The integration of information and communications technology into a wide range of industries, including health care, education and security, is expected to create a great deal of opportunities while bringing revolutionary changes to people’s lives. SK Telecom, Korea’s largest mobile carrier, is envisioning such a connected future with a new type of economy created and powered by ICT.The company’s chief executive Ha Sung-min’s so-called “ICTnomics,” coined from the words ICT and economics, aims t

Technology July 2, 2014

South Korea was one of the top five nations in terms of its superior products in 2013, according to a survey released by Japan’s leading business daily Nihon Keizai Shimbun on Monday. The survey of the world’s top products based on their market shares showed South Korea, home to the world’s leading electronics giants Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics, shared fourth place with China by topping the six product categories, down from eight in 2012. Samsung Electronics manufactured the products

Technology June 30, 2014

A union of contract workers for Samsung Electronics Service, the after-sales service company for Samsung Electronics, reached an agreement Saturday on new labor rules with their employers, most of which are partner firms of Samsung’s after-sales service provider, ending a yearlong period of industrial action.After holding a vote with its 1,500 members that day, most of whom are hired via Samsung’s partner companies, the labor union agreed with the firms to settle a string of labor issues, such a

Technology June 29, 2014

“Less” and “simple” are two keywords that depict the latest food trend in Korea as more consumers seek foods with less sodium and artificial additives while still wanting to eat on-the-go.CJ Foodville, a leading food business, is at the forefront of promoting healthy eating.In line with the latest trend for “less,” Tous les Jours, a bakery franchise run by CJ Foodville, launched a new bread lineup this year called Pure, with which the company said it aims to deliver the original tastes of its in

Food June 27, 2014

Internet giant Google Inc., with its unceasing appetite for robotics, may be developing an operating system exclusively designed for robots, according to renowned robotics engineer Dennis Hong.He based his speculation on the recent string of robotic companies that Google has been purchasing, including U.S.-based Boston Robotics and Japan’s SCAHFT. In a similar vein, Google on Wednesday introduced its new operating system for wearables, TVs and cars at its annual developers conference.The Android

Technology June 26, 2014

The Internet market in Korea where just a few top Web-portals and browsers like Naver, Google and Microsoft are dominant is tough nut to crack. Despite little chance of success, local internet firm Zum Internet is creating a challenge against Internet behemoths with its Web-portal Zum.com and Internet browser Swing Browser. “Our goal is to provide the fastest and the most comfortable services for Internet users,” Chung Sang-won, vice president of Zum Internet, told The Korea Herald. “To that end

Technology June 22, 2014

CHANGWON, South Gyeongsang Province ― A group of Korean journalists was recently invited to tour one of LG Electronics’ plants for dehumidifiers and air conditioners where work was in full swing to make sure consumers had access to the products before monsoon season hits Korea.We were immediately exposed to a mechanical cacophony, with grinding conveyor belts running along the 120-meter assembly lines combining with the noise of the automatic screwdrivers, packaging machines and automated vehicl

Technology June 19, 2014

Samsung SDI, a leading battery maker that is scheduled to merge with Samsung Group’s materials business arm Cheil Industries, is aiming to become a top materials and battery company.“Samsung SDI expects the merger to create synergy effects as it will be able to reinforce the firm’s battery business by utilizing the materials technology of Cheil Industries,” a Samsung SDI official said. Cheil Industries will be able to make use of the battery company’s global networks and marketing capability, an

Technology June 18, 2014

Desertification, along with other environmental problems including droughts and water shortages, pose a serious threat to the human race. Experts now point out that the number of environmental refugees, which hit 50 million in 2010, could reach 200 million due to such environmental problems.In order to slow down the desertification process, world leaders and environmentalists are proceeding with initiatives such as the Great Green Wall, which is aimed at creating a forest belt ― measuring 15 km

Technology June 18, 2014

Korea’s leading mobile carriers are ramping up efforts to nurture startups and help them gain a foothold in the global market. KT Corp., Korea’s largest telecom company, said Monday that it would run a startup nurturing program, called “Startup Nomad,” in collaboration with VentureSquare, a leading Korean startup accelerator. A total of eight teams will be selected for the program and given a variety of support to begin a business at home and abroad. The support includes seed capital of 20 milli

Technology June 16, 2014