. China invested CNY 30 billion based on the Digital Beijing Plan.

Dr. Kim said, We must successfully host the IT-based, smart Olympic Games to make the event the worlds best, smart, and most memorable Olympic sports event so Korea may establish its position as the global leader in the smart era by making the whole society, economy, and culture smart. Koreas advances in IT were already proven in the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games. Three decades later, the aim is to sound out Koreas advanced information system and prepare for a better exporting system, facilities and technologies by 2018. Smart City: Pyeongchang in 2018 The NIA operates various platforms such as the Smart Work Support Center, Standard Framework Center, and the Center to Support Access to Public Information to

Dr. Kim Seang-tae, President of NIA Dr. Kim Seang-tae, President of NIA was a visiting professor at the University of Manchester, UK. He was also the Dean of the Graduate School of Governance at Sungkyunkwan University and a Policy Advisor to the Committee on Science, Technology, Information and Telecommunication, National Assembly. He is currently serving as the Commissioner of the ITU-UNESCO Global Broadband Commission and President of the National Information Society Agency. Currently, Dr. Kim is devoting all his energy to support the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics IT-based winter games.

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generate new value based on its technological knowhow. It plans to provide a Social Media Analysis Support Center and Center for Prevention of Adverse Effects of Information as space to share and use various types of information and knowhow. The organizational ability like this will lead Pyeongchang to become a smart city. The event in Pyeongchang promoting Global Pilot Project for Smart Society is expected to become a great opportunity for many IT businesses. They hope to promote global companies as smart IT-based pilot projects covering 5G, u-ID Tag, hologram and 4D in the areas of finance, transportation, tourism, shopping, and culture will become available in Pyeongchang. The NIAs ultimate goal is to realize Smart Korea by expanding the project across the country. The ripple effects will be maximized once the Olympic Road connecting Incheon, Seoul, and Gangwon-do is established.

An opening ceremony for Korea-Peru informational access

Smart Korea will be Established with Knowledge and Information Services The achievement of Smart Korea will begin with smart Pyeongchang. Pyeongchang will make further progression with advanced governmental functions and roles. Dr. Kim said, This will lead to the opening and reuse of public information, further advancing to a smart city of creativity and creative people power. The meaning is to establish an open knowledge ecosystem via open public information platform so that the country enters into the era of IT use from the era of IT infrastructure. To achieve this, the NIAs New Year resolution is to provide ITU-UNESCO Broadband Committee knowledge-based infrastructure to the country and support IT- plenary session on 6th June 2011 based smart Olympic Games. These projects are keeping in line These mobile environment changes led to an increase of demand with the governmental innovation of national affairs through infor public information directly related to national livelihood such formation.. The market size of knowledge and information services is ex- as public employment, traffic, weather, and food safety. When pubpected to be KRW 14 trillion by 2016, meaning the emergence of a lic information is usefully applied by the nation in their daily life knowledge and information era that generates high added value. It and combined with creativity of the private sector, new businesses is represented by successful examples of information portals such and job opportunities can be ceaselessly generated. However, Koas the US Data.gov and the British Data.gov.uk. These are govern- rea still needs to go further to use public information while many ment-led services using public information that include developing critical national areas covering electronic networks for national and providing various and beneficial services. Economically added administration and e-government has developed greatly. Dr. Kim value from opening public information is estimated to be KRW 13 believes that Korea is in the process of evolving to an era of highly value-added services. trillion as for the UK and KRW 40 trillion for the EU. The NIA decided that the New Year should be the starting year Taking office in 2008, Dr. Kim has always emphasized the concept of knowledge-based information. He stated, At that time, I to practice new national development strategies for efficient and could already forecast the smart society paradigm. As a leader of productive ICT use. Its plan is to strengthen the roles and functions the organization leading information, I believe that knowledge- of centers supporting public information use. Those may be used based infrastructure building is an initiative presenting a key to as centers and open platforms where one can benefit from public information in standard forms provided by individual organizanew national knowledge to lead such changes. Knowledge and Information Infrastructure Highlight the Emer- tions, and establish basic infrastructure to generate various types of added value. gence of a Smart Revolution For the IT industry to develop into a new paradigm, the IT inDr. Kim associates the current emphasis on the knowledge and information infrastructure with the emergence of the smart revo- dustry ecosystem that enables IT components such as hardware, lution. Recently, a new smart revolution started with the IT en- software, contents, and services to make synergistic effects through vironmental changes such as the emergence of various smart de- all-out opening and use of public information shall be provided. vices including smart phones, tablet PCs, and smart TVs as well Once the environment is established, SMEs, ventures, and oneas expansion of mobile services. At of the end of October, 2011, man creative companies can access public information via open the number of smart phone subscribers in Korea was 20 million, platforms for public information and create dynamics of growth in enabling a smart era when 80 percent of the economically active all areas of the countrys economy and society. population uses smart phones. Kim Sung-mi / info@koreaittimes.com
http://www.koREAittimEs.com | KOREA IT TiMES

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KERI to Focus on Development of Next-Generation Power Grids


medical equipment technology, electricity president. propulsion, test certification of electric apparatus, and Nano-based electric new ma- Six major elds for study KERI has decided to concentrate its terial technology in 2012. In particular, we will actively cope with R&D efforts on the development of the folthe recent trend of technology conver- lowing six technologies - next-generation gence, smart grids and High Voltage Direct power grids, electricity propulsion technolCurrent (HVDC) technology research and ogy, HVDC technology, electric equipment developments (R&Ds) through reform of test certification technology, convergenced research organization and propulsion for medical instrument technology and Nanobased electric technology. strategic tasks with relevant institutions. Based on our excellent R&D power in Kim said, By doing so, we will research and develop a top-tier global technology in the power system and electric equipment the fields where most universities and en- sectors, KERI will emerge as a world-class institute in the near future with its outstandterprises do not engage. Kim commented that the convergence ing research achievements, Kim said. For instance, KERI possesses such adtrend in the science technology field, including electro technology, is expected to vanced technology in the power system as accelerate further in the future. According- K-EMS and KODAS, boasting of its globly, new types of technologies and services al-level power equipment analysis design will appear in the sector. In keeping with technology and function appraisal technolthe expanded supply of smart grids and ogy, he explained. Since its establishment in 1976, Korea new, renewable energy, efficiency of power systems, confidence and stable power sup- Electro technology Research Institute (KERI) has been carrying out R&Ds on ply will become more important tasks. In accordance with this, KERI will electro technology, testing and certification make a strong push for HVDC technol- business on power apparatus as a governogy development to enhance efficiency and ment-sponsored institute as well as internationally accredited testing and certification confidence in the power system. The top manager said that KERI will also body. For the last 30 years, KERI has also place emphasis on R&D projects in the power propulsion sectors, including electric achieved a variety of technological achievements for power systems, power industries, cars and ships. KERI already started the technology development project related to electric cars in 1988 and now has secured the three core technologies - secondary cell, rapid charging/ discharging system, and control system technology. At the same time, it is also developing power storage technology considering the characteristic of electric energy, which accompanies demand and supply simultaneously, said the The electricity station installed in KERI for electric vehicles

Dr. Kim Ho-yong, president of KERI Kim Ho-yong, President of Korea Electro Technology Research Institute(KERI) graduated with a degree in Electric Engineering at Seoul National University and earned a PhD at the University of Texas. Since entering Research Center in 1986, he has served as the Electric Power Research Institute Director, Testing and Certication Director, and Senior Research Director. He received the Presidents Award and Medal of Science and Technology for his contribution to the electricity enterprise. Dr. Kim is currently researching and analyzing the electrical industry and contributes to national development.

Korea Electro Technology Research Institute (KERI) will focus its study on the development of next-generation power grid, high voltage and direct current (HVDC) technology this year, a top official of the institute said. KERI has set the three topics (low carbon, high confidence and convergence) as its strategic direction. Kim Ho-yong, president of KERI, stated, The institute will actively push for development of converged
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The following questions are the main contents of an interview with Kim Ho-yong, president of KERI. Q: Would you introduce core future-oriented technologies that KERI aims to possess in the near future?
A: We will focus on the development of HVDC technology, next-generation power grids, technology and electric car technology. HVDC technology makes it inevitable for Korea to introduce a direct current transmission network. Related to this, we will make active investment in the development of power converter technology and superconductivity by utilizing direct current cable system technology. KERI will also develop the national power grids, energy management system, and a system to stabilize national power grids in a bid to prevent power outage. To accelerate a supply of electric cars, we are also moving to develop key technologies necessary for building infrastructure, including a charging system.

Electric vehicles for perfomance tests

MOU Signing Ceremony between KERI and Gwangju city for mutual development in leading energy

electric materials and electronics for medical instruments including IT convergence technologies as well. Moreover, KERI has made itself a top-notched testing and certification organization for covering diverse electric apparatuses manufactured at home and abroad, he said. KERI is now playing the leadership role for the enhancement of electric industry and its business in this globe through R&Ds and testing & certification with excellent researchers, engineers technicians including a 30year long accumulated expertise and brand new dedicated facilities. We are also making efforts to meet domestic and international needs of our shareholders. KERI is giving a solemn promise to our customers and shareholders to research and develop the leading, cutting edge technology for enhancing public welfare and for improving the international economy year after year, he noted. Acquisition of STL Membership In the first half of 2011, KERI acquired a regular membership from the Short-circuit Testing Liaison (STL), which is called as the G10 in the worlds electric equipment industry. Korea became the 10th country to win the STL regular membership in the world. Britain was next followed by Italy, Netherlands, France, Germany, Scandinavia, the U.S., Japan and India. China is still a preliminary member. Meanwhile, Russia, Romania, South Africa, Poland, Hungary and Czechoslovakia are participating members. After winning STL membership, Korea has secured a firm foothold for the domestic heavy electric equipment industry to enhance its export competitiveness. The nation is also expected to increase its foreign currency revenue through attraction of overseas test certification services, he said, adding that test report cards issued by KERI are to be accepted abroad officially. Along with this, KERI plans to expand the 4000MVA test facilities at a cost of KRW 160 billion for globalization of facilities, technology and services. Through globalization of the KERI brand, we can catch up with Italy in 2015 and the Netherlands in 2020 in terms of globally-recognized test and certification, he said.

Q: Would you comment on KERIs relations with relevant institutions and a method to activate its technology transfer?
A: Since the end of 2011, KERI concluded a business cooperation pact with 31 domestic industrial, academic and corporate institutions, while keeping a cooperation tie with 42 overseas institutions in 14 countries. Through the Technology Licensing Ofce (TLO), KERI is also actively pushing ahead with transferring its advanced technology to enterprises with its royalty revenue to soar at an annual average of over 18 percent to KRW 5.5 billion won in 2011 from KRW 2.8 billion in 2007.

Q: Are there any signicant achievements you attained last year?


A: To raise Koreas technology to the highest level in the world, KERI selected 11 future promising electric confusion technologies early 2011. On Feb. 24, it also established Russia Science Seoul. This included ve Russian research centers armed with advanced technology in the optical, Nano and bio eld. Some universities and Seoul Metropolitan City are participating. Along with this, it attained outstanding achievements such as a development of a renewable portfolio standard (RPS) system, design technology of integrated operating system, and green energy-based low pressure electric power supply system. As part of its efforts for organizational reform, it established and reinforced the next-generation power grids, HVDC, the electricity propulsion research headquarters and the battery research center.
Lee Kyung-min / info@koreaittimes.com

http://www.koREAittimEs.com | KOREA IT TiMES

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Brain Pool System for Consultancy Services for SMEs' Key to Globalization
Achieving sales amounted to KRW 400 billion last year, Global Corporation Information Technology Co., LTD. (GCIT), newly established and registered as the only Korean developer of Smart City is a solid attestation that University Industrial Technology Force (UNITEF) provides the finest ubiquitous mentoring and roadmap services. UNITEFs R&D Consultancy Services Tailor-made for SMEs helped paved the way for GCITs Eco-Smart City that introduces environmental concepts to Smart City developed for the first time by the Korean government and industrial complexes. A land purchase in the first half of the year will be followed by the construction of the city as large as PY One million (approximately, 3.3 million m) in the second half, involving a budget amounting to KRW 600 billion. One of the biggest barriers for Korean SMEs is the shortage of a highly-skilled workforce in the technological areas. While capital for technological development and new investment is critical, the core brain that plans and leads businesses is the key to corporate success. UNITEF is the convergence of 6,000 active associates where 3,500 university professors are mentors and 2,500 corporate members are mentees. Professors specializing in diverse areas and from various localities formed a brain pool system to systemically support the fields of technology, information, and workforce to improve the technological capacity of SMEs through cooperation and exchange between universities and companies. Dr. Cho Young-im, Chairwoman of the UNITEF explained, Our role is to help SMEs by securing a brain pool of experts, forming epistemic communities by networking, and analyzing technological barriers. UNITEF Spearheads Industry-Academia Cooperation
KOREA IT TiMES | FEBRUARY, 2012

Dr. Cho Young-im, Chairwoman of UNITEF Dr. Cho Young-im, Chairwoman of UNITEF is a Ubiquitous City (U City) System and Smart Korea Information System expert. She has conducted evaluations and served on the advisory board for the Prime Minister. She is responsible as the chairwoman of UNITEF, an evaluator at the Ministry of Public Administration and Security for supporting e-government projects and a member of the presidents Council on National ICT Strategies. Dr. Cho explained, Our role is to help SMEs by securing a brain pool of experts, forming epistemic communities by networking, and analyzing technological barriers. In addition, she hopes to obtain the goal of international standardization within the next decade with innovative technology and a superior infrastructure system to make Korea leader of the IT world.

UNITEF is one of the agencies promoting industry-academia cooperation under the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology. In 1996, professors from all over the country came together spontaneously and established UNITEF to advance technologies and global competitiveness of SMEs. Koreas Industry-Academia Cooperation was first introduced in 2000 based on the example led by Stanford University. But it was the UNITEFs commencement that expanded and upgraded the support individually provided by each university to the national level. Currently, more than 90% of universities in Korea run a division for industry-academia cooperation. Dr. Cho said, Universities established Technology Licensing Offices (TLOs) dedicated to creating various activities for the transfer of technologies they developed, leading to various activities for technology transfer. We still have a long way to go to develop technologies for industry at the university level. Seeing the UNITEFs input and efforts leading to great achievements, we feel both proud and more responsible. The UNITEFs core project includes developing a database for industry-academia networks, managing technological forums, and providing R&D consultancy services tailor-made for SMEs. It provided 14 of its services covering Ubiquitous City Mentoring, Strategies to Enter New Markets through Smart Functionalization for Textiles Made of Polyurethane Membranes, and Strengthening Coherence of Fixation System for Intervertebral Bodies for four months starting September to December, 2011. For more practical impacts of these tasks, UNITEF shifted the consultancy services from one company-one mentor to one company-two or three mentors system to secure a consortium of experts from a wider range of disciplines, excavate

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2013. The main idea is that the participation of industrial, academic and research subjects and comprehensive inclusion of their activities shall derive recommendations to the government, which will lead to total elimination of barriers in terms of policies or technologies. The World Awaits Smart Citys Perfect Bloom In 2011, UNITEF established the industry-academia cooperation networks, provided modified R&D consultancy services, and supported technologically inclined middle and high school students. If the cooperation networks were a garden, the ideas of these young people would be the seeds that can lead to great fruition through SMEs successful cultivation. Inspiration from this young generation of visionaries may lead to technological development, generating a technological patent market where UNITEF can act as a broker. UNITEFs vision goes further to embrace domestic and overseas patent incubation. Its goal has been set to help the country lead the Smart City industry globally. Dr. Cho explained, I hope to export Smart City for it has potentials for globalization. We might even try a brand name called K-City which is after Hallyu (Korean Wave). To fulfill this dream, our first job is to set the international standards and terminologies. Korea is about ten years ahead in the Smart City industry but the international standardization tends to fall behind such progress. International standardization is a long-term plan involving at least seven to eight years. However, Dr. Cho is hopeful based on her belief in Koreas advanced infrastructure and the peoples prompt adaptation to new technologies. Following the lead of Singapore, Hong Kong, Denmark and Finland which have developed their custombuilt software and demonstrated advanced Smart City technologies, Koreas Smart City industry is on its way to leading the world market through its Korean-style software requiring every bit of attention as it conquers the IT world.
Kim Sung-mi / info@koreaittimes.com

areas of services reflecting the corporate needs, strengthen support in these areas, reinforce actual efficiency of the services based on assessment by form of support, materialize consultancy services to cope with barriers experienced by SMEs, and provide more in-depth services. We work to secure and network a pool of experts in various areas so that they can form communities which will analyze technological barriers tangible in each area. In this way, they provide strategies for Win-Win situations, explained Dr. Cho. Smart City, a Winner in the Making Among all projects tended by the UNITEF, Dr. Cho is particularly interested in Smart City, formerly known as U-City before the Lee Myung-bak Administration because she still considers it as belonging to the emerging industries overseas becoming less highlighted in Korea. Smart City can be a major breakthrough for Korean IT companies because of the simplicity of smart phone users can achieve in gathering even the most trivial information such as the weather and traffic

status. Dr. Cho said, The national budget amounting to KRW three trillion is allocated in the IT industry. Smart City is the killer project which can get the best out of the budget. Koreas U-City still has a long way to go, says Dr. Cho. In August 2011, she decided to arrange the workforce database from industries, academia and research to establish Smart City while hosting the 2011 General Meeting to Celebrate the Launch of Smart-City Technology Forum aimed to solve all barriers to the development of it. The forum, a cornerstone to U-Citys realization, represented Dr. Chos aspiration to make UNITEF a great contribution to the Smart City development as the center of the industryacademia-research network. As elements to achieve Smart Citys core vision, she presented computing paradigms, technological principles and application domains and spaces. According to her plan, the workforce from these four areas will be recategorized into three areas of cloud, mobile and sensor-based services to secure the Smart-City Workforce Database finally by

Smart City Technology Forum was held in August 2011

The Articles about Smart City will be continued with following issues. >
http://www.koREAittimEs.com | KOREA IT TiMES

34 THE CULtURE

KOCIS to Set Up Korean Cultural Centers in Developing Countries

KOCIS Event was happening in Thames. U.K.

