SK Telecom launches ICT center for children

SK Telecom, the largest mobile carrier in Korea, opened a hands-on experience center, called T.um Mobile, where children can learn about the history and latest trends of information and communications technology in Seoul on Wednesday.The telecom firm will first run the center at the National Museum of Korea in Yongsan for three days from Wednesday, and will open 20 others across the nation including in Haenam, South Jeolla Province, and Taebaek, Gangwon Province. Aimed at providing more opportun

Aug. 20, 2014

Wearable robots coming soon

In the blockbuster sleeper hit “Edge of Tomorrow,” soldiers wear full-body robotic armor to defend their world against alien invaders.They may look ineffective in those heavy-metal suits, but the wearables boost their mobility and maneuverability to rapidly combat the creatures.The wearable technology portrayed in the sci-fi war movie will soon become real and make its way into every part of daily life, said a robotics professor who developed South Korea’s first exoskeleton.The U.S., for instanc

Aug. 20, 2014

LG to take on rivals with expanded G series

LG Electronics is seeking to ascend in the global smartphone market with plans to roll out new models in its flagship G smartphone line in the near future.The smartphone maker has been filing trademarks for the G4 to G9 since last year at the Korean Intellectual Property Office, according to industry sources Tuesday.The trademark filings are in line with the tech giant’s announcement last year to boost its focus on high-end brands after dropping its previous Optimus smartphone brand. LG Electron

Aug. 19, 2014

Samsung heir Lee takes bigger role in managing tech giant

Lee Jay-yong, a vice chairman of Samsung Electronics, is gaining public exposure by taking a bigger role in tackling managerial issues amid the prolonged managerial vacuum caused by the illness of his father, Samsung chairman Lee Kun-hee.According to Samsung Group, the junior Lee went on three business trips over the past few weeks, to the U.S., Europe and China. Representing the tech giant, he joined the Allen & Co. conference, an annual gathering which draws big names from the global media and

Aug. 18, 2014

Samsung mobile chief becomes highest-paid CEO

Shin Jong-kyun, the chief executive of Samsung Electronics’ mobile business unit, was the highest-paid CEO in Korea in the first half of 2014, according to a report released by local corporate researcher Chaebul.com on Sunday. The report showed that around 190 corporate executives received over 500 million won in the first half of this year. Shin topped the list with an income of 11.3 billion won ($11 million) over the first six months of the year.  Shin Jong-kyun. (Bloomberg)Kwon Oh-hyun, chief

Aug. 17, 2014

Swimming in summer and ear infections

Going to a swimming pool or a beach during summer vacation is quite enjoyable and indispensable. But while swimming, your ears could be affected when unclean water enters.When swimming or taking a shower and water gets into your ear, you feel deafened or you may notice your voice sounding strange. This is a phenomenon caused when water remains between the external auditory canal and eardrum to interfere with the vibration of the eardrum. You stick one of your fingers into your ear or try to wipe

Aug. 14, 2014

Tic disorder patients on the rise

The number of patients with tic disorders has been on the rise in Korea for the past five years, according to the Ministry of Health and Welfare.A tic is an abrupt and repeated movement that can occur in any body part, such as the face, hands, or legs. The uncontrollable making of noises such as sniffing and throat clearing is called a vocal tic.According to the ministry, the number of Korean patients with a tic disorder increased by 7.8 percent, from 16,000 in 2009 to 17,000 last year. More tha

Aug. 14, 2014

Study questions need for most to cut salt

A large international study questions the conventional wisdom that most people should cut back on salt, suggesting that the amount most folks consume is okay for heart health ― and too little may be as bad as too much. The findings came under immediate attack by other scientists.Limiting salt is still important for people with high blood pressure ― and in fact, a second study estimates that too much sodium contributes to up to 1.65 million deaths each year. The studies both have strengths and we

Aug. 14, 2014

LG Innotek boosts risk management against conflict minerals

LG Innotek said Thursday that it has launched a system to evaluate whether its suppliers are using minerals from international conflict zones in their materials and parts manufacturing.This is part of efforts to boost risk management following increased regulations against LG Innotek’s customers listed on the U.S. stock market, in which the Securities and Exchange Commission requires them to disclose whether they have used conflict minerals in their products.The SEC imposes a penalty, including

Aug. 14, 2014

‘Math is used for everything’

Behind every great company and scientific theory, mathematics has always been involved.James Harris Simons, a mathematician dubbed the “Quant King,” said he could not emphasize enough how important the application of math is for everything, ranging from basic scientific research to starting a business.Today’s inventions such as Google search and digital communications have been created with the use of mathematics. James Simons. (International Mathematical Union)“Math is in just about everything.

Aug. 14, 2014

Future of tech innovation

Marking the 61st anniversary of its foundation, The Korea Herald features a five-page special section on the future of science and technology in cooperation with the Graduate School of Future Strategy at KAIST, Korea’s top science and technology university ― Ed. Ten years from now, technological innovation will reach a level of personalization that will transform every moment of our lives. It is not as if there will be a new range of innovations that will impact our future, or more precisely, th

Aug. 13, 2014