2010년 7월 28일 수요일
Microsoft Office 2010 saves 2 weeks of work time a year
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Arguably the best way to satisfy all related parties in economics is to improve productivity ― it typically leads to better bottom lines for corporations, higher payrolls for employees and faster growth rates for the nation.
The problem is that it is not so easy to substantially jack up productivity despite huge investments. Here is a good option ― Microsoft says its Office 2010 suites increases productivity by 3.5 percent on average.
Suppose the claims are true. That means an employee using the newly-launched office package will be able to save as much as two weeks every year compared to those not using the combination of programs.
President Lee pledges full support for G20
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President Lee Myung-bak pledged Wednesday to provide full support for G20 member nations to help narrow differences as they start working-group meetings in preparation for the Seoul summit slated for November.
“Korea will spare no effort to mediate between developed, developing and underdeveloped countries,” Lee said at the first G20 sherpa meeting for the Seoul summit, which has been underway here since Monday and will end Thursday. “All Korean people, including me, are fully committed to ensuring a successful hosting of the summit.”
Encouraging the participants, Lee stressed that the working-group talks will pave the way for higher-level consultations in the coming months, according to presidential spokeswoman Kim Hee-jung.
“The success of the Seoul summit depends on you. Your role is very important,” Lee was quoted as saying.
Diplomat hopefuls gather for forum in Incheon ahead of G20 summit
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A number of youngsters hoping to be diplomats in the future have gathered in Incheon for a symposium to discuss the environment and other global issues ahead of the G20 summit to be held here in November.
More than 100 middle and high school students participated in the “Global Youth International Diplomacy Symposium 2010,” organized by the Korea Times Global Edu, and sponsored by The Korea Times and its sister papers, the Hankook Ilbo, Seoul Economic Daily and Fortune Korea.
Allies wrap up joint military drill
South Korea and the U.S. on Wednesday wrapped up their four-day military exercise, which was conducted in the East Sea to send a warning message to North Korea and deter future provocations.
The maritime and air readiness exercise, dubbed “Invincible Spirit,” included antisubmarine drills, naval live-fire exercises, aerial training and computer-based simulation drills.
Some of the allies’ core military assets, including the aircraft carrier USS George Washington and four F-22 stealth fighter jets, were mobilized in a display of their combined military might against the North that the allies hold responsible for the March sinking of the corvette Cheonan.
“This joint exercise has sent a strong warning regarding the North Korean provocation and presented a firm resolve of the South Korea-U.S. alliance not to tolerate any kind of (future) provocations,” Rear Admiral Kim Kyung-sik, assistant chief of staff at the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told reporters.
“The exercise, which covered a variety of operational facets, presented the combined operational posture to prepare against the enemy’s asymmetrical provocation and for a full-scale war. We also engaged in drills to deal with infiltrations and attacks by all types of North Korean submarines.”
The joint exercise focused particularly on antisubmarine maneuvers as it was arranged following the naval disaster that took the lives of 46 sailors. A Seoul-led multinational team concluded in May that the 1,200-ton vessel was torpedoed by a North Korean submarine. The North denies its culpability.
Upon the beginning of the exercise, the North threatened to “open a retaliatory holy war.” According to the U.S.-funded Radio Free Asia, the North has put its military and people on heightened alert.
The exercise was initially reported to take place in the West Sea where the Cheonan sank. However, apparently considering China’s strong objections, the allies decided to hold the exercise in the East Sea.
The maritime and air readiness exercise, dubbed “Invincible Spirit,” included antisubmarine drills, naval live-fire exercises, aerial training and computer-based simulation drills.
Some of the allies’ core military assets, including the aircraft carrier USS George Washington and four F-22 stealth fighter jets, were mobilized in a display of their combined military might against the North that the allies hold responsible for the March sinking of the corvette Cheonan.
“This joint exercise has sent a strong warning regarding the North Korean provocation and presented a firm resolve of the South Korea-U.S. alliance not to tolerate any kind of (future) provocations,” Rear Admiral Kim Kyung-sik, assistant chief of staff at the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told reporters.
“The exercise, which covered a variety of operational facets, presented the combined operational posture to prepare against the enemy’s asymmetrical provocation and for a full-scale war. We also engaged in drills to deal with infiltrations and attacks by all types of North Korean submarines.”
The joint exercise focused particularly on antisubmarine maneuvers as it was arranged following the naval disaster that took the lives of 46 sailors. A Seoul-led multinational team concluded in May that the 1,200-ton vessel was torpedoed by a North Korean submarine. The North denies its culpability.
Upon the beginning of the exercise, the North threatened to “open a retaliatory holy war.” According to the U.S.-funded Radio Free Asia, the North has put its military and people on heightened alert.