Korean Culture and Information Service (KOCIS) plans to es- Arabias Janadriyah Festival, and Costa Rica Arts Festival, he tablish Korean cultural centers in developing countries this year, said. including those in Latin America, the Middle East and Africa, a Major cultural events top official of the KOCIS said. The opening ceremony to commemorate the 20th anniversary of To create new foreign demands for the Korean culture, we will set up Korean cultural centers in developing countries, which have Korea-China diplomatic relations will be held in March this year great demands for hallyu (Korean wave), said Seo Kang-soo, di- in Seoul with attendance of the leaders of the two countries. Korean and Chinese state-run arts troupes will present joint rector of KOCIS. At present, we are operating 24 Korean cultural centers in 20 cultural performances on the occasion of the EXPO 2012 Yeosu Korea to be held in Yeosu from May 12 to countries. In the first half of this year, we Aug. 12. A Korean performance team will will additionally open Korean cultural centalso participate in the cultural event to mark ers in Hungary, Mexico and India in Februthe 50th anniversary of Korea-Saudi Arabia ary, March and June, respectively. diplomatic ties to be held in Saudi Arabia In the latter half of 2012, we will also from Feb. 8-24. Korea will attend the intermake a strong push for setup of Korean national arts festival to be held in San Jose cultural centers in belgium, Brazil and Thaiin Costa Rica from March 15-25 as a main land, he said, adding that Korean cultural guest. centers in foreign countries is an advanced In addition, KOCIS will actively supbase to herald the Korean culture abroad port the three major international events to and a foothold to spread hallyu. be held in Korea _ 2012 Seoul Nuclear SeIn an interview with Korea IT Times, Dicurity Summit in March, the EXPO 2012 rector Seo said, KOCIS will strengthen Yeosu Korea in May and 2012 World Concultural exchange cooperation with foreign servation Congress Jeju in September - to governments this year, especially on the ocherald the Korean culture to foreign particicasion of commemoration of the establishpants, he noted. ment of diplomatic ties with Korea. KOCIS is moving to build a mutual coIn 2012, Korea will participate in the operative system between the public and event to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Seo Kang-soo, Director private sectors to let foreign participants in Korea-China diplomatic relations, the Saudi and assistant minister of KOCIS
KOREA IT TiMES | FEBRUARY, 2012

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trillion, production inducement effect of KRW 4.9 trillion, and job creation for 40,000 persons. According to Korea Customs Service, Koreas export growth rates to hallyu countries far exceeded those to non-hallyu countries during the 2005-2010 period. For example, Koreas exports of consumer goods to such hallyu countries in the Middle East and Asia as Iran, Iraq, Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia soared by 234 percent, 7,716 percent, 160 percent and 110 percent, respectively during the corresponding period. Koreas exports of consumer goods to such non-hallyu countries in the Middle East and Asia as Israel, Ukraine and India dropped by 25 percent, 9 percent and 43 percent, respectively.Koreas consumer exports to hallyu countries in Latin America, including Mexico, Peru and Brazil, also soared by 61 percent, 320 percent and 124 percent, respectively, during the cited period. On the other hand, Koreas consumer exports to non-hallyu countries in Latin America, including Guatemala, Colombia and Venezuela, plunged by 39 percent, 32 percent and 84 percent, respectively. Efforts to keep hallyu fever Asked about KOCIS strategy for sustainable hallyu fever, he said, We are now operating a global press corps, titled the Worldwide Korea Bloggers (WKB), to herald Korean culture to the world through social media, including Blog and Twitter. To activate operation of The Korea Blog, which introduces Korean culture in English, we already selected a slew of bloggers across the world. In particular, we will place focus on specializing and localizing KOCIS overseas programs this year to spread the hallyu fever to the whole world, he said. For sustainable hallyu spread, we will strengthen support and investment for development of excellent cultural contents this year. Along with this, we will establish a system that systemetically supports activities of hallyu fan clubs and K-Pop cafes in the world. KOCIS is now implementing a variety of strategies to expand and re-produce hallyu centering on such public culture as K-Pop and movies to the overall Korean culture, in close cooperation with various cultural groups he added.
Lee Kyung-min / info@koreaittimes.com

Seo Kang-soo, Director of KOCIS give a press brieng about 2012 key policies Seoul Foreign Correspondance Club

the key global events get easy access to Koreas various cultural assets, said Seo. Importance of soft power Noting that many countries in the world are striving to strengthen their soft power through culture, Director Seo said, KOCIS will also exert all-out efforts to enhance the national image through a variety of Korean culture. Commenting that Koreas national image index is still undervalued, he said, We will go all-out to upgrade the national brand by strengthening an image as a cultural country. According to the Anholts Nation Brand IndexSM (NBI), an index measuring the image and reputation of the worlds nations, Koreas image ranking went up from 33rd in 2008 to 31st in 2009 and 30th in 2010, but it is still far behind those of advanced countries. Asked about the background of the recent hallyu fever, Seo said, The hallyu fever is the result of the Seoul government and private sectors strenuous efforts to herald the Korean culture to the world. Since 2000, hallyu started to gain high popularity in China and Japan through Korean dramas and movies. Now, it reached the climax by the K-Pop fever. K-Pop fever, which made a great success in Paris, the cultural capital of the world. IT is now spreading to Latin America and Africa, across the Atlantic. Noting that the importance of soft power such as science technology, cultural exchange and international cooperation is becoming greater in the 21st century, Seo said, Culture stands in the center of soft power. In particular, the recent emergence of KPop fever is mainly attributed to the private

groups efforts to produce new contents and make long-term investment, coupled with the role of social media, including SNS.The ripple effect of K-Pop fever is expanding as a growing number of youths in Latin America, Europe and the U.S., can enjoy Korean songs and music videos through You Tube, he explained. In addition, the improved contents quality and unique dynamism of the Korean culture, which are widely differentiated from Western or other Asian culture, greatly contributed to boosting the hallyu fever, he said. Economic effects of hallyu The value of Korean products and the national image have been improving through the cultural hallyu, Seo said, Hallyu will continue contributing to enhancing the national brand and create Korea premium. For instance, Korean-made automobile, computers and mobile phones are gaining high popularity among Iranians after the Irans state-run broadcasting company IRBI televised Korean dramas, including Daejanggeum and Jumong. The sales of Korean-produced cosmetics are also rising at a rapid pace in China thanks to the high popularity of the Korean TV drama, Daejanggeum, he said. In the meantime, Danji, a Korean restaurant in the U.S., was selected as one of the 2011 top 10 restaurants by the New York Times. As the cultural hallyu brought about direct and indirect economic ripple effects, some relevant institutions have produced their reports on economic effects of hallyu. Korea Foundation for International Culture Exchange said that hallyu will bring about an increase in exports of KRW 2.4

http://www.koREAittimEs.com | KOREA IT TiMES

36 FiNaNCE

KODIT to Actively Support SMEs Through Extension of Credit Guarantees


sive credit ceiling guarantee, which allows SME customers to freely select financial products according to their needs, in January this year, said the top executive. KODIT also plans to introduce the corporate doctor system comprising of corporate experts to provide SME owners with managerial consultation services. At the same time, it plans to build a special center for rollover to help SME customers extend the term of credit guarantees without making a direct visit to KODIT office. KODITs future vision for 2020 To effectively cope with rapidly changing macro-environment, KODIT established the KODITs future vision 2020, a midand long-term future strategy for growth and development of SMEs, in December last year. The vision is designed to strengthen its policy executions and offer differentiated customer services, Ahn said. We have been pushing ahead with a two-track policy for guaranteed assistance. We strengthen supports for enterprises with high growth potential in the future. At the same time, we will also guarantee by implementing restructuring programs for troubled companies, said the KODIT head. Through the future vision 2020, KODIT has set value creator, guiding to a happy world for enterprises as its new mid and longterm vision. It indicates that KODIT has set an environment where enterprises can engage in business easily, and a society where enterprises can have a brighter future as the top value. It also means that KODIT will escape from a simple guarantee supplier and push for becoming a creator of customer value and helping enterprises grow, he said. To achieve this new vision, KODIT plans to find and actively nurture 2,000 global SMEs by 2020 as part of its efforts to build a strong backbone of the national economy. It is also moving to bolster tailor-made corporate assistance by expanding credit guarantees to successful companies and developing 20 new products. On a short-term basis, it will strengthen KODITs policy function to expand financial assistance for new growth engine industries and other sectors which are facing difficulties in getting financial services. On a long-term basis, it will push ahead with di-

Chairman Ahn pays a visit to SJ metal and observes its work process

The Korea Credit Guarantee Fund (KODIT) will actively support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) this year through its extension of credit guarantees, the top official of KODIT said. Mainly because of protracted global economic slowdown and the opaque economic prospects for the Korean economy, the nations SMEs are expected to face serious difficulties this year, said Ahn Taik-soo, chairman & CEO of KODIT. Accordingly, KODIT will double its efforts to extend more financial supports to SMEs this year to help them reinvigorate their strength and bolster their competitiveness, he said. We will keep the total volume of credit guarantees at a level of KRW 45 trillion in 2012. In particular, we will expand general credit guarantees by KRW 1 trillion to KRW 38.5 trillion, said the head of KODIT. Along with this, we will persistently strengthen financial supports to expand future growth engines and reduce unemployment by increasing extension of credit guarantees for main policies by KRW 2.1 trillion to KRW 15.2 trillion. The credit guarantees for job creation will be raised by KRW 900 billion to KRW 13.4 trillion this year, he explained. As for marginal companies which have lost competitiveness, KODIT will phase out its extension of credit guarantees to them through a restructuring program in an effort to enhance efficiency of its limited guarantee resources, said Ahn. In addition, we will place the emphasis on improvement of various systems and credit guarantee services by reflecting voices directly from SMEs. First of all, we introduced the comprehenKOREA IT TiMES | FEBRUARY, 2012

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fostering mid-tier enterprises, KODIT is actively propelling the KODIT Star 100 Project, under which it selects and actively foster 100 tomorrows giants by 2015. Under the project, KODIT will select SMEs with favorable future corporate value, global competitiveness, managerial ability and financial stability, and develop them into global mid-tier companies by 2015 through persistent managerial reform activities. Those selected as tomorrows giants will be able to receive benefits such as the twoyear establishment of credit line for operational funds, application of the lowest guarantee fee rate of 0.5 percent for six years, and various consulting assistance. For sustainable growth of the national economy, KODIT will continue to find promising SMEs and develop them into global mid-tier companies by fully extending financial supports and other benefits said Ahn. Knowledge Sharing Program KODIT plans to improve its global leadership continuously through expansion of the overseas transfer of its advanced credit guarantee system, active participation in international conferences and bolstering of its global networks with relevant foreign institutions. First of all, we will strengthen international consultation activities by expanding the Knowledge Sharing Program to other countries, including Combodia, in addition to Vietnam and Kazakhstan, said Ahn. Since 2007, KODIT has been implementing the program to transfer its tailor-made guarantee system to developing counties. It carried out the program for Vietnam in 2007 to help the country settle down the advanced guarantee system at an early date. KODIT also shared its guarantee system with Cambodia in 2010 and Kazakhstan in 2011. 2011 Credit Guarantee Performance KODIT extended credit guarantees totaling KRW 45.1 trillion won in 2011, the same as the previous year, to effectively back up the Korean economy, which ranked ninth in the world in terms of trade volume standing at USD 1 trillion, despite the European financial crisis. In particular, KODIT increased its credit guarantees for exporting companies, ecofriendly industries and promising service industries by 18.5 percent from a year ago to KRW 17.9 trillion won last year, he said. As market interest rates have been steadily rising, SMEs are suffering from heavy financial burdens. The increase in SMEs burden on financial costs is feared to lead to worsening of profitability, credit crunch, a rise in debts, and further increase in financial costs, drawing a vicious circle. To rectify such a vicious circle, KODIT built an online loan marketplace at its homepage last January. Under the system, enterprises can exchange lending information with banks and select a bank that offers the most favorable condition, he explained. Thanks to the introduction of the online loan marketplace, the average interest rate for enterprises using the system dropped by 0.53 percentage points to 5.69 percent per annum, he commented. In 2011, meanwhile, KODIT created 73,000 jobs by extending credit guarantees to some 20,000 start-ups, including 11,700 start-ups led by youths. In addition, it extended KRW 4.1 trillion in credit guarantees to enterprises creating jobs last year, greatly contributing to making a total of 32,000 jobs, he added.
Yeon Choul-woong / info@koreaittimes.com
The Main Ofce Building of KODIT http://www.koREAittimEs.com | KOREA IT TiMES

Ahn Taik-soo, Chairman and CEO of Korea Credit Guarantee Fund

versified strategies related to credit guarantee, including expansion of a new business arena and enhance the of autonomy of its operation, said the top manager. In addition, we will build an effective system supporting SMEs through drastic reform of personnel and business process, he noted. KODIT Star 100 Project To attain the governments policy of

38 FiNaNCE

Korean Re Strives to Become a World-class Reinsurer


CEO Park stated, To attain this goal, Korean Re has set the year 2012 as the we will establish a next generation IT base year to become a world class reinsystem, build future-oriented organisurer, a top executive of the reinsurance zational structure, and cultivate global company said. reinsurance professionals. Korean Re is currently ranked as the First of all, we will pursue active worlds 11th reinsurer in terms of net employee participation in the construcwritten premiums. Park Jong-won, tion of this optimum-efficiency system CEO of the reinsurance company, and build a structure which accurately stated, We are not satisfied with our reflects the needs of each department current status. Therefore, we have set through continuous communication. 2012, the year of dragon, as the base In addition, we will form a flexible, efyear to join the ranks of a world class ficient and professional organization reinsurer. suitable for the rapidly-evolving busiIn addition to this goal, we have set ness environment, while recruiting four targets for 2012 - strengthening of research professionals and cultivating global competitiveness, securing a dooverseas reinsurance experts through mestic business base, establishment of regular stationing of overseas business corporate infrastructure and continuPark Jong-won, CEO of Korean Re staff in their respective regions. ous corporate culture reform. Park noted that Korean Re will make a strong push for continuIn an interview with Korea IT Times, Park said, As a means of strengthening global competitiveness, we will push for active ation of corporate culture reform. We will encourage our empenetration of unchartered overseas markets by securing business ployees to have passion and a challenge-oriented spirit. Ideal emaccounts through existing overseas business networks, including ployees should have the following three factors - healthy physique, virtue and intelligence. Lloyds, Toa Re and China Re. Along with this, all executives and employees should become a At the same time, we will diversify lines of overseas business to role model, communicate with an open mind to fellow co-workers include off-shore energy and casualty, said the CEO. To explore new overseas markets, we will gradually expand and solidify responsible management by fostering a sense of reour overseas branches from Asia to Europe, the Middle East and sponsibility, which follows each task through to the very end. North America, while increasing overseas business through the people network as well as business exchange with worldwide busi- Overseas Business Strategy When asked about the strategy to expand overseas business, ness partners, said Park. In order to tighten monitoring of retained risks, Korean Re will CEO Park said, The overseas premiums of our corporations are also strengthen the work processes of overseas businesses, includ- expected to exceed KRW 1 trillion (20 percent of total sales) in the ing overseas research-risk survey-underwriting functions, and in- year 2011. Gross premiums expanded from KRW 672.3 billion in crease management of accumulated domestic and foreign natural 2007 to KRW 820.9 billion in 2009 and increased to KRW 700.1 billion at the end of November 2011. catastrophe losses, the top executive said. He said that Korean Re plans to increase its business in China and achieve an annual average sales growth of 22.5 percent. They Establishment of a Domestic Business Base As a means of creating new profit engines, Korean Re will de- hope to increase from the previous year, USD 160 million to USD velop new personal insurance products to keep up with changing 200 million in 2012 and to USD 360 million in 2015. We will meet the reinsurance demand of some 20 regional and market circumstances such as aging and low-birth rates. In addition, Korean Re will increase a share of profitable non-proportion- government-owned companies in China, while pursuing the transfer of the Beijing office into a branch, he explained. al and facultative reinsurance business. In an effort to expand overseas market hubs, Park stated, KoThe CEO said that Korean Re will provide customized services through constant communication with business counterparts as a rean Re will change the Dubai Office into a branch and the London Office into a local entity. They also intend to create an African means of improving customer service. To Stress the importance of establishing corporate infrastructure, market, as well as acquire large and high quality global accounts
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Mt. Everest Expedition In 2011, all employees completed the reverse course of Mt. Odae. For the first time, four foreign business counterparts participated in Korean Res unique corporate culture, said Park. As part of Korean Res unique corporate culture, we completed the Baekdu Mountain Range Traverse in 2009, and have started on the reverse traverse in 2010. In 2012, we have set our sights to face and conquer a bigger mountain, Mt. Everest. The Mt. Everest expedition is a significant event planned for April 2012. Park stated, It is designed to commemorate the successful completion of the Mt. Baekdu range traverse on the occasion that 2012 is the base year to leap to become a world class reinsurer. This will aid in instilling the challenge-oriented spirit of Korean Res ambition to become a force in the global arena. Sixteen employees from all levels were chosen by strict evaluation of applicants will participate in the Mt. Everest expedition in the upcoming spring.
Lee Jeong-yoon / info@koreaittimes.com
Park Jong-won ,CEO of Korean Re is climbing a mountain

The Main Ofce building of Korean Re

through the London entity. It will also establish a Shanghai & Miami Office, increase presence in China to expand business volume, and enlarge P/F from Middle and South American markets. For exploration of new overseas markets, he said that Korean Re will start business relations in emerging markets such as Russia and the CIS region. This includes expanding business in the unchartered parts of the U.S. and Canada and creating the overseas cooperatives market through new product development. Through business tie-ups with China Re, Toa Re, & Lloyds, we will enhance business cooperation on reinsurance placement and exchange of market information with them. Vision and Management Strategy Korean Re now ranks 11th globally, but hopes to become the 8th reinsurer by the end of 2015. Park stated, In line with this, we will attain KRW 5.1 trillion in gross premiums in 2011. We will also expand overseas business from 20 percent in 2011 to 30 percent in 2015 and furthermore to 50 percent in 2020. Korean Re aims to upgrade its ranking in the world to 8th in 2015 and to 5th in 2020, with gross premiums soaring to 8.0 trillion and further to 15 trillion, respectively. As part of its efforts to become a superior global insurer, Korean Re will expand its overseas business by entering unchartered regions and increase business volume in the Chinese reinsurance market. It will also seek joint underwriting of businesses with domestic insurers and strengthen overseas business units as well as domestic & overseas risk survey functions. Additionally, it will cultivate overseas business professionals through on-the-job training (OJT) programs at local offices and foreign institutions. In a strategy to explore domestic business markets, Park said, it will develop diverse niche markets, expand the shares of life reinsurance business from the present 15 percent of entire P/F to 30 percent in 2020, and create reinsurance demand in prospective arenas such as medical insurance. Korean Re will spare no expense to create reinsurance demand through the support of government insurance and develop reinsurance products in line with rapidly changing market circumstances, he explained.

http://www.koREAittimEs.com | KOREA IT TiMES

40 FiNaNCE

The Next Generation of Korean Superstar Companies Will be Groomed


To break through the unstable economic environment and solidify the countrys foundation to jump toward the USD 2 trillion trade volume mark, Korea Trade Insurance Corporation(K-sure) will expand its support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through an overseas riskcovered supporting model that trade with strategic markets, said Cho Kye-ryoong, president of K-sure. Along with this, we will strengthen support for natural resources development projects as new growth engines, he said. First, K-sure plans to dominate nextgeneration, high-growth strategic markets through expansive preemptive support in order to transition global trade towards trading with newly emerging markets, he explained. To this end, K-sure selected 69 countries in five regions, including Africa and India, as strategic special markets and plans to expand its assistance volume from KRW 23 trillion in 2011 to KRW 32 trillion this year, he said. It is moving to implement tailor-made assistance for countries in Africa and India after reflecting each country or regions characteristics. To strengthen the on-thespot screening process, it also decided to expand the operation of mobile K office, he noted. Under the judgment that it is indispensible for global SMEs to grow at a rapid pace as future growth engines to achieve the USD 2 trillion trade volume, K-sure will help Korean SMEs develop into competitive global enterprises, the president said. K-sure is now expanding the implementation of such programs to actively foster global medium-sized companies to be included in the Trade Champs Club, while

K-sure, a government-sponsored trade credit insurer, explains its strategy to grow the Korean economy beyond its large conglomerates
building a management system which would designate trade financial consultants available to SMEs at all times. In addition, K-sure will activate its support for small and medium-sized exporters in securing liquidity through export credits they possessed, said Cho. Support for natural resources development projects Noting that K-sure has expanded its midand long-term supporting goals from KRW 14 trillion in 2011 to KRW 19 trillion, Cho said, K-sure will expand its support for natural resources development projects in newly emerging markets with high potential growth, including Central Asia. Stressing the importance of small and medium-sized plant enterprises in charge of unit process to build a healthy ecosystem of the Korean industry, he said that K-sure

K-sure supports a lot of small and medium-sized plant enterprises KOREA IT TiMES | FEBRUARY, 2012

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surpassed USD one trillion in trade volume last year. It is also K-sures 20th anniversary of its founding. Nonetheless, we face much uncertainty at home and abroad. The European financial crisis is casting a dark shadow on the world economy and the future of emerging economies including China is uncertain, he said. Accordingly, we have decided to exert an all-out effort to overcome the current difficulties and pave the way for Korea to reach the USD two trillion trade volume mark with our expertise and unique understanding of export insurance gained through our twenty-year operation. We are now standing at a crossroad where global trade led by advanced economies is transforming into that led by emerging-economies of the G20. In anticipation, we will facilitate Korean businesses to proactively enter high-growth potential global markets including Africa, India and Latin America, he stressed. He also said that K-sure will function as a steppingstone for Korean SMEs to mature into global companies, following an example set by Germany that reached USD 1 trillion in trade volume in 1998 and USD 2 trillion in 2010. We are sure that doing so will build a healthy industrial eco-system by helping Korea to retain sustainable growth and create jobs, he said. We will also heavily invest in Korean enterprises capture emerging markets early on by actively supporting EPC and resource development projects in these regions, he said. However, we cannot deny the fact that there are many stumbling blocks for the nation to march toward the USD 2 trillion trade volume mark, including the continuation of the European financial crisis, the slowdown of export-led growth, and the limitation of growth to just large Korean companies, said Cho. Although Britain and Italy attained the USD 1 trillion trade volume goal in 2006 and 2007 respectively, they failed to keep the target. The year 2012 dotted with worsening trade environment both at home and abroad will be a test stage for Korea to jump toward the era of the USD 2 trillion trade volume, he added. Korea Export Insurance Corporation (KEIC) assumed the new name Korea Trade Insurance Corporation (K-sure) on July 7, 2010, on its 18th anniversary, by amending the Export Insurance Act of Korea adopted in 1968, granting K-sure an increased scope of business to cover import transactions on top of export and overseas investment transactions. K-sure was born out of the need to provide comprehensive support to overall international transactions in line with a growing interdependence between trade and overseas investment. K-sures import insurance scheme will facilitate Korea to better secure commodities and natural resources that are vital to the national economy and boost future growth engines that will lead the global market. Along with the name change, came a new corporate identity (CI), visions, organization, internal policies and management philosophy. In other words, K-sure is now geared toward providing comprehensive trade and investment support and will push Korea forward into a better future, a company spokesman said.
Yeon Choul-woong / info@koreaittimes.com

Cho Kye-ryoong, president of Korea Trade Insurance Corporation (K-sure)

will strengthen various financial assistance necessary for Korean companies to win orders from abroad. For large-scale projects requiring big investments, we will also enlarge a cooperative credit system with policy financial institutions to secure necessary funds. For instance, we will diversify fund-raising windows, including Islamic financing and national wealth funds, while pushing for reinsurance contracts with other ECAs, including NEXI of Japan, he said. As part of its Creating Shared Value (CSV) campaign to share values and dreams with the world through trade, Ksure is now participating in the Global Village Program propelled by Habitat for Humanity, a non-governmental organization that builds affordable housing for lowincome families. It is also greatly contributing to creating jobs for youths by employing provincialbased high school graduates as youth interns at K-sure branches across the country and promoting excellent interns to regular employees. Along with this, we are offering such benefits as an insurance fee discount or preferential treatment on insurance limit to enterprises creating more jobs. To improve competitiveness of provincial economies, K-sure will actively help provincial companies producing famous regional specialities develop into exporters, said the president. Unique challenges for 2012 Cho said that the year 2012 is especially meaningful for K-sure because Korea just

K-sure and Gecamine of DR Congo signed a MOU in 2011 to vitalize resources development project http://www.koREAittimEs.com | KOREA IT TiMES

42 BUSiNESS

UPA to Make a Strong Push for Expansion of Port Infrastructure


In an interview with Korea IT Times, Park Chong-rok, CEO of Ulsan Port Authority (UPA), stated, We will launch the port-backup area creation project and the Bukhang District development project this year as part of its efforts to expand the harbors infrastructure. In addition, we will readjust the pier function to enhance its efficiency and ease the chronic concentration phenomenon of container ships at Ulsan Port. He also said that the UPA will play a leading role in pushing for the Northeast Asia Oil Hub Project, which will bring about a new development for the Ulsan Port through governmental cooperation. Ulsan City singlehandedly earned the USD equivalent of 100 billion for their 2011 exportation. Although there is currently an international economic financial crisis, Park stated, It was possible to earn this extraordinary amount, because we have the Ulsan Port that grossed 190 million tons in freight cargo volume in 2011, which increased 13 percent from last year. The port also exported 150 million tons of liquid cargoes last year, up 14 percent from the previous year. In addition, the UPA is relocating to allow more ships to arrive at Ulsan Port through tailor-made marketing activities directly linking the owners freight cargoes and shipping companies. At the same time, we are considering offering an incentive to liquid cargoes in an attempt to attract more to Ulsan Port. For a smooth port operation, the UPA has also completed the construction of anchorage for small ships at Jangsaengpo Port, Park said. The UPA is planning to finish the development of Ulsans new port area by 2015. Environment-Friendly Managerial International Standard Certication Park was questioned about the environ-

We will launch the port-backup area creation project and the Bukhang District development project this year as part of its efforts to expand the harbors infrastructure.

Night view of Ulsan Port Authority KOREA IT TiMES | FEBRUARY, 2012

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relevant companies frequently complained of the dust from some general cargoes. To solve such problems, the UPA reinforced cargo loading and unloading facilities and open-air storage facilities. In order to systematically reduce environmental pollution occurring in the course of loading, unloading, transport and storage of cargoes, we also pushed for attaining the ISO 14001 and finally won the certification from Lloyds of Britain, he said. He also added that only 17 harbors, including Ulsan Port, attained the ISO 14001 certification in the world and is the first Korean harbor to win the certification. With the acquisition of the ISO 14001, the UPA plans to carry out education programs for pier operating company officials and bolster inner screening and manager consideration systems for stable maintenance and management of Ulsan Port. I am convinced that the environment of Ulsan Port will improve significantly through the persistence of Lloyds monitoring and after-management inspection, said the CEO. Northeast Asia Oil Hub Project The UPA is now engaging in negotiations with relevant government agencies on concrete plans to complete the Northeast Asia Oil Hub Project by 2020. The basic design of the first-phase Bukhang District project was completed. The KRW 4 billion project was necessary for the design of the second-phase Namhang District project, which is also scheduled to be financed by the government budget, said Park. The UPA is actively pushing ahead with the first-phase infrastructure construction project this year to accelerate the Northeast Asia Oil Hub Project, he explained. The UPA Provides the Best Service To All of Carriers and Shippers Through the Ulsan Main Port, Onsan Port, Mipo Port and Ulsan New Port. In conclusion, we have been exerting our best efforts to attract investments such as the AIS (Automatic Identification for Ships) system and a new marine center in order to meet various customers needs. We will make the Ulsan Port the worlds best port by pushing forward an oil hub project successfully in addition to an aggressive port market, Park stated.
Yeon Choul-woong / info@koreaittimes.com

Park Chong-rok, CEO of UPA

mental management system of the UPA, which acquired the environment-friendly managerial international standard certification for the first time among domestic harbor institutions. It also introduced the environment-centered managerial system. Park answered, Ulsan Port is a liquid-oriented harbor, but handles over 10 million tons of general cargoes every year. However, some

Vehicles are being loaded into an ocean container by UPA http://www.koREAittimEs.com | KOREA IT TiMES

44 ORIENTAL MEDICINE

Traditional Korean Medical History of Oriental Medicine Dept. at Kyung-Hee Univ.


Humanity Focused-Traditional Korean Medicine
Medical History- Kyung-Hee University. Dr. Kim Namil, Dean of the College of the Oriental Medicine Department of Medical History at Kyung-hee University is a man of great erudition. Dean Kims has written many books concerning Korean traditional medicine. Two of his these books are Intellectuals of Joseon who Affected Traditional Korean Medicine, and Leading Figures of Modern Traditional Korean Medicine. The first book mentions topics less-known to traditional Korean medicine doctors who studied medical theories on the basis of Confucian philosophies. The other book written discusses Korean doctors in the traditional Korean medical world in the period from the Japanese colonial period until present time. Dean Kim insists that we should globalize traditional Korean medicine through education of the general public about the benefits of using Korean traditional medicine. The Korea IT Times interviewed Dean Kim about the education of traditional Korean medicine which became systematic during the Japanese colonial rule period. He also discussed the history of the College of Oriental Medicine Department of Medical History at Kyung-HeeUniversity.

King Sejong invented the Korean alphabet, known as Hangeul because the Korean is different from Chinese. Heo Jun wrote an Oriental medical book since Koreans differ from Chinese in physicality and in region. Today, Hangeul receives positive evaluations from people around the world thanks to its scientific nature. Since the Korean alphabet was created on the basis of five consonants and three vowels, everyone may learn to read and write First Traditional Korean Medical Education Institute in Korea On April 27, 1965, a ceremony to celebrate the union of Kyungthe Hangeul with ease. Dongui Bogam, a medical encyclopedia written by Heo Jun was registered as an UNESCO world heritage hee University and Dongyang Medical College was held with the in 2009. The book is still regarded as one of the most valuable participation of school employees, faculty members and distinguished guests from the traditional Korean medical world. The traditional cultural heritages of Korea. Traditional Korean medicine is part of Oriental medicine which is recognized worldwide. Chinese tourists always remember to buy traditional Korean medicines before leaving Korea. Among the most popular medicines are, Woohwang Cheongsimwon and ginsengs. These medicines were once given as diplomatic gifts to imperial families of China, so at the time ordinary Chinese people were not able to obtain Woohwang Cheongsimwon and ginsengs. Nowadays, such traditional Korean drugs are now immensely popular among the Chinese. Some people are continuing this Korean medical tradition. They are students of oriental medicine at Korean medicine colleges. Korea currently has 11 oriental medicine colleges and 1 graduate school; the most prestigious being the College of Dr. Kim Nam-il, Dean of the College of the Oriental Medicine Department Oriental Medicine at the Department of of Medical History at Kyung-Hee University
KOREA IT TiMES | FEBRUARY, 2012

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who kept traditional Korean medicine afloat during the Japanese colonial period. This time proved to be a dark period of traditional Korean medicine as Japan colonized Korea (Joseon at that time). As the Joseon Kingdom fell, the Japanese colonial government implemented policies to annihilate the culture of Joseon. In 1905, Japan robbed the Korean Empire of its diplomatic right through the Eulsa Treaty and established the Japanese Colonial Government. Japanese Colonial Government forced out traditional Korean medical doctors from Gwangjewon University a year later. These doctors were professors at the national medical institute, but were forced to take a western medicine-oriented test, and only use western medicines. Until the liberation of Korea in 1945, traditional Korean medicine underwent a 30year dark period. Japan ridded Korea of its medicine and obtained western medicines from the Netherlands, in an effort to eliminate the countrys traditional medicine. Traditional Korean medical scholars operated Dongje Medical School beginning in 1904 with the help of King Gojong. King Gojong was dethroned after his envoy to Hague failed to accomplish his mission, and the Dongje Medical School was closed. A medical program forcibly established by the Japanese Colonial Government in 1914 lowered the status of traditional Korean medicine by supporting western medicine. In spite of the oppression of the Japanese Colonial Government, traditional Korean medical scholars did everything they could to continue to use traditional Korean medicine and pass it on to the next generation. They formed a coalition and agreed to systemize traditional Korean medicine and continued to teach young students

ceremony was quite meaningful in that it laid the foundation for the development of Kyung-hee University as a university which takes the lead in traditional Korean medicine. Afterwards, Kyung-hee University admitted the first freshmen to the Department of Traditional Korean Medicine. The Department of Traditional Korean Medicine at Kyung-hee University began its term by introducing a six-year-long system where western and Korean traditional medicines were taught. In fact, 60 percent of Korean traditional medicine and 40 percent of western medicine were the medical curriculum of the students at the time. Hence, the first department of Korean traditional medicine was born at Kyung-hee University.The Department of Oriental Medicine at Kyung-hee University was the first Traditional Korean Medical department established at a University after liberating from Japan. Dongyang Medical Society was formed in 1947 and carried out academic activities by publishing a medical journal called the Oriental Medicine and educational activities. In 1945, traditional Korean medical students in Gyeonggi Province donated the Gyeonggi Provincial Medical Student Hall to the Association to Support the Establishment of Dongyang Medical School. This school was promoted to the Seoul Traditional Korean Medical College in 1951. By 1957, three traditional Korean medical doctors became Koreas first three modern professors of traditional Korean medicine at a college of traditional Korean medicine. Dongyang Medical College suffered some financial difficulties and shut

down at the beginning of 1960, so Kyunghee University took over the college and established the Department of Traditional Korean Medicine. Afterward, Kyung-hee University opened a traditional Korean medical hospital affiliated to the Kyung-hee Medical Center in 1971. At present, the College of Korean Traditional Medicine is operating at three traditional Korean medical hospitals including Gangdong Traditional Medical Hospital of Kyung-hee University. The Department of Traditional Korean Medicine of Kyung-hee University was promoted to the College of Oriental Medicine in 1976. There were four graduates who received a PhD in traditional Korean medicine Drs. Kang Hyo-sin, Ku Bon-hong, Choi Yongtae and Yu Keun-cheol. The college succeeded in drug-free acupunctural anesthesia for the first time in the world in 1972. The college launched a research project on applying the combination of both traditional Korean and western medicine. That is to say, the college opened the Traditional Korean and Western Medicine Department in 1973. The next year, the college established a center for stroke patients. Education of Traditional Korean Medicine Continues Despite Japanese Invasion The birth of the Department of Traditional Korean Medicine of Kyung-hee University and the development of traditional Korean medicine were attributed to traditional Korean medical scholars

The ceremony to celebrate the union of Kyung-hee University and Dongyang Medical College On April 27, 1965. http://www.koREAittimEs.com | KOREA IT TiMES

46 ORiENtaL MEdiCiNE
while avoiding the oppression of the Japanese Colonial Government. Small medical training schools began to open across the country with a strong pride from the teachers and students. Small medical training schools were predecessors of modern traditional Korean medical colleges and offered a three-year-course. They dealt mainly with traditional Korean medicine but also included western medicine. In 1915, 770 traditional Korean medical scholars held a pan-national medical students rally in the plaza of Changdeok Palace with an industrial exposition for change. At that time, they formed the Korea Medical Doctors Association. In 1921, they established the Dongseo Medical Research Society, an organization to promote friendship among traditional Korean medical doctors and academic activities. They promoted the revival of traditional Korean medicine by steadily carrying out academic activities despite the oppression of the Japanese Colonial Government. Even during the Korean War, they put forth efforts to establish a traditional Korean medical doctor system. In January 1951 during the Korean War period, traditional Korean medical doctors such as Kim Yeong-hun and Bang Ju-hyeok had the main session of the temporary National Assembly in Busan pass a draft on a traditional Korean medical doctor system by undergoing active negotiations with lawmakers. With the implementation of the traditional Korean medical doctor system, the Traditional Korean Medical Association and the Traditional Korean Medicine Society officially inaugurated and since then, have carried out their activities. Teaching Advanced Alternative Medicine Traditional Korean medical doctors strongly believe that medicine is a benevolent art. In the popular Korean TV series, Ryu Eui-tae, a mentor of Heo Jun and author of Dongeui Bogam emphasized, Become a doctor who can care about a persons mind. Dean Kim is also teaching students while saying, Become a doctor who respects the value of a human being, and Become a good-natured person before becoming a doctor. Dean Kim asks his students to remind themselves that they are people with a strong sense of duty to succeed and develop a Korean tradition. Dean Kim added that he did not forget to help his students understand that traditional Korean medicine is a Korean tradition and at the same time, modern medicine. It is not proper to regard traditional Korean medicine as old and unscientific traditional medicine, Dean Kim said. We study not only traditional Korean medicine but also traditional Korean medicine as modern learning. Generally people think that traditional Korean medicine is outdated learning where people learn traditional Chinese medical prescriptions, how to check pulses and acupuncture practices. In the 1970s, the College of Oriental Medicine Department of Medical History at Kyung-Hee University already applied traditional Korean medicine to treating chronic diseases, and cancers with excellent results. The goal of our college is to use traditional medicine to keep modern people healthy. Traditional Korean medicine has absorbed the strengths of western medicine for one hundred years. The Department of Traditional Korean Medicine at Kyung-hee University teaches students traditional Korean medicine and western medicine at a ratio of 60 percent to 40 percent, the higher percentage being the traditional Korean medicine curriculum. The study includes basic science, medical English, Chinese letters and traditional Korean medical philosophies.

The fourth graduation ceremony of the medical school which belongs the Dongseo Medical Research Society

Dean, Kim Nam-il is at the Korean Medical History Museum in the College of the Oriental Medicine Department building of Medical History at Kyung-Hee University KOREA IT TiMES | FEBRUARY, 2012

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Dean Kim defined this new traditional Korean medicine as new medicine. Dean Kim picked Jasaeng Hospital, a hernia-specialized hospital in LA, the medical treatment system of the Kyung-hee Medical Center and Woohwang Cheongsimhwan as success cases of the new medicine. The Kyung-hee Medical Center introduced a hospitalization system for the first time in traditional Korean medicine. Western and traditional Korean medicine are based on different epistemology, Dean Kim said. Traditional Korean medicine attaches greater importance to experiences and the base of traditional Korean medical recognition is the human body. Dean Kim explained that traditional Korean medical doctors use recognition through physical contacts. Therefore there exist traditional Korean medical areas which were processed into words. Traditional Korean medicine has a delicate system that systemizes perceptional experiences. This fact is based on the unique education system in the traditional Korean medical world, interactions with patients, the principle of yin and yang, and the five elements and thoughts. Traditional Korean medical books such as Dongeui Bogam and Dongui Susebowon are valuable materials which support this fact. The College of Traditional Korean Medicine at Kyung-hee University prepared a curriculum on the basis of Dongeui Bogam for the education of traditional Korean medicine. On the other hand, the college prepares a wide array of programs to give students opportunities to share active traditional Korean doctors by inviting active traditional Korean doctors. The College of Traditional Korean Medicine at Kyunghee University is positioning itself as the worlds top traditional Korean medical education institution. The Kyunghee Medical Center, an affiliated hospital of the college has five branches of traditional Korean medical hospitals and offers the finest traditional Korean medical services. The college is matchless in sectors such as palsy, cancers and geriatric diseases. The college is striving for the globalization of traditional Korean medicine. Since its establishment, the college has promoted the development of traditional Korean medicine through exchanges and joint research with overseas traditional medical schools. Since the establishment of the Kyunghee International Traditional Korean Medical Education Institute, the college has accepted more and more foreign students and conducted more exchanges with overseas traditional medical schools. The Department of Traditional Korean Medicine at Kyung-hee University has ties with Meiji University, the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University in Taiwan, Hong Kong Baptist University, and the RMIT University Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University of Australia. In addition, the college is putting spurs to globalize traditional Korean medicine by supporting overseas training programs of its students in Asian countries such as China.
Kim Sung-mi / info@koreaittimes.com

Korea IT Times and the College of the Oriental Medicine Department of Kyung Hee University, run Year Series a of articles on Korean medicine Sparks Global Interest.
July 2011
Opening article in 12 parts- Introduction of Traditional Korean Medicine by Interviewing Kim Namil, Dean of College of Oriental Medicine, Kyung Hee University

August 2011
Outstanding Specialist -- Shin Junshik, Board President of Jaseng Hospital of Oriental Medicine

September 2011
Outstanding Specialist - Open demonstration of advanced cancer treatment (Prof. Choi Wonchol, oriental cancer clinic of Gangdong Oriental Hospital)

October 2011
2013 World Traditional Medicine Expo, Discover Sancheong-gun The Ancient Valley of Healing.

December, 2011
400th Anniversary of the Donguibogam, the book that heals the world

February, 2012
Traditional Korean Medical History of Oriental Medicine Dept. at Kyung-Hee University

March, 2012
Outstanding Specialist - President Yu Bongha, Oriental Hospital Kyung-Hee University and Presidential Practitioner of Oriental Medicine

April 2012
Outstanding Specialist, Park Sang-dong Board President of Dongseo Oriental Hospital

May 2012
Dongui Bogam 400th anniversary project in 2013/ International Traditional Medicine Expo 2013 (co-hosted by Gyeongsangnam-do Sancheong-gun from September 10 to October 19, 2013)

June 2012
State-of-art IT medical equipment

http://www.koREAittimEs.com | KOREA IT TiMES

48 e-gOVERNMENt

Seoul Proves Value of Advanced e-Government

Dr. Hwang Jong-sung, Assistant Mayor for Information Technology (CIO) of Seoul Metropolitan government

Seoul City is pushing for Smart Seoul 2015 for the qualitative happiness of its residents from 2011 to 2015, says Dr. Hwang Jong-sung, Assistant Mayor for Information Technology (CIO) of Seoul Metropolitan government. Seouls budget for informatization in 2011 stood at 129,501 million won, accounting for 0.63 percent of Seouls total budget. Despite its small budget, the program has significantly contributed to making Seoul one of the most hi-tech cities in the world. Lately the inauguration ceremony for the new Seoul mayor Park Won-soon has attracted eyes of people and mass media as it was entirely conducted online. The online ceremony was broadcast live through the Internet from 11:00 to 11:40 am on November 16 of 2011. During the broadcast, Mayor Park opened his office room, pledge allegiance to the nation, delivered his inauguration speech and took questions from residents through SNS. About 75,000 people watched the Internet broadcasting live and 5,000 questions or opinions were sent to the mayor through SMS. In addition, about 8,000 people watched the ceremony on their mobile de- Dr. Hwang Jong-sung
KOREA IT TiMES | FEBRUARY, 2012

vices. The online inauguration ceremony was successfully held with a smaller budget compared to previous authoritarian and formal ceremonies, suggesting a new model of inauguration ceremonies for government organizations, companies and groups, Dr. Hwang says. Smart Seoul 2015 The Smart Seoul 2015 project is a preemptive and active informatization plan as 80 percent of Seoul residents are expected to use smartphones or smart devices and 30 percent are expected to purchase smart TVs by 2015. We are planning to make Seoul the best smart technology city in the world by 2015, Dr. Hwang continues. The Smart Seoul 2015 project will expand Seouls smart infrastructure, help more people enjoy advanced IT services, provide Seoul City services through smart devices, create jobs, enhance the level of information security and realizing the finest e-government in the world. We expect that advanced IT technologies will be applied to all sectors in citizens

e-gOvERnMEnt

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life and even senior citizens will make use of smart devices and applications after receiving education in 2015, Dr. Hwang adds. The city is also planning to reduce its crime rate by expanding CCTV monitoring. We are also planning to promote a Seoul-friendly application business industry and establish an incubator center in the Sangam-dong IT complex, Dr. Hwang explains. The Seoul Metropolitan government is providing various information and online services through the Internet and smartphones and is steadily upgrading services by collecting opinions of residents. The e-government service Dr. Hwang Jong-sung and Ms. Inger Andersen, Vice President of Sustainable Development at the World Bank shake hands after signing the MOU (memorandom of understanding) of Seoul City is comprised of three for the corporation of the Worlds e-Goverments. major parts strong communication with citizens, convenient services for citizens and addressing nega- Nairobi of Kenya and Katmandu of Nepal, which have helped the cities map out informatization master plans, Dr. Hwang adds. tive impacts of informatization. Seoul city is working to transform the official web site to go be- These efforts have paid off. The Tanzanian government is buildyond the traditional duties of announcing city news and providing ing its own system by applying the e-government model of Seoul service-related information. Instead, a new web site will promote to it. We have also contributed to the informatization of develproactive interaction between the city and its residents. Residents oping countries and helped Korean IT companies make inroads will be able to easily submit petitions as well as participate in the into overseas markets. This means Seouls position is rising as an decision-making process concerning the city. A resident-centric advanced IT city. We will steadily publicize the excellence of the Seoul e-govsite that takes advantage of social media is also currently under ernment internationally and contribute to the development of edevelopment. In addition to the regular web site of Seoul City, the city is offer- governments around the world through MOUs and to addressing ing mobile portal services in ten sectors. Furthermore, advanced the digital divide problem. At the same time, we will help Korean smartphone applications of Seoul City provides citizens with in- companies tap into overseas markets, Dr. Hwang details. formation on restaurants, TBS broadcasting, travel, location of Seoul Designated as President City for World e-Government public rest rooms and taxi-call service. Moreover, the city is distributing PCs for marginalized people Organization (WeGo) Accordingly, the Seoul government has laid the foundation who do not have PCs so that they can use information services at home. For visually challenged people and the disabled, the city by holding its World e-Government Mayors Forum in 2008. Fidistributes magnifying devices and Braille terminals. Other activi- nally in September 2010, the World e-Government Organization ties include repairing PCs, implementing projects to prevent peo- (WeGO) was established with Seoul as the president city. Since then, the Seoul government is playing the role of the leader ple from Internet addiction, Internet counseling and free ubiquifor e-governments in the world. The number of the member cittous study programs. ies of the WeGO is 50, including big cities of the U.S., Canada, France and developing countries in Africa. The members cooperWorlds Top e-Government The excellence of Seoul e-government was duly recognized in the ate with one another via the WeGO. Of late, the WeGO has surged evaluation of e-governments by reliable organizations. For exam- in popularity internationally. For example, three cities have recentple, Seoul e-government came in first for four consecutive times in ly applied for membership. The Seoul Metropolitan Government suggests distributing its ethe evaluation of of the Worlds 100 Cities. The Seoul e-government became a benchmark for countries and government standard framework to member cities of the WeGO cities around the world, Dr. Hwang adds. Foreign public offi- in a meeting of the Executive Committee of WeGO held in Barcials, businessmen and scholars have visited Seoul City to observe celona of Spain in last October. The suggestion was adopted. The its e-government system and facilities. Over the past three years, Committee has also agreed to launch WeGO Awards to identify, 893 people from 155 countries have come to Seoul to observe and recognize, and disseminate best practices of e-government. Cities and local governments as well as public organizations around the learn about the Seoul e-government. The Seoul government has signed MOUs on exchange and co- world can apply for the awards. Online applications will be available from February 2012, and operation on e-government with 11 overseas cities with the purpose of promoting friendship and enhancing the value of its global the winners will be presented at the second General Assembly of brand. In particular, we carried out feasibility studies on e-gov- 2012 to be held in Barcelona on 19-20 November 2012. ernment with leading Korean IT companies in Hanoi of Vietnam, Kim Sung-mi / info@koreaittimes.com
http://www.koREAittimEs.com | KOREA IT TiMES

50

Top 30 Korean Software Companies Worthy of Global Recognition :


The following companies have been thoroughly evaluated and selected by KOSEA (Korea Software Enterprise Association), Korea IT Times, and Computer World.

KOREA IT TiMES | FEBRUARY, 2012

SOftwARE

The Featured Businesses listed will be regularly covered in the Korea IT Times. Please see page 52~55 for this issues featured company, Hancom and SundoSoft.
Published

51

http://www.koREAittimEs.com | KOREA IT TiMES

52 SOftwaRE

Hancom Takes Vision of Information Independence to the Globe


Vision of Korean information independence has led this software-maker to create completely platform- and device-independent ofce solutions on the go
blunders when it tried to wipe out Hangul in 1998, a miscalculation which backfired and instead saved its ailing competitor from bankruptcy. Hancom has since then grown into a global company that offers a veritable alternative to Microsoft Office. It currently employees 320 people, with 220 engineers dedicated to research and development. The company has been profitable for nine consecutive years, with an estimated sales of KRW 54.5 billion (USD 48.6 million) for last year. Hancoms Office Suite remains the companys main product. The suite is available in English and Korean, and has been gaining popularity in emerging markets. Hancom is however positioning ThinkFree as its next-generation virtual office suite. At the moment, ThinkFree has been localized into 21 languages, and is distributed to more than 16 countries. Hancom is also located strategically in Korea, home to two leading manufacturers of smart devices Samsung Electronics and LG. The kimchi factor: burned by piracy, saved by patriotism 2011 was especially a good year for Hancom, which broke its sales records quarter after quarter, due to strong sales of its Office 2010 SE and ThinkFree line of products and services. This has not always been the case. In many ways, the story of Hancom mirrors the fortunes of Koreas reborn software industry through support from the government. In 1998, the company nearly went bust although it had been considered a national treasure: poor management, the Asian financial crisis and software piracy had brought the company to its knees. Microsoft, which had about 15 percent market penetration in office apps at the time in Korea, offered USD 20 million to Hancom to stop producing Hangul and instead resell its localized Word program. For a small investment, Microsoft would have wiped out its main competitor completely in Korea, one of the few countries in the world that had still resisted wide adaptation of its office suite. When the news of the deal broke, Koreans united in national fervor and raised over USD 10 million through a national campaign to save the company. In addition, Hancoms near-bankruptcy brought the issue of software piracy under the national spotlight. As a result, Koreans began to pay for their software. Carpe diem Fast-forward to 2012, where Korean Samsung Electronics has become the worlds number one mobile phone maker, cloud computing has matured, smart devices have proliferated, and a multiple of competing platforms and players have emerged in the marketplace PCs and Microsoft Office still dominate the US market but emerging markets and countries bitter (i.e. Europe) about Microsofts aggressive strat-

Hancom CEO Lee Hong-goo : We will accelerate our growth to become a global leader in the software marketplace, through passion and perseverance.

The paint is still wet at Hancoms new office building at Pangyo Techno Valley, the designated future Silicon Valley of Korea. It is here that Korea IT Times had a chance to catch up with Hancoms staff in charge of developing the companys next-generation applications that will take the companys vision of information independence to the globe. Hancom (KOSDAQ: HAANSOFT) is a well-known and well-established office suite developer within Korea with a colorful history. Established in 1990, the company created the native word processor for the Korean language called Hangul, inspired by a vision to make Korea information independent. Virtually every working Korean knows of Hangul and its accompanying programs for spreadsheets, presentations, and of its creator Lee Chan-jin, who is considered as a national hero by many. The Korean government is a key client, which has made Hancom Office Suite its official office software. The company was also the subject of a 2003 book entitled The Kimchi Matters. In it the authors discuss Microsofts
KOREA IT TiMES | FEBRUARY, 2012

Hancoms brand new headquarters at Pangyo Techno Valley

SOftwARE
Sales Figures for 2011

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sion of information independence brings its ThinkFree offerings a core advantage over its competitors. Last year, Hancom made breakthrough deals with two major German companies, 1&1 Internet AG and Siemens AG. ThinkFree Office has been made available to use by millions of German internauts who use WEB.DE and GMX as their web portal. Hancom is also set to provide its ThinkFree Server Integrator, Hancoms cloud office solution, for a pilot IT project to Siemens. The ThinkFree Server Integrator is a self-hosted web office server that allows users to add web office functionality into their existing web applications or portals. Unlike other hosted applications providers, ThinkFree Server Integrator allows private enterprises to develop their own custom and secure virtual offices. There are companies that require completely independent solutions for their enterprise needs, that cannot rely on third-parties to provide mission-critical infrastructure, adds Noh. Looking ahead Hancom will be focused on expanding its ThinkFree line of products and services this year: office virtualization, mobile, cloud and e-books will be the keywords for Hancom in 2012. We will accelerate our growth to become a global leader in the software marketplace, through passion and perseverance, says CEO of Hancom, Mr. Lee Hong-goo. Hancom remains an active player combatting software piracy in Korea and works along with the Korea Software Property-Right Council to promote a wide range of educational and support programs.
Kate Jee-hyung Kim / info@koreaittimes.com

egies have given companies such as Hancom ample opportunities to prove their value. It seems that everything has fallen into place for Hancom, and the stock market seems to agree too Hancom stocks have soared 130 percent since this time last year. The company has also made some key strategic partnerships, most notably with Samsung Electronics, which propelled Hancom to global software stardom. In June 2010, the company signed a deal to have ThinkFree Mobile pre-installed on Samsungs Galaxy S. ThinkFree Mobile allows users to create, edit, share, and manage various documents saved on ThinkFrees Online service or on Google Docs. Most notably, ThinkFree Mobile and ThinkFree Online allow users to create documents from any device, upload and modify them from mobiles or pads, then convert and share them in other document formats. Currently, ThinkFree Mobile is pre-installed in more than 55 million of Samsungs Android-based mobile devices. Hancom has also partnered with other giants in the mobile space, including LG, Pantech, Qualcomm, ARM and Toshiba. ThinkFree Mobile is fast collecting rave reviews as well. Hancom was recently awarded top honors in the countrys Mobile Technology Awards, and the American magazine Computer World reviewed in November that Thinkfree Mobile had superb performance and function compared to other products. ThinkFree Mobile is available from the Android Market and the Apple App Store. Going global With the advent of cloud computing and smart phones, it seems that technology has finally caught up with Hancom to take its vision of information independence on a global scale. Back in 2004, the company acquired ThinkFree, a java-based office applications developer based in California. Hancom has since launched a series of office applications that are completely platform-independent, compatible with Microsoft Office, and which works across all smart devices as well as on the web -- a winning combination -and precocious, you may add. Hancom is betting on ThinkFree to evolve the company into producing the next generation of collaborative office productivity solutions: virtual offices that are able to interface and sync with all types of devices, connected to customizable cloud-based servers to suit a business particular enterprise needs. Hancom offers cloudbased office solutions to both consumers and businesses. The company is also focused on aggressive research and development, employing over 220 engineers just to keep ahead of the market. It is part of going global, says Eddie Noh, head of Hancoms overseas business unit. The global software market is extremely competitive, and were integrating creativity and innovation into the development process that will allow us to compete with the established giants in the office space. Indeed, this Korean companys mojo is its kimchi factor: its vi-

ThinkFree Mobile

Overview of Hancoms product offerings http://www.koREAittimEs.com | KOREA IT TiMES

54 SOftwaRE

Sundosoft Boasts of Advanced GIS Technology through Convergence


Sundosoft and SK Telecom Push for Geovision Project
Sundosoft is making a strong push for the Geovision project along with SK Telecom, a top executive of the geographic information system (GIS) specialized company said. Commenting that Sundosoft aims to attain the sales target of KRW 35 billion this year, Yoon Jay-joon (Jay Yoon), CEO of Sundosoft, said, Since 2011, Sundosoft and SK Telecom have been pushing ahead with the Geovision project. Under the project, Sundosoft combines a massive database possessed by subsidiaries of SK Telecom and a map to provide customers, including founders of business start-ups and salesmen, with such managerial supporting services such as analysis of commercial power and customer management. We also have a plan to conclude a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Korea Cadastral Survey Corp for active advancement into the overseas market this year. At the same time, we are seeking various ways to explore the overseas market through close GIS cooperation with the government, institutions and large companies, he said. Noting that most state-run institutions are now using GIS, Yoon said that Sundosoft is also planning to integrate the GIS business at many departments of the Seoul Metropolitan City into a single system. In addition, Sundosoft projects will combine GIS technology with the 4th generation mobile communication. This model has been emerging as a promising new project, he said. Since the demands for smart phones and cloud system have been increasing at a rapid pace, the 4th generation mobile communication will handle large data figures, which will explode up to 100 times present level, said the CEO. Advanced GIS technology Last year, Gwangju City (Gyeonggi Province) won the presidential award with its administrative comprehensive observation system using GIS at the public informational grand prize contes. This was a successful event, in which all central government agencies, provincial governments and public institutions participated. The GIS technology used by Gwangju City is the core technology of Sundosoft. By making the best use of Sundosoft-developed GIS, Gwangju City combines space information and administration to produce effective business process. By doing so, they succeeded in carrying out its business administration for citizens effectively, he explained. GIS refers to an information system that analyzes and processes geography and geographical information data that enables people to utilize them in various fields. This includes land, resources, environment and transportation. For instance, we can effectively manage traffic congestion and logistics movement by combining GIS with logistics and transportation data. We can also apply the GIS technology to manage various facilities, including roads, water/sewage systems, gas

Yoon Jay-joon, CEO of Sundosoft KOREA IT TiMES | FEBRUARY, 2012

pipe and electrical facilities, for easy, rapid and efficient management, he noted. Currently, the advanced GIS technology is being used as the core technology of the National Geometry Information System (NGIS), which is in charge of national defense, he said. CEO Yoon said, After all, GIS technolo-

SOftwARE

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gy is helpful for peoples living and enhances productivity, but is also an ideal system for national security. Recently, GIS technology is also being applied to the financial sector; including helping banks, securing companies and insurance firms to manage customers assets and suggesting investment guidelines. Since its establishment in 1987, Sundosoft has been focusing its R&D projects on the GIS-based solution, app and service development. We boast of our high-class GIS technology as we concluded the business partnership with Esri, and used the software engine of Esri in GIS, he concluded. GIS convergence project Yoon, the CEO of the nations No. 1 GIS specialized firm, is striving to activate GIS and saying that the governments supports for GIS are still insufficient compared with those with general information systems. Major customers of GIS are the central

government, provincial governments and public institutions. The basic framework was made in 1995 by the government and was mostly used by research centers and schools. In 2000, it began to be commercialized. As a result, government agencies in charge of GIS suffered serious difficulties. To rectify this, Sundosoft began operation of the GIS field education school with its own cost in 1992. Since then, it fostered a total of 13,000 GIS software experts, he said. Suggesting that the GIS convergence project should be propelled to activate GIS business, Yoon suggested, We can reduce costs and enhance productivity by combining logistics and GIS technology. By applying the advanced technology to the environmental sector, we can easily grasp movement of animals and offer assistance in keeping the ecosystem. Additionally, we can protect the environment by applying the system to disposal of construction

ArcGIS Software

wastes and radioactive materials. CEO Yoon majored in mechanical engineering at Seoul National University, and obtained a Masters Degree from Stanford University. Under the impression that the era of digital and computer would come soon, he changed his career to software. After obtaining a Masters Degree in the United States, he was employed at Amdahl and began his career in system analysis and software technology. After returning home in 1984, Yoon introduced the AutoCAD and monitor graphic card to the domestic market for the first time and set up a company supplying CAD/CAM. Later he established Sundosoft, a GIS specialized firm, in an attempt to explore the GIS market. Through it maintains a close partnership with Esri, it secured the top GIS position in Asia and dominates over 70 percent of the total domestic market share. Predicting the advent of cloud era computing in the near future, CEO Yoon stated, All information system users will use the cloud system in the future. The most important aspect of the cloud system is GIS technology. Sundosoft will become a toptier company offering cloud-based services with advanced GIS technology.
Lee Jeong-yoon / info@koreaittimes.com

http://www.koREAittimEs.com | KOREA IT TiMES

56 COUNtRY REPORT

| INDIA

India,

the Worlds Fastest Growing Country


Special report on the occasion of the republic day of India
India is described as a nation with the oldest civilization, the largest democracy and the youngest population almost 70 percent below the age of 35. I may add that young India, that gained independence on August 15. 1947 and became a Republic on January 26. 1950, is also a confident and aspirational nation with tremendous diversity. She has already become the second fastest growing major economy in the world. Indias GDP is already USD 1.84 trillion and is likely to touch USD 2 trillion by the end of this year, Mr. Vishnu Prakash, Ambassador of India, said in an interview with the Korea IT Times.

Mr. Vishnu Prakash, Ambassador of India

Night view of Mumbai

Korea IT Times conducted an interview with Mr. Vishnu Prakash, ambassador of India,concerning trade relations, economic policies and strides India is making in its booming industry. Q) Will you explain the present bilateral trade relations between our two countries?
A) India and RoK operationalised a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) on 1 January 2010 which has led to an impressive 70 percent growth in our bilateral trade in just two years to USD 20.5 bilKOREA IT TiMES | FEBRUARY, 2012

lion in 2011. We are condent that the target of USD 30 billion by 2014 will be achieved. Both sides are in consultation to further upgrade CEPA in order to infuse even greater momentum in trade and economic links. India offers a huge market to South Korea with an over 300 million strong middle class, having excellent buying power. On the other hand, India can offer a range of world class products and services, including Pharmaceuticals and IT services, at very competitive prices to our Korean friends.

tions in India for Koreans?


A) India is a continent-sized country, with the worlds highest mountains to the north, sprawling deserts and forts to the west, world-famous beaches, as well as ancient temples and churches to the south. There are also wildlife sanctuaries and stunning natural beauty to its east and north-east. Then, we have Taj Mahal - the eternal monument of love - in Agra about 200 kms south of New Delhi. The Land of Buddha and Gandhi, Bodhgaya in the Indian state of Bihar, is a preferred destination for Buddhist pilgrims from the world over. I could recommend Ko-

Q) What are popular sightseeing destina-

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rean friends, who are visiting India to start with the so-called Golden Triangle that includes, the capital city of New Delhi, Rajasthan (forts and desert) and the Taj Mahal. I am happy that our countries are well connected, with Air India, Korean Air and Asiana Airlines operating direct between our cities.

Q) What are Indias key and promising industries?


A) India has made signicant strides in the sunshine industries including IT, biotechnology and nanotechnology. During 2011-12, IT and BPO sectors generated revenues of over USD 88 billion, of which close to USD 60 billion was by way of exports. We also have noteworthy strengths in areas like gems and jewellery, textiles, pharmaceuticals, automobiles and components, chemicals and petro-chemicals, heavy engineering, agriculture and minerals.

The Indian economy posted an average annual growth of nine percent for the past ve years

Q) In what industrial sectors does India want Korean rms to invest in?
A) India offers a huge market where demand is growing by 10 to 15% per annum. It is expected that given our robust economic growth, India would have a per capita income of about USD 5000 by 2020 and a population of 1.4 bn. South Korean white goods (TV, Air conditioner, Refrigerator, Washing machine etc) and electronic items have already become household names in India. For example India already has 898 million mobile subscribers and is likely to add another 200 million or some 12-14 million every month during 2012. We also propose to invest USD 1 trillion in infrastructure development between 2012 and 2017, to establish world class highways, airports, seaports and metro railways. Concerted efforts are being made to scale power generation capacity including renewable and civil nuclear energy. We expect to enhance nuclear power generation capacity from 5000 MW at present to 60,000 MW by 2030. As such when it comes to India, Korean companies are only limited by their imagination.

View of Shastri Park

Q) What is the most important economic policy which India is now pushing?
A) India, a market economy, is single-mindedly focusing on sustain-

able economic development given that 60 percent of its population is below the age of 30. To harness the demographic dividend, we need to create opportunities for gainful employment, strengthen infrastructure and quantitatively scale up our manufacturing capabilities. That is the task that the nation is devoted to.
Yeon Choul-woong / info@koreaittimes.com

Indian community in Seoul celebrates Republic Day


The 63rd Republic Day of India was celebrated today by members of the Embassy of India and the Indian community with great enthusiasm, at the Indian Cultural Centre, Seoul. Close to one hundred guests including Indian nationals, PIOs and friends of India joined, the members of the mission on the occasion, braving sub zero temperatures. In a brief and solemn function, Ambassador of India Shri Vishnu Prakash unfurled the National Flag at 1000 hrs (local time). He conveyed warm greetings and felicitations to the Indian community. He also read out excerpts of the President of Indias address to the Nation, delivered on the eve of the Republic Day. This was followed by singing of patriotic songs. The assembled guests happily interacted with each other over tea and refreshments arranged by the Indian Cultural Centre. Indians living in the Republic of Korea have been playing an active role in raising the profile of India and advancing bilateral relations with South Korea. The Indian Community comprises of businessmen, IT professionals, scientists, research fellows and students.

Ambassador of India to Republic of Korea H.E. Mr. Vishnu Prakash unfurling the tricolor Indian ag on the occasion of 63rd Republic Day celebrations, 26 January 2012 http://www.koREAittimEs.com | KOREA IT TiMES

58 EVENtS

Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish. Do What You Love.


This months issue of Korea IT Times includes a summary of the commencement speech given by the late CEO of Apple, Steve Jobs, at Stanford University in 2005. His speech is considered by many to be very powerful and was also listed as number one for the top ten most inspirational graduation speeches in America. We felt it was necessary to feature a summary Jobss commencement address since he was an innovative genius in animation and software. If you have not read Jobs speech before, you will soon learn how one of the most popular brands worldwide began in the garage of his parents home and later developed into a global bestseller. Jobss biological mother was a single mom and graduate student who made a difficult choice to give up her son for adoption, wanting a better life for her child. His biological mother wanted her son to be adopted by parents who graduated from college, so he would be afforded many benefits. Although a family was interested in adopting the infant, his mother refused because neither parent possessed a college. She later agreed after Steves adoptive parents promised he would attend college. 17 years later, Steve enrolled at Reed College but dropped out 6 months later. Steve believed that the classes he was required to take were not beneficial, and like most college freshmen, he had no idea what he wanted to do with his life. He also felt he was spending all his working-classs parents hard earned money on his college tuition, and so he searched for a new map to follow down his road of life. Although he dropped out of his core classes at Reed College, he still attended a calligraphy class that was regularly offered. This would later help him develop the world famous, Macintosh. At the age of 20, Steve Jobs and his friend Steve Wozniak began a small business in the garage of Jobs parents house known as Apple. Ten years later, the small business that began in a garage was a $2 billion company with over 4,000 employees nationwide. At the age of 30, a year after the Macintosh was created, Jobs was fired from his position at Apple. He even asked the amusing question, how could I get fired from the company which I started? He was very depressed and thought of himself as a failure to the company and even considered leaving the Valley and putting Apple behind him, but his drive and love for what he did inspired him to later create NEXT and Pixar. The birth of these companies gave way to many successful animated movies, the most famous known as Toy Story. At an amazing turn of events, Apple bought NEXT and Steve was back with the company he had started many years ago. Around that time, he also met and married his wife, Laurene Powell Jobs. Years later, Jobs was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and was told he had a very short time to live. The MDs who were caring for Jobs found that they could remove his cancerous tumor by surgery, after further testing. This gave Steve the realization that death was part of life and so he lived by the motto of living as if it was your last day.
KOREA IT TiMES | FEBRUARY, 2012

- Steve Jobs, Former CEO of Apple

He stated in his commencement speech, Your time is limited, so dont waste it living someone elses life. Dont let the noise of others opinions drown out your own inner voice. We can all take this quote to heart and utilize this in our own lives. Many times, individuals may strive to make others happy or try to follow a social normality, and they end up forgetting who they are themselves. Remember that you are in charge of your own happiness, and never allow anyone to take that from you. Another point made from his commencement speech is love and loss. Steve had a passion for the company which he created and once fired felt a loss in his life. He never let that stop him from his love of innovation and design which led to the creation of Pixar and NEXT. He mentioned that you should do what you love, though it may be the most difficult and unpopular road to take. He also comments that, as he felt the loss of being fired from the company which he started, we should learn from the loss and change it to something which we can use and apply to our lives to make us better human beings. The final point Steve wanted to make was to connect the dots of life. Steve Jobs came from an average American family and only finished 6 months of college. Though unaware of what he wanted to do after dropping out he knew had a passion for design and innovating, which led him to create the Macintosh. Apple was started in his garage after he dropped out of school and became and is now one of top earning companies in the world. The twists and turns of Steves life helped him get where he was, and thus making him one of the most successful people in the world, all because of his passion. What is your passion? Do you love what you do? After all, we spend more time at our offices than with our families in most cases. If you are unsure of your passion, keep looking and do not settle for less than what you deserve. Do you love what you do? If you cannot answer yes, then perhaps it is time for a career change. After all, doing a job you love can add up to ten years on a persons life. In conclusion, Steve Jobs was a memorable figure in the world of innovative electronics and will forever be regarded and respected as the creator of one of most technological advanced systems the world has come to know.
Summarized by Meagan Lunn / info@koreaittimes.com

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Diamonds Out of the Rough


In association with the Korea Trade Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), the Korea IT Times spotlights small and medium-sized businesses in Korea that have earned the KOTRA Seal of Excellence. Companies of high quality and promising technologies which KOTRA believes have the capacity to supply a global market with their goods are marked with this Seal of Excellence in order to both guarantee their quality and heighten their global brand awareness. Featured is a list of the best of the best Korean small and medium sized businesses.

A KOTRA-IT Times Joint Article Series

More Than Just a Water Dispenses


Quality, Sincerity, and Growth
There is something called the water cooler effect in the workplace. It is the phenomenon that describes an atmosphere where employees are all chatting around the water cooler. This can help forge a sense of unity and belonging to an organizations and can also relieve stress, while allowing the workers to interact with one another. Sure, a water dispenser is not only meant for a glass of water but also has a more subliminal purpose from a different perspective. But a pre-requisite condition for this is that the water-dispensing device should be high quality and reliable so that people can enjoy each others company and also, more importantly, they should be free from concern about the water they sip. CLOVER prioritizes three principles of Quality in Product, Sincerity in Service, and Growth with Partners. The company has specialized in manufacturing and exporting water dispensers to over 40 countries around the world. And their 22 years of accumulated experience and technology offers reliable, quality, and competitive dispensing systems with selective customers in mind. CLOVERs New Systems Recently, they presented two new systems; they are the Bottled Water Cooler B17 series and the Point of Use Water Cooler D16 series. The B17A and B17B come with a fresh white or off white color, and a high glossy cabinet made of ABS plastics and high polymer polyester coated steel panels that show a superior resistance to UV light. Faucets are push-type with a hot water safety function, and the drip tray and grid can be removed easily for cleaning. Hot & cold-water tanks all are equipped with a thermostat that is easily accessible behind. And the refrigeration unit has a conventional cooled condenser that is an internally spring mounted hermetically sealed compressor with an automatic overload protector, and an accurately calibrated capillary tube that controls refrigerant. Available capacity includes: 20FT-272pcs and 40FT-576pcs. Each D16A and D16B also has a high glossy cabinet like the B17 series, and it is also UV light resistant. They look fresh grey, and the faucets of durable polypropylene are a self-closing type that can be easily used. The cold-water tank is made of either hygienic stainless steel that has a capacity below the baffle of 3.1 litters, or polypropylene with a cold-water capacity below the baffle of 5
KOREA IT TiMES | FEBRUARY, 2012

litters. The hot water tank is of a hygienic stainless steel that has a highly efficient internal heating element and fireproof insulation. The Dual Float Valve controls the water level, while a secondary float valve is installed in case of the malfunction of the first valve. The container loading quantity is 215pcs for 20FT and 455pcs for 40FT. For more product information, you can visit www.clover. kr.

The Future of IP Convergence


What is coming to dominate is IP convergence where our life is beginning to center on the integration of optical network technology, a phone system that uses VoIP or Wi-Fi, and some intelligent appliances. This is the future that is playing out in the mind of the company with more than 10-years of experience in the security and surveillance business sector. And their technology recently begot a new network DVR, which will keep abreast of a rapidly changing market and choosy customers. SunMyung Electro-Telecom has offered quality communication equipment and network terminals for Broadband Internet Service and introduced telecom components, pulse/RF transformer & XDSL Splitter Boards since 1992. SUNMYUNGs Major Items They have products in Surveillance, Network Solutions, and Components. First, for Surveillance, they have a network DVR line that includes 8 different items, and each of them has features like H.264 Video Compression, a user friendly menu, embedded Linux, Real-time Video recording, Graphic Icon menu, and so on. For cameras, more than a dozen models of special cameras are available with many unique functions and fitting designs. The ADSL network solution of both the I-1000 series and the I-4000 series offer protocols like password authentication, DNS Server/Client support, NAT support, MAC Filtering, etc. Their network management entails an In-Band Ethernet port, an InBand remote management, Telnet & -cLI support, and more. The 50M VDSL SDLAM model can support up to a maximum speed of 52Mbps for downloading and 2.3Mbps for uploading, which is the fastest among XDSLs. Also it has a multicasting function that transmits requested data and supports Internet environments such as VOD and Internet broadcasting. The component category has both a Splitters and Transformers. The ADSL POTS CO Splitter items are card & rack type Splitters and are available for Japan, Europe, and other Asian countries.

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The ADSL POTS RT (CPE) Splitter products are also available. Regarding transformers, ST-302x, ST-3030/ST-3050, and ST-82 are designed for long haul gigabit ether net 100/1000 Base-T and full duplex applications (except for ST-82 that is for supporting a 1:1 Turns Ratio Transceivers), and these models support 4 categories of 5 UTP cable and have cable interface for isolation and low common mode emissions. For more details, please go to www. sunmyung.com. mance. This gentle movement can keep nutritious enzymes, minerals, and vitamins, so that users can enjoy all of what nature offers. Its continuous ejection of peels and pulps will give you an opportunity to enjoy a continuous flow of squeezed and pure juice without having to stop to remove blockages. Here is an idea. You can compare HUROM and one conventional juicer action on tomatoes. When the job is done, you will see the difference by not only observing one glass full of juicy liquid and the other half-filled, but also by comparing how much waste the two gadgets have produced. To sum things up, the Hurom Slow Juicer is, first, convenient as it will fill more glasses, second it is economical by extracting more juice, and third, it is flexible enough to make all kinds of juices. Lastly, you can get all necessary nutritious ingredients by drinking densely pure juice. Please find out more at www.hurom-slowjuicer. com.

Hurom Makes Your Diet Juicier


Fast digestion and better absorption

Harnessing the Power of Quality


Silicone and Teflon wires are highly heat and cold resistant, so their qualities are directly related to safety. Bo Sung Silicone Co., Ltd.(www.bosc02. co.kr) was established in 1988. Since then, the company has grown to one of the leading companies in Korea in the industry of silicone, Teflon wires and tubes, glass tubes, heater cords, self-regulated heating cables, under floor heaters, electric marine cables, and thermocouple cables, based on the its high quality and reliability. Through continuous R&D and quality improvement in the era of unlimited competition, Bo Sung Silicone Co. has been developing new products in the field of aerospace, marine cables, heating wires in buildings, etc. The company has been expanding its market share, supplying to Samsung, LG, Hyundai Heavy Ind. Co., Doo San Heavy Ind. Co., Toshiba, Hitachi, Sharp, Panasonic, GE and related harnessing makers. The company exports its products internationally to such areas as Europe, Oceania, Russia, Japan, China, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, India while receiving good evaluations from buyers. The major products of Bo Sung Silicone are heat resistant cables and heaters with excellent thermal, and electrical properties. They are heat / cold resistance, oil proof, ozone proof, chemical resistant, with good staying power by their various structures of conductors/heating wires and insulation. They are widely used for, not only household heating appliances, but also heaters, dehumidifiers, marine shipboard cables, snowmelting cables, floor heaters, self-regulating heating cables, constant wattage heating cables, etc. The heating cables are installed just before the final floor finish is completed, being suitable for concrete or timber construction.
HTTP://WWW.KOREAITTIMES.COM | KOREA IT TiMES

When it comes to eating fruits and vegetables, drinking them is more healthy and receptive to the human body than chewing them, not because teeth-grinding destroys all fibers and nutrients, but because digestion takes more time and energy. Thus, people who know, use a juicer to extract the nutrient rich liquid out of those fruits and vegetables for a fast digestion of 15 ~ 30 minutes and better absorption. So HUROMLS has introduced their own device HUROM to offer even more benefits to us. Endorsed by international patents and with certifications from over 3 countries, HUROMLS successfully won the 2010 grand slam clinching all 3 gold medals at 3 major international invention exhibitions. What is the secret of HUROM? HUROMs Juice-Maker HUROMs LSTS (Low Speed Type Screw) is the key innovative invention. This is a spiral-shaped screw based on the grinding principle of a millstone. It results in better preservation of natural flavor, original color, and nutrients compared to generic juicers that use blades. Also the LSTS does not cause any damage from heat or friction. Its inner brush rotates and automatically cleans while preventing clogging in the strainer. Remarkable noise-reduction is one of its achievements, which has been enabled by a slow-squeezing process. And HUROMs built-in motor with a reducer can enhance durability and perfor-

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The floor warms in about half an hour, providing quick comfort. Assuming good building insulation and minimizing heat loss, the heat is distributed throughout the room within an hour. The excellent electric insulation of silicone rubber and/or Teflon covering the heating wire is not affected by the cold/heat or chemicals and does not become brittle over time. There is no breakdown of any of the materials used in the heaters. Therefore, the heaters will last during the lifetime of the building. The Screening effect of non-magnetic heating cable has environmental benefits, by not emitting electromagnetic radiation. view devices, digital media panels, digital media stands, digital menu boards, multi view systems and multi-vision systems. Its RT-5 Media Player is provided with an advanced management program. So users can easily display texts and use its timer and scheduler functions. This device supports full HD resolution and can be used for wired or wireless networks. The company provides fast technical support for customers.

Developing Solutions for People and Environment


Signtech (www.signtechinc.co.kr) is a leading Korean company in LED lighting systems and digital media players for retailers, advertisements, POP and IT constructions. In 1997, Signtech developed an advanced super slim light panel. On the strength of the new product, Signtech has gained a strong advantage over competitors. In addition, Signtech developed an eco-friendly LED edge-lit panel for the first time in Korea, exports its products to overseas markets such as Japan, countries in Europe and the U.S.The company is its expanding markets in the construction, interior, furniture and hobby sectors. Signtech has been launched to release an embedded media player for the digital sign market such as seen in retail, advertisements, interior design, hospital queuing systems, POP and IT constructions. Recently the company released a media board based on Android OS. With this, the company expects to able to apply the board not only to the advertisement market but also to the digital display market. Signtech will undoubtedly bring its customers the most profitable outcome with its best products as a reliable supplier. The business of the company consists of three divisions such as the V-Market, Panel and Stand and Digital Signage Divisions. The V-Market Division deals with patient queuing systems, stand sign devices, POP view products, apartment systems and multi-vision systems. In particular, its patient queuing systems guide appointed patients or waiting patients or show other various hospital information through LCD monitors. So many hospitals are satisfied with the performances of its patient queuing systems. The Panel and Stand Division covers LED light panels, non-light panels, LED light panel stands, non-light panel stands, sign stands. Its SL70 LED Light Panel has up to 50,000 hours of service life with a three-year warranty. It is super slim (25mm thick) and suitable for indoor use. This product is provided with an external power adaptor. As the device has an eco-friendly LED, users of this product can cut down on the consumption of electric power as well. So users can reduce energy by 80% compared to bulbs and by 50% by fluorescent lights by using this product. This product does not have any mercury which is harmful to human bodies, either. The Digital Signage Division engages in media players, POP
KOREA IT TiMES | FEBRUARY, 2012

Enhancing Green Value


Hanil Green Tech (www.hanilac.com) is a leading Korean manufacturer of activated carbon and carbon-based products, air purifiers, filters and deodorants. Its environmental material business covers activated carbons for liquid phase, granual activated carbons for phase, the application of impregnated activated carbon for removal of harmful gases and powdered activated carbons. With the latest equipment and automation and outstanding technology, Hanil Green Tech produces activated carbon for liquids with an outstanding refining, recovery and discernment capacity for the food industry and the third generation environment. Granular activated carbon for phase purifiers for air, at home and in offices removes toxic ingredients from chemical factories, radioactive substances generated from nuclear power plant facilities, and generates air purification carbons helpful for vehicle canisters. Impregnated activated carbon is used to generate pallet activated carbon that can efficiently absorb organic solvents or toxic gases. In the environmental parts sector, the company is engaging in producing electric heat exchanges, air purifier filters and water precipitation filters. With the enactment of laws on room air quality and construction performance grades, it has become mandatory to ventilate new buildings. Hanil Green Tech supplies electric heat exchange devices that are core parts of electric heat exchange equipment and other related machines. Based on the impregnated activated carbon manufacturing technology certified (NEP) as a new product by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy of Korea, Hanil Green Tech supplies local wastewater final treatment plants, gas masks for military and civilian use and all kinds of filter products. With its most advanced air purifying technology certified by the U.S. Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) and patented in Korea, the company manufactures and sells air purifiers and offers supply contracts to home appliance distribution companies abroad in countries such as the United States, Southeast Asia and Australia. In particular, its NBA-750 air purifier is certified to have the

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highest delivery rate of clean air in the world thanks to its threestage filter structure. So the air purifier is very effective in dealing with fine dusts in the air. The machine also prevents germs and fungi from breeding, while diffusing aromas and healthy negative ions. This product automatically informs users that its filter needs replacing with a new one. .Hanil Green Tech is eager to become one of the best companies in the home appliance industry by offering outstanding services and innovative products for the betterment of peoples lives. The company said that it will continue to make efforts with a new vision to grow into a leading company in the environment home appliance industry in the 21st century. technology by ST One Chang. Aquazen has special layers made of millions of micropic pores that are one ten-thousandth the size of a water droplet, visible to the naked eye. So water cannot get in from the outside whereas moisture vapors can pass through freely. This waterproof and breathable layer controls the environment between skin and fabric. Aquamax is a waterproof and breathable fabric laminated with a non-porous, hydronphilics membrane. This fabric has a significantly softer and more flexible handle than coated fabric. This product does not rely on pores to affect the transfer of moisture from your skin to the outside. Airzenin is super lightweight fabric from ST One Chang. The product has a remarkable soft feel with a super fine filament construction. Customers can enjoy the latest technology used for Airzenin with the finest yarn and maximum threads.

A Star Is Born in Medical Industry


Medstar Co., Ltd. (www.medstar.co.kr) has specialized in making and selling a wide range of products in the field of ENT since 1997. In 1998 the company obtained the certification of excellent medical device manufacturing and quality management from Korea Testing Laboratory (KTL). In 1999, the company also obtained the certification of ISO 9001:2000 from British SGS. The Minister of Commerce, Industry and Energy gave a prize to Medstar

Creating More Value Through Innovation


Since 1976 ST One Chang (www.onechang.com) has always been a pioneer and a leader in the global textile market, through steady innovation while developing highly valued new items. Now the company has five affiliated companies and five overseas branches. With highly skilled engineers and researchers, ST One Chang produces high quality products through a product assurance system which satisfies the international standards -- ISO 9001:2008, 14001:2004 in 2005. Under the banner of creative spirit to develop better textiles, ST One Chang is devoted to creating products for a better life through the production of excellent high-value-added textiles and customer services. The company has about 160 employees and posted over US$ 40 million in sales in 2010. ST One Chang offers diverse woven textile products produced through its own technology. The company never ceases to provide novel and trend-conscious textiles. To this end, the company gathers and studies the newest textile and technical information in the global market and closely works with R&D and their sales departments to ensure a superior quality. Airzenin Downfans are the lightest downproof fabric that ST One Chang has ever made. The textile is truly featherweight as the company uses the finest yarns with a maximum thread count and DRF technique. DRF is Down Retentive Weaving and Finish

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in the Korean New Technology Competition Exhibition. In 2003, the Seoul Metropolitan Government selected Medstar excellent company brand ofSeoul, an excellent company brand ofSeoul. In 2005, the Korea Institute of Design Promotion (KIDP) awarded an excellent industrial design award for Millennium Grand & Sky MU-5000 to Medstar. In 2008, the company acquired FDA certification for the endoscope visual system from the USFDA. With its passionate devotion to R & D activities, the company has been been very well known for its high quality and strong price competitiveness in the price, while recording the biggest market share, more than 65%, in Korea. In the meantime, its products have received quality certificates such ISO 9001:2008, ISO 13485:2003 and the CE Mark. The FDA, the SFDA and the KGMP also approved its products. The company is also in the middle of applying for approvals of the GOSTR, the CMDCAS and the ANVISA. It obviously means that a wide range of our products are able to meet the worldwide standards and requirements. As a result, its products have been exported to most of the Middle East, Central, Southeast and Northeast Asian countries, East and South Europe and theAmericas. As shown in the picture, one of our ENT models, New Millennium Grand and Chair are designed to install all parts in order to enable doctors to diagnose and treat patients in an integral way, a outstanding and advanced microscopic visual imaging system, an endoscopic visual imaging system, an X-film view box as well as stable and reliable operation of spraying functions and suction, In addition, tempered glass made in an ergonomic design on the top completely prevents any strong liquid medicines from penetrating the top plate and enhances efficient communication between doctors and patients. Medstar is always ready to support its dealers and distributors around the world so that they are able to realize customers satisfaction at any time. InnTops paraffin wax is building a high reputation locally and internationally. Orders from buyers of environmentally-friendly products worldwide, who have acknowledged the effects, are dramatically increasing. Paraffin bath is good for people whose hands and feet feel numb and cold from too many household chores, office workers who want to de-stress and relieve fatigue, people with stiff joints in their hands and feet, people with fragile nails and women who wish to keep their hands and feet soft and beautiful and middle-aged and elderly people with dull pain in wrists and ankles InnTops hot gel promotes the skins biological functions and blood circulation through the heating effects of the gel obtained when massaging onto the skin. In addition, the product helps skin regeneration and relieves muscle cramps by improving the flow of the magnetic fields inside the human body. Moreover, Inn Top produces ultrasonic gel, as well. When taking an X-ray or ECG (electrocardiogram), the porcelain part of the device, which generates sound waves, is in close contact with the skin. Therefore ultrasound gel plays an auxiliary role for the device by helping deliver the sound waves. The gel also supplies moisture to the skin and prevents skin dryness. InnTops hand sanitizer is an excellent anti-bacterial substance. This product contains green tea extract, aloe vera gel, and ivy extract. With ingredients of vitamin E, glycerin, green tea extract, aloe vera gel, and ivy extract, it offers excellent moisturizing and hydrating effects to the skin, making the hands feeling soft and moisturized.

Dress Up Your Hands


As symbolic as they were used throughout the history, which is depicted in the pictures from Victorian era where women expressed their hand- beauty and was witnessed at the Olympics where two athletes stood for Black Power by putting on leather gloves, leather gloves also could be just as functional as putting into several different uses like sporting events, car racing, bee-keepers, and so on. And usually a leather glove we all know has a covering made of the tanned hide of an animal and each separate sheath for each finger. For this tanned hide, there are main materials like peccary, hairsheep, dear skin, sheep skin, cowhide, and goatskin. They have all natural characteristic benefits that fit certain use, but it is time for them to take a leap since Hanyoung Kangaroo (www. hyk.co.kr) is adding unique variations to them. Hanyoung Kangaroos Leather Gloves Three different gloves like dress gloves, golf gloves, and leisure gloves are in the market these days. Among them, Hanyoung Kangaroo would like to put out three major items belonging to dress gloves; cow skin, often used for low-priced gloves is considered quite thick and bulky but is aptly fitting into stylish leather gloves, and Hanyoungs cowskin leather gloves for men are going through a drum dyed manufacturing process, then the next is natural leather polishing where they become ultimately comfortable for your hands while keeping them warm. Their inner materials are polyester and rabbit fur. Color options are black, dark, chestnut, and light

On the Top of the Skin Care World


InnTop Co. (www.inntop. com) established in 2001 for environmentally-friendly skin care, has continuously invested in research and development on moisturizing skin, hard skin removal and skin care, and adopted key technologies. With the adoption of the most advanced paraffin wax processing technology, the company has expanded its specialty to body fat disintegration and weight loss. In the past, paraffin wax was used only for medical treatment by dermatologists and orthopedists. With technological advancement paraffin wax is now being used for various purposes, such as skin care, massage and many other purposes, playing an important role in the enhancement of public health. Elements similar to those of paraffin wax have been developed and used for ultrasound gel (for medical purposes), personal hygiene cleansing products for women, moisturizers and lubricants.
KOREA IT TiMES | FEBRUARY, 2012

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By breaking them down one by one, such as Eyeshadow, Pallet, Foundation & Powder, Bottle & Jar, and Eco resin are remained there to await customers unusual attention. For Compact and Eyeshadow containers, each of them has oval, long and short square shapes with an inner mirror with many stylish colors like transparent, pink, black, white, and so on. They all have been designed with practical and aesthetic concept in mind. All 5 pallets have the same proper shape to accommodate necessary cosmetics to carry around. Some containers for Foundation & Powder have caps that are decorated with few letters and colorful pictures with their containers with variations in terms of color and shape. There are also a number of typical bottles and jars for delicate and special use. FS KOREAs eco resins are made from wood raw materials like sawdust and straw and plastic raw materials of PP, PA, PE, etc. chestnut. And their cowskin leather gloves with fur around wrist are for sensible women who know how to impress the beholders of beauty surrounding hands, especially with exclusive slick linings. You can easily gain popularity and respect among your peers as they will uplift not only your spirit but also social ladder, at least by look. Deer skin boasts of strength and elasticity with uneven surface and could be heavy. But Hanyoungs deerskin leather gloves made of wild deer skin compensates its few difficulties by offering its nobly dignified design. If you feel and look inside, you can see wool and cashmere material. The Spirit of Making the Best Two decades of know-how and experiences earned them the title of the oldest Korean glove manufacturing expert, and royal customers who are in love with quality products are speaking of Hanyoung Kangaroos the spirit of making the best. And the other line of functional gloves include All-Weather Super Non-Slip golf gloves called WangGroup, WangSuMyoung a glove similar to WangGroup, and Cold-Weather-Proof military gloves. Grip and Unique Feeling Lets move to their brush line which presents the self-claim of grip and unique feeling. And they are broken into several items for Professional, General, Applicators, Unique, FSC&Bamboo, and Eco Resin. Professional brush set has all what professional make-up artists are looking for. With this, they can level things up and leave a remarkable impression on their clients look. General item part contains all types of commonly used brushes that women would prefer for the occasion. Unique brushes are somewhat queer-looking at first glance, but their out-of-the-box designs that are extending their use to the next level for special purpose and at the same time best exemplify FS KOREAs innovation and creativity. And brushes with bamboo handles certainly clarify the definition of unique feeling. Also, the brush line has its own ecoresin products.

The Future of Foil Stamping


One typical type of commercial printing processes is foil stamping. This comes in the combination of applications that include pigment or metallic foil which is often either gold or silver. Also it can be in the form of either various patterns or pastel foil that is a flat opaque or white special film-backed material. Foil stamping gets processed to the surface of paper where a heated die is stamped onto the foil. This way, the design of the die on the paper can be left to the surface. And the result appears in combination with embossing effect which maximizes its natural striking 3D image. At its core exists Stamping Foiling technology and machines for Dong Jin(www.dongjinart.com) that has been and will focusing on film materials, President Mr. Jin Ahn Park promises we will put forth our best efforts as we have been from beginning to end for customers with integrity and honesty, and to develop new materials for customers needs. Dong Jins Hard Hologram Hard Hologram is Dong Jins major product. Embossed on the aluminum layer, it has high gloss, high heat and the trait of chemical resistance, and when it is applied, moulding process can get extremely easier. High chemical and heat resistance contribute to its popular use for water and oil Urethane Binder, and it can be
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For Your Innovative Make-up


Sufficient enough are two elements like innovation and creativity, which is seemingly all it takes for a company that has never been idle in showing royal devotion and commitment to women with the most demanding every-day cosmetic items. What is more, they are also growing toward prosperity through the above two not just for themselves but for other bordering industries with an innovative design, various creative design solutions for the customer, and by keeping up with current market trends. FS Koreas Cosmetics FS KOREA (www.fskorea.com) has two major product departments. One of them is the category for container items which are diversified into all 6 different types depending on each specific use.

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management system. The company offers the broadest and best selection of standard and specialized castors in the industry. From furniture castors to wheels for light medical equipment and display racks, Samsong has the finest selection, quality and price for nearly any application. It also offers the broadest range of light to medium duty castors for the food service industry - including high-temperature, stainless steel and NSF-Listed products. Sturdy and durable for real life use, the Samsong heavy duty lines of castors come with both traditional kingpin-style and the newer and stronger kingpinless models that can out-last and out-perform regular castors in more serious applications. From Shopping Cart casters to new WorkStation casters, a vast array of specialties including our extremely popular total lock lines that are both stylish and practical are made available. The company was selected as a small enterprise with a specialized machine factory by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in 1981, and four years later, Small Business Corporation selected Samsong as a promising small enterprise. Export and Industry Corporation awarded an export trophy to the company in 1987, and a year after, it was selected as a venture business of patent technology development by Small and Medium Business Administration. The company registered a patent right for an auto-break castor of its own invention at the Korean Industrial Property in 2001. In 2005, the company acquired the ISO 9001:2000. World leading company clients dictated that many of the products we supplied needed to be modified or redeveloped thereby giving us the chance to enhance our competence to solve special application needs of customers. Samsong has developed an impressive range of wheels and castor products for the industrial, medical and shock-absorbing fields; all successful innovations and modifications come from its mission to provide utmost satisfaction to the customers. For more information, visit its website at www.samsongcaster.com.

put into more various practical applications such as textile, plastic, and interior materials. Several outstanding properties of Hard Hologram have been further advanced as a result of hard working engineers and the state-of-the-art facilities. You can experience exceptional colors and quality on applied Multi Foil, Two and Three Toned Foil, and Normal Color Foil. Crystal Foil Dong Jins creativity has extended to the birth of new Foil product titled Crystal Foil. It is the direct and effective manifestation of crystal and volume, thus the name was given accordingly. And there cannot be found any harmful causes that would possibly endanger a human body. When touched, Crystal Foil feels soft and is excellent at durability, and also it gives off a shining light. Plus, extra additional adhesives are not necessary as it can be glued easily. One can apply this product to architectural materials and plastics, artificial leather, leather, raw materials and all kinds of fiber products.

Taking the Initiative in the Global Caster Business

Since its birth in 1980, Samsong has continuously expanded its market share in the world with its specially designed castors. A worldwide leading manufacturer of high-quality castors and wheels incorporating the newest expertise to meet the customers requirements, Samsong is constantly endeavoring to provide the best quality and service on the basis of the most advanced technology. It is the first among all domestic companies to acquire the ISO 9001, and S (Safety) Marks, thus, it is recognized for its best quality

Creating Value of Railway Trains in The 21st Century

Located in Haman, Gyeongsangnam-do, Sung Shin Industrial has been manufacturing power railway trains, railway repairing equipment and freight delivery trains. The company has been concentrating on manufacturing the best quality products under the

KOREA IT TiMES | FEBRUARY, 2012

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corporate slogan, Be the Company of Credibility, Integrity and Social Dedication. During its humble beginnings, Sung Shin Industrial started as a part-processing subcontractor. And as the company grew larger, it has been moving forward alongside the rapid advancement of technology equipping itself with a full-line production system. Through its incomparable efforts, the company has finally become a business partner of the National Railroad Administration and Subway Corporation. In addition, since its foundation in 1990, it has incessantly challenged itself beyond its limit by developing a bogie assembly for highspeed locomotives and trailers for sand works conducted by the National Railroad Administration. Furthermore, in 2002, Sung Shin Industrial acquired the ISO 9001 certification as a result of its own elaboration, thus, it approached farther the superlative position in the industry. Now, the company is preparing for another big leap forward for betterment by filling its spirit with a sense of renewed commencement. The company has developed self-branded products such as the bogie assembly that operates like the foot of a body to railway trains, freight trains, small couchette trolleys, diesel multiple units and so on through a unique aggressive management. Supplying those products, the company has subsequently achieved over 10 billion Won of sales in 2002, and more than 20 billion Won this year. Also, the company is actively broadening its business territory by concentrating on the development of technology-integrated, high-efficient, and value-added locomotive industry. Sung Shin Industrial has developed a sand and gravel suction dredge that is being produced as a response to the mechanization of railway maintenance as the first in Korea. Its a firsthand-model construction train that consists of railway trains and where various cameras, sensors and database are installed. For more information, visit its website at www.ssrst.com. TRS, wired modems and so on. The CIE-M10 module and the CSE-M73 compact board provide a quick and easy embedding of Ethernet connectivity. This compact module and board help monitor and control digital inputs and outputs. CIE-H10 and CIE-H12, on the other hand, are remote I/O controllers that help monitor and control digital inputs and outputs remotely over ethernet (Internet). Not only these modules and board reduce cost and risk, but these also shorten the development time that adds to the network capability. As it supports only two input ports and one output port, it would be economical for the site that has one to two devices to control and monitor. Since CIE-H12 has various methods for I/O control such as HTTP, Modbus/TCP, it is available in various environments. Sollae Systems Optimized TCP/IP stack is also available on IPv6. CSE-M53A, an embedded Serial to Ethernet communication module, supports IPv6 addressing architecture as well as IPv4. It is operated based on a single chip, and also developed into a minimum-sized device to get network connectivity with just a serial connection at a reasonable price. For more information, visit its website at www.sollae.co.kr.

When Swarovski Meets USB Memory

Chic and glamour new features on USB device


Jewelry Meets High-Tech Renowned jewelry-maker Swarovski crystals and precious gold meets electronics maker Axxen USB drives. At first glance, this combination seems awkward, after all, how could USB memory be used for self-adornment? Well heres something that jewelry and USB both have in common: portability. Axxens I-PASSION Minimalism was in mind when designers conceived the USB Flash Drive Jewelry i-Passion U22 in three different colors, light rose, aqua marine, and crystal gold. 44 Swarovski stones and 18k gold-plating adorn this USB drive why not offer your loved one something glamorous this year, yet so practical too? The stones and the gold would be wasted though, if the device werent just as useful. This device offers all USB functionalities: partition, encryption, PC lock, USB booting, synchronization, and plus, its airtight chip protects data from getting corrupted by water or dusk particles. Additional services are available, such as laser logo imprinting and Axxen luxury. i-Passion Gold Sky is another USB memory drive that adds chic to its list of functionalities you will never misplace this handy and beautiful device. Its tiny and slim size fits right into your moHTTP://WWW.KOREAITTIMES.COM | KOREA IT TiMES

Internet Connection Made Easy


Since 1998, Sollae Systems has been offering embedded network solutions for serial devices, called ezTCP. EzTCP enables users to control and monitor remote devices over the Internet in a short time. Over the last decade, the company has optimized and improved its TCP/IP stack to meet the customers needs. The company designs and manufactures products that are simple to apply, easy to use and that give its customers the convenience they desire. The company strives to create the best solution for anyone who wants to connect devices to the Internet easily with ezTCP. TCP/IP stack, optimized by yearly research and various facilities, are embedded in ezTCP. The company shows ezTCP with full confidence because of its small size but powerful vision. The ezTCP is Sollae Systems marque. It provides integrated hardware and software solutions for manufacturers who want to add network connectivity to their products. It is an easy way to connect your devices to the Internet such as LAN, wireless LAN, dedicated line, ADSL, VDSL, cable network, CDMA, HSDPA,

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Ranked #1 in the U.S.A. HJC has been making helmets since 1971 and has had much success in introducing high quality and comfortable head gears at reasonable prices around the world. The company offers a wide range of head gear customized for demanding riders. In fact, HJC helmets have been rated number 1 in the U.S.A. since 1992 by Motorcycle Industry Magazine. HJC is proud of its achievements, because making good helmets means saving lives. The company tests its designs under real-life conditions -- HJCs own wind tunnel laboratory is constantly finetuning the helmets in order to provide better aerodynamics and ventilation. HJCs RPS-10 : high-end features at affordable prices In 2010, HJC introduced its full face helmet RPS-10 which features extremely light weight shell, center locking mechanism (patent pending), aerodynamics, and comfort. This model is one of the lightest helmets in the market, which testifies to how HJCs innovations like advanced ventilation channeling system and unique composite shell designs have outpaced its competitors. The RPS-10 has all the features that only high-end helmets can provide, but at a price most people can afford. Even professional racers rely on RPS-10 such as 2011 Moto GP Factory Yamaha racer Ben Spies (2006, 2007, 2008 AMA Superbike Champion, 2009 World Superbike Champion).

bile phones or laptops. This drive has MLC memory which speeds up reading and writing data, and cap-type that helps you lessen the worry of losing it. Xo util, a new USB management program, provides numerous additional options. Finally, there are other features such as PC LOCK that requires a password and AUTO RUN, which automatically runs specific files when connected. Axxen: Unique Ideas and Distinctive Technology Axxen values and seeks new digital technology that brings original ideas and distinctiveness. With this in mind, the company has been focusing on optical disks, earphones, and USB memories. Business never stagnates but expands constantly as Axxen explores new opportunities in emerging markets. At the moment, Axxen is developing short distance wireless modules. Please visit www. axxen.co.kr for more information.

HJC helmets have ranked no. 1 by Motorcycle Industry Magazine since 1992
Todays motorcycle riders are more prone to accidents than before motorcycles now come with more convenient features, but they multiply factors that expose riders to additional risks. New protection measures are keeping up with this trend and the familiar helmet is no exception.
KOREA IT TiMES | FEBRUARY, 2012

Motor Riders Safety Resort : HJC Helmet

IS Series: full optical protection from the sun HJCs new IS Series with an interior sunshield system has become one of the best selling helmets in the world. This helmet employs a solid central track mechanism to open or close the interior shield instantly for full optical protection from the sun. Please visit www.hjchelmets.com for more information on HJC helmets.

Technology & Products

Paru : Developing World-Class Green Technology


The only Korean company to export environment-control products, Paru is committed to a clean and natural environment Since its inception in 1993, Paru (www. paru.co.kr) has become a trusted provider of environment-control products for the agriculture and livestock industry both to Korea and 35 countries around the world. The company is dedicated to developing advanced, eco-friendly technologies ranging from automatic temperature and humidity control systems, automatic water and chemical spray systems, air sterilizing misting systems, nursery plants, polymer based electronic ink and solar trackers. Over the years, Paru has obtained 75 registrations and applications for patents, utility models, and designs. The Korean government has given high approval for Paru products, and they have since replaced imports. Paru was certified as a promising export company and venture company by government organizations. The company has been awarded the Venture Enterprise award, and the Excellent SME award. In addition, Paru acquired EM certification for its ceramic nozzle, and developed a number of technologies for its products including the air cooling system, automatic termite control systems, electrostatic nozzles, and automatic temperature/humidity control systems. Parus management philosophy is Customer Once, Customer Forever. The company will continue to pioneer the development of new technologies that contribute to creating a natural and clean environment. Its vision for producing high quality products has become the foundation for its success. Paru pay attention not only to customers, but also to products and services. For example, Paru has developed environmentally-friendly safe-packaging and containers with natural extracts all the while pursuing safety and superior quality of its products. Parus commitment to the environment is duly recognized by people around the world. Paru is proud that its products are exported to 35 countries around the world including the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, China, and countries in Europe. In particular, Paru is the only Korean company to export its environment-control products. Parus technologies are now recognized by world-class experts.

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that painstakingly and persistently focused on its dream for a decade roused once again the industry that was on the verge of doom. BOOHO spearheads the league of craftsmanship that builds with ergonomic and practical sense. BOOHOs humble beginning revolved around its core objectives: consistent entrepreneurship and intensive and extensive research and investment. Today, BOOHO is highly recognized and esteemed for its strict quality and superior technology. A glimpse of a very promising future for the company is manifested in its major product lines such as the CEO CHAIR, EXECUTIVE, OFFICE CHAIR, and HOME & STUDENT with each having its own series. Multi-Purpose RICH Series BOOHO wheels into your workplace to give you a unique sitting experience that can only be found in the RICH Series. A detailed examination of its components reveals its very solid formation. Exhibiting simple and polished modernity, the dynamic structure moves around on three urethane wheels bringing lightness to the frame and leg. As comfort is gauged on how well the seat supports the body especially the back, a transparent backrest with a very unique design for comfort using a mesh material is equipped with an ergonomic armrest and lumber support plus a vertically adjustable headrest. The buoyant mesh feature aids the synchro-reclining mechanism in allowing the users to control and adjust the seats angle. A kind of comfort that inspires workers creativity and passion is the ultimate goal of this innovation. The limited range of hues offered for the product strategically helps in the choice of color combination to achieve a simple yet elegant style that would best suit the office, the purpose and most especially, the user. For more information, please visit www.booho. co.kr.

Passion and Fashion from a BOOHO Seat

Craftsmanship is fundamentally essential in the pursuit of greater advancement and promotion of artistry. However, its very dawdling progress in recent years has made us question its significance and credibility. Now, the long wait is over for a one of a kind innovation has awakened from its long dormant sleep. A chair-maker
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70 EVENTS

IPAK Holds New Year's Greeting Meeting


IPAK(Information Technology Professionals Association of Korea) held this years meeting at the office of Korea Federation of Banks on January 16th. IPAKs representative cited ethical principles when the spokesperson finished his opening line. Chairman Dr. Cho Sung-kap warned in his introduction about changes in the Korean society and culture. He went on to insist that IPAKs number one priority is to usher in the environment where software employees and seasoned IT professionals may create a market where software developers can get a fair share. The meeting then offered a membership to each new member who joined IPAK this year. Afterwards, IPAKs year-end audit report followed, and the president of Election Management Committees Cho Doohyun awarded the 16th Chairman Cho Sung-kap with a discharge certificate. He handed over an appointment to each of the 16th board members. On the 16th, Cho Sang-gyu and Park Seung-hoon were reappointed as auditors. The attendees discussed and agreed to this years business plans and financial framework. They wrapped up the meeting after remembering the late Chairman Park Jong-hyun and his participation in the installation of his bronze bust with his family.
Lee Jeong-yoon / info@koreaittimes.com

The 16th board members : (The rst line from left) Seo jae-cheol, Yeo Ho-young, Chung Yeon-soo, Chairman Cho Sung-kap, Kang Goo-yeol, Lee Chong-keun, Choi Sang-hyun

Chairman Cho Sung-kap is giving a introduction speech

The presidential members of the 16th IPAK and the late Chairman Park Jong-hyuns surviving family are unveiling the Mr. Parks bronze bust.

KOREA IT TiMES | FEBRUARY, 2012

EVENTS 71

Leading Asian Manufacturers to Showcase Latest NFC and RFID Products

With over 100 million RFID (radio frequency identification) travel smart cards in circulation, Asia Pacific is the world-leader for secure and convenient travel. Experts believe that this tech savvy region could be the first adopters of NFC (near field communication) enabled mobile payment technology for their next mobility solutions. Asia Pacics early adopters Hong Kong was the first region to employ an RFID smart card system in 1997 called the Octopus. The cards are now used by 95% of the population with 11 million transactions daily across metro, buses, ferries and more than 10,000 retail outlets in the city. Many Asia Pacific cities and regions now use similar cards. Major cities in Japan use lots of different types of transport cards, Beijing and Shanghai commuters use the Yikatong, Singaporeans use the EZ-Link smart card, Taiwan has the EasyCard and most recently (December) New Delhis government launched a Common Mobility Card called More. New Zealand is currently working with Octopus to develop a transport card for 2012. The future for technology and transport NFC and mobile payments With advances in NFC technology and an increasingly strong support from the government, it is expected that NFC mobile phone payments may replace smart cards across major cities such as Tokyo, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Singapore in the future due to the fact that these cities have:
A technology savvy urban population with more than 100 percent mobile phone penetration Governments strongly advocating the use of technology, including NFC, to manage transport An agreement between all local transport companies - bus, metro, ferry boat, taxi, etc. to take on transport/NFC projects coordinated by central government.

killer app in market development of NFC before it can be extended to other multi-application uses, added Alfano. Rewarding innovation in APAC: the Asian SESAMES Award The Asian SESAMES Award rewards the best innovative technological application developed for the Asian Pacific market in the field of smart cards, digital security, identification, secure transactions, and contactless. The competition is open to all companies operating in the sector and the jury is composed of experts from the industry across Asia. The winner of the Asian SESAMES Award will be announced Wednesday 28 March 2012 during CARTES in Asia at the AsiaWorld-Expo. Companies interested in entering the awards should visit the www.cartes-asia.com. CARTES in Asia exhibition and conference will showcase both RFID and NFC technologies at AsiaWorld-Expo, Hong Kong, 28 & 29 March 2012. This is a must-attend event for decision makers from government, transport, telecoms, banking, administrative, security and retail industries.
Kim Sung-mi / info@koreaittimes.com

Isabelle Alfano, Director of CARTES events, Comexposium, said: Major cities across Asia Pacific are way ahead of many countries around the world in terms of using smart cards. As RFID technology expands across the region into the smaller towns and cities it will bring many opportunities for suppliers of this technology. But at the same time, advances in NFC might mean that mobile payments could be the next step with the general public using their mobile phones to pay for their transport and groceries as well as many other utilities. With a mature contactless acceptance infrastructure already existing, mass transit ticketing has always been considered as the
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72 EdiTOrial

Lessons Learned from South Korea's Real-Name Policy


A young democracy grows through a struggle of generations
In 2002, Korean democracy made headlines around the world when an unknown entrepreuneur launched the worlds first citizen journalism web site OhMyNews, which helped deliver the highest chair in the country to the underdog liberal candidate Roh Moo-hyun. Roh won the extremely contested election with just half a million votes, through an active online campaign supported and driven by an idealistic and net-savvy youth. Since then, the Korean government has had an extremely hands-on approach to governing online expression. South Korean bureaucracy dealing with controlling online discourse has ballooned since 2003. After several permutations, South Korea currently has two agencies that monitor online activity during elections, the Internet Election News Deliberation Commission (IENDC) that oversees online press, and the Cyber Censorship Team (CCT), which monitors user-generated content and nonmedia web sites. The agencies have the right to remove content at their discretion. During the 2007 elections, the two agencies removed over 100,000 blog posts, comments, articles and 65,000 videos online. In 2003, the conservative Grand National Party (GNP) struck back from losing the presidential race by enacting a new law which required online users to verify their real identities before posting comments on election-related web sites. The legislations stated goals were to to promote responsible online discourse and to protect the privacy of candidates, and it has accomplished its purpose to a limited extent. Yet the greater underlying political motive is clear to see the conservative party that relies on older, less internet-savvy Koreans wanted to limit the influence of online media on election results. In 2007, an election year, the proliferation of anonymous online slander was the stated cause for extending the realname system to web sites with over 300,000 daily visits.
KOREA IT TiMES | FEBRUARY, 2012

OhMyNews made news in 2002 when it upset the Korean presidential elections

Two major incidents in 2008 the suicide of national darling Choi Jin Sil, and the national outrage over President Lees decision to resume imports of American beef prompted the government to again strengthen the real-name system. In the first incident, hundreds of thousands of online users had rumored that Choi was a loan shark who had prompted a fellow actor to commit suicide. As a response to the incident, Koreas Cyber Terror Response Center launched a one-month investigation into online slander, engaging 900 investigators to crack down on rumors on the Internet as well as on cell phones. In the latter incident, the entire cabinet of President Lees administration resigned following 100 days of protests with coordinated online action that engaged the country in a torrid debate. The portal Daum saw its page views jump from 40 million to 200 million when a TV show had claimed that Koreans are 94 percent more likely to contract a human form of mad cow disease from importing American beef. The Korea Communications Commission (KCC) then began to criminalize web

sites that failed to remove slanderous and false information, subjecting them to a fine of up to 30 million won, or even shutting them down. The following year in 2009, the real-name system was extended to web sites that received over 100,000 web sites per day. As of last year, this law applied to about 150 South Korean web sites. The governments efforts to control cyberspace have been formidable, but as a result of the real-name policy, South Korean web sites have become prime targets for hacking both from in and outside of the country. The number of hacking incidents reached a momentous level last year, as a series of high-profile cyber-attacks made it clear that the real-name system was untenable the most notorious case being SK Communications SNS Cyworld, which leaked personal information of over 35 million Koreans, more than half of the national population. On the other hand, efforts to crack down on online discourse have been largely ineffective. In a KCC study, malicious comments accounted for 13.9 percent of all messages posted on Internet forums in 2007 but de-

EDitORiAl

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creased only by 0.9 percentage points in 2008, a year after the regulation went into effect. The Korean government had in fact created a system which could easily be manipulated by unscrupulous politicians as well as ill-intended hackers, all in the name of public order. The South Korean government also suffered an embarrassment when Googles YouTube refused to comply to the realname verification system in 2009. Stating that freedom of expression must be upheld on the internet, Google disabled video upload and comment functionalities from users accessing the site within S. Korea. Yet users only had to change their country setting in order to upload and comment on the site again, providing a legal loophole which set-off a wide debate within the country. The incident prompted the KCC to initiate a legal review, and after mulling over whether to punish Google or not, decided to exempt it from the real-name law, which added oil to the fire. Korean companies that have had to comply to the law that had incurred web development, monitoring, and security costs cited discrimination that put them at a competitive disadvantage to global companies. Restrained online expression and lost profits aside, the GNPs persistent efforts to control online discourse have taught a valuable lesson to a country that has grown too soon, too fast. Korea may be one of the most technologically sophisticated countries in the world, but its social customs are still dominated by traditional and conservative values. Perhaps you recall the story of the Dog Poop Girl, a Korean woman who fled her home-town after she was personally identified and vitrified online for refusing to clean up her dogs remains in the Seoul subway. Koreans find it difficult to tolerate public humiliation some prefer to kill themselves rather than face it (S. Korea has one of the highest suicide rates in the world). In a society where a rumor can drive a person to end his or her life, can opportunistic politicians be blamed for the consequences that the real-name system has brought? Whether it be through lack of understanding of internet security or clannish politics, Koreans are learning the hard lesson that some things are better left unregulated, or in other words, free. A democracy obliges individual citizens to engage in critical thinking that can mitigate the effects of online instigations. Instead of suppressing and punishing citizens rights to free speech and web sites that simply disseminate online discourse, the government should instead focus on promoting the individual civic responsibility to evaluate and counter potentially harmful information. Another step forward would be to nurture a culture that does not stigmatize people to the point they are driven to end their lives, yet another outdated Korean custom that has had to rely on community values rather than rule of law to ensure public order. Korea is a land of many contrasts, and a democracy thats only 25 years old. In fifty years the country has gone from being one of the worlds most poorest to one of the most prosperous countries in the world through sheer will-power of its older generations that worked tirelessly to make it the country it is today. They have protected and passed on their most cherished values to the younger generations the Korean youth is imbued with an innocence that makes K-Pop irresistible; and they are well-educated and equipped with modern tech and their voices should not be suppressed. They are ushering in independent candidates like Park Won-soon the new mayor of Seoul who have vowed to clean up the political arena. The new Seoul mayor, like his predecessor Roh Moo-hyun who granted his first official interview to OhMyNews, also chose to conduct his entire inauguration ceremony online for the younger generations that voted him into office. The GNP, dusting-off from yet another hacking scandal that sought to compromise information which would aid Park, has recently promoted 28-year-old Lee Jun-seok in the party, a step in the right direction. The Democratic Unity Party has also announced it will promote young candidates. Perhaps this affair will also serve as a lesson to other developing countries that are looking to leap ahead through modern technology. Its in the nature of networked media to break down barriers be they physical, cultural, or generational. On December 29, 2011, the KCC announced that it will phase out the real-name verification system by 2014. This time, web sites that do not remove resident registration IDs and other sensitive information will be fined. Moreover, online campaigning via social networking services will now be permitted regardless of election schedule. We will be watching the state of Korean online democracy unfold as both parliamentary and presidential elections are scheduled for April and December this year, respectively.
Kate Jee-hyung Kim / info@koreaittimes.com

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74 cOlUmN kEy WOrd

By Song Kyung-ho

Workplace Flexibility in the Public Sector


Song Kyung-ho, Research Analyst at Korea Institute of Public Finance

Type Part-time work

Particular form

Definition

Generally speaking, working fewer than the standard weekly hours. For example, two days per week, 10 days over four weeks. Working the standard weekly hours, but changing working times or hours per day, or working days per week. Staggered working hours Altering the start and nish times of a working day, but maintaining the same number of hours worked per day; (for example, 8am to 5pm instead of 9am to 6pm). Altering the working hours per day, but maintaining the same number of days worked per week; (for example, 9 hours worked from Monday to Thursday and 4 hours on Friday) Condensing standard hours per week into fewer days; (for example, four days per week at ten hours per day). No duty to commute, but recognizes conducting projects as the standard weekly hours. (Since projects require professional knowledge or skills, work management or time allocation is given to the person in charge.)

Flexible work

Flexible working hours

Intensive work

Discretionary work

Working away from the main ofce

Remote working

Working from home Working remotely

working at home Working at a different ofce or at a clients workplace for some or all of working hours.

The types of workplace exibility in public sector

Since the youth unemployment rate has remained high during the last few years, Job Creation has become one of the greatest concerns in Korean society. The creation of new jobs would be the top priority of political parties in 2012. In order to create jobs, more factories should be built or the demand on service industries should expand. However, it seems difficult to create new jobs in this situation since the Korean economy is under uncertainty and global risk. According to Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the total working hours of Korea in 2010 was 2,193 hours which was the highest level among OECD countries. On the other hand, the employment rate was about 63%, which remained in the lower rank. It clearly shows that Korean full-time employees work harder and longer. One may
KOREA IT TiMES | FEBRUARY, 2012

think what would happen if all employers decide to reduce the working hours of current workers and increase the number of new employees. The government recently completed the 2012 plan for workplace flexibility in public institutions which expands the work flexibility to all public institutions, keeping a standard 40-hour week. Basically, workplace flexibility is about when, where and how an employee works to better meet individual and business needs. This plan will provide several types of flexible working hours in the public sector workplace. The government also provided several action plans to encourage workplace flexibility in public institutions. In 2012, a range of its application has been widening from public corporations and quasi-governmental institutions in 2011 to all public institutions, including non-classified public

institutions. Central and local governments already adopted a flexible work system in August 2010. Secondly, public institutions will have the responsibility of announcing quarterly status reports of workplace flexibility. It will help the government estimate and manage the performance of public institutions in the business performance evaluation system. Last, but most importantly, public institution should take action for self-help to improve organizational culture and labor relations. For example, public institutions may provide more regular part-time positions or encourage seasonal staggered work for electric power saving. Consequentially, companies can save overtime premium payments and create new positions, which helps improving efficiency. Employers can also enjoy more leisure time for childcare or extracurricular activities. We can have our cake and eat it too!

By Emanuel Pastreich

COLUMN 75

Raise expectations Korean Language Competency in International Students


The world has witnessed a remarkable boom in the study of Korean language over the last five years. There are an increasing number of international students enrolling in Korean universities, often taking all their courses in Korean. I taught a course in Korean literature this year at Kyung Hee University and found many students from abroad were enrolled. Koreans are trying hard to be accepting and kind to the foreigners who are learning Korean. Ironically, their kindness can have unexpected negative side effects. It is important to be friendly to foreigners, and it is important to be willing to speak to them in Korean, thereby letting them know that Korean is a universal language. One should feel entirely comfortable as a Korean to speak in Korean with foreigners. At the same time, however, it is a terrible mistake to treat internationals like babies when it comes to their ability in Korean. We should be friendly, but firm, in demanding that foreigners rise to the challenge of learning Korean properly. One of the most serious problems we find is that many foreign students do not learn Korean to a high level of proficiency and cannot express complex issues, or write sophisticated essays in Korean. Part of the problem lies with textbooks for Korean, and part of the problem is related to the relative immaturity of the field of Korean language instruction. But the biggest problem is the assumptions of Koreans about foreigners speaking Korean. Koreans more often than not do not expect foreigners to speak or write Korean proficiently and so do not correct foreigners when they make mistakes. Korean professors let international students slip by with rather poor writing skills in Korean. But this kindness is in fact cruel. Those students do not hold themselves to the highest standards in their use of Korean and as a result do not make the progress that they might have made during their time in Korea. They cheat themselves of an invaluable opportunity to master the language. But Koreans also are deprived of future experts overseas with a high proficiency in the Korean language. Emanuel Pastreich, professor at Kyung Hee University Korean professors and Korean students must insist that when foreign students do their writing and speaking in Korean they must perform at the highest level possible. There is no doubt that the international students can rise to meet the challenge. I myself feel strongly that the willingness of Koreans to overlook the imperfections in my spoken and written Korean has been a hindrance. If Koreans said that they did not understand me when they did not, if they noted that my writing in Korean was incorrect when it was not, I could have made far more progress. But at every level of Korean usage in Korea, it is just assumed that foreigners cannot rise to the challenge of speaking Korean. I make mistakes and I simply do not know that they are mistakes. If we start to demand high proficiency in Korean, flawless composition or pronunciation, we will get exactly that from foreign students. As long as we think foreigners can never learn to speak Korean at the same level as a native speaker, they never will.

Data Streams Will Tap into SNS Atypical Data Analysis Business
Data Streams (CEO Lee Yeong-sang), a leading company in data management announced that the company would tap into the atypical data analysis business as a new business for 2012. Data Streams has secured unrivaled technological power and accomplished their goal in processing large quantities of data, integration and managing data qualities and the DW/BI market. The company is planning to expand its business areas and grow into a truly specialized company in the data field by developing a foray into the atypical data analysis business. In overseas countries, data management-specialized global companies with data integration systems specialize in the atypical and typical sectors. They also provide data analysis services. In Korea there are online portal service operators and search service firms that offer similar services. It is expected that Data Streams plan will offer more specialized services for customers by entering the SNS. This data analysis industry will have a large impact on the existing market. Data Streams atypical data analysis service offers information by collecting, classifying and analyzing SNS documents to find hidden patterns and meanings of data. The company offers detailed services, such as modules for individuals which make it possible to analyze images and trends by analyzing a wide array of atypical data in SNS and corporate service modules. This in turns supplements strategies and decision making through analyses of atypical data managed by public organizations and companies. Data Streams will provide monitoring through expert data analyses and consulting on devising strategies. This will mean the improvement of systems and systemization by analyzing atypical data and offering more accurate and faster services on the basis of its accumulated know-how in typical data analyses. First of all, individuals and companies may analyze a huge quantity of external data by monitoring and preparing countermeasures through this service. Then, they may enhance their competitiveness and use the results in sales and marketing. By doing so, they can actively respond to customers in the market where excessive data and SNS are utilized. Data Streams will secure a system for this new project and will offer full-scale services beginning in February.
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