The exercise was initially reported to take place in the West Sea where the Cheonan sank. However, apparently considering China’s strong objections, the allies decided to hold the exercise in the East Sea.
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SK Networks bets on emerging markets
SK Networks Co., a major trading house in Korea, is betting on Asia’s fast rising economies whose emergence brought in a major change to the international trading landscape.
The general trading arm of SK Group is aggressively expanding its business portfolio to include raw materials, automotive services and retail goods.
The company is focusing on consolidating its position in those sectors in China and further expanding into Indonesia, Vietnam and other emerging markets.
“The core of SK Networks’ global strategy is to expand its presence in the three business areas in China and other emerging markets in order to realize mutual growth with each nation’s consumers, corporate community and governments,” SK Networks CEO Lee Chang-kyu said.
“Along with strengthening the strategic businesses for these markets, we will upgrade all areas of management including human resources, corporate culture and management systems in order to meet our target of becoming a company that prepares for the future for the happiness of the customer.”
Its raw materials businesses center on iron ore and rubber. In January, the company finalized an iron ore supply contract with Canada’s Consolidated Thompson Iron Mines.
Under the contract, the Canadian firm will supply SK Networks with 1 million metric tons of iron ore annually for 10 years, which according to SK Networks is sufficient to build 6 million automobiles.
Euh launches reform to get KB Financial fit
Euh Yoon-dae, the new chairman of KB Financial Group, slashed his pay by 15 percent, embarking on a campaign to tackle low productivity and inefficiency at the country’s largest financial group by asset.
The voluntary pay cut is in line with what Euh said in his inaugural speech and it is likely to spread to other executives, a group official said Wednesday.
“Compared with peers, KB has an inflated wage and employee structure and risks sharp bad loans increases due to its focus on specific industries,” Euh said upon his inauguration on July 13. “We need to slim down and cut costs…to achieve our vision of becoming a global bank.”
The pay cut is just a small part of the new leader’s prescription for KB Financial, which according to him is “a patient suffering from obesity."
A 90-man taskforce team is up and running, tasked with identifying areas for improvement to reduce costs and increase profits.
Euh is also speeding up filling key executive positions who he hopes will assist him as he seeks to overhaul KB Financial and its units including the nation’s largest commercial bank Kookmin.
The voluntary pay cut is in line with what Euh said in his inaugural speech and it is likely to spread to other executives, a group official said Wednesday.
“Compared with peers, KB has an inflated wage and employee structure and risks sharp bad loans increases due to its focus on specific industries,” Euh said upon his inauguration on July 13. “We need to slim down and cut costs…to achieve our vision of becoming a global bank.”
The pay cut is just a small part of the new leader’s prescription for KB Financial, which according to him is “a patient suffering from obesity."
A 90-man taskforce team is up and running, tasked with identifying areas for improvement to reduce costs and increase profits.
Euh is also speeding up filling key executive positions who he hopes will assist him as he seeks to overhaul KB Financial and its units including the nation’s largest commercial bank Kookmin.
IMF: China currency undervalued but policy sound
International Monetary Fund directors split over whether the yuan is undervalued, reflecting similar differences between U.S. and Chinese officials over the nation’s exchange-rate regime.
Some IMF board members said the assumption that the exchange rate is undervalued is based on “uncertain forecasts” for China’s current account surplus, the Washington-based lender said in a statement dated Tuesday after concluding a July 26 meeting. In its annual assessment of the country’s economy discussed by the board, the IMF said growth is expected to remain robust and the outlook for inflation is benign.
China indicated on June 19 it was scrapping the yuan’s two-year-old peg to the dollar, deflecting criticism from trading partners and curbing inflation while protecting a recovery in its exports. Asia’s second-largest economy has faced pressure to allow the yuan to rise from U.S. lawmakers, who claim an undervalued currency gives its exporters an unfair advantage.
“Directors welcomed the recent decision to return to the managed floating exchange rate regime,” according to the statement. “This decision will increase the central bank’s flexibility to tighten monetary conditions.”
China’s current-account surplus will shrink for a second year in 2010 as domestic demand plays a greater role in driving the nation’s economic growth, according to the State Administration of Foreign Exchange on July 8. The gap, the broadest measure of trade, amounted to 6.1 percent of China’s gross domestic product last year, down from 9.6 percent in 2008, the currency regulator said.
Some IMF board members said the assumption that the exchange rate is undervalued is based on “uncertain forecasts” for China’s current account surplus, the Washington-based lender said in a statement dated Tuesday after concluding a July 26 meeting. In its annual assessment of the country’s economy discussed by the board, the IMF said growth is expected to remain robust and the outlook for inflation is benign.
China indicated on June 19 it was scrapping the yuan’s two-year-old peg to the dollar, deflecting criticism from trading partners and curbing inflation while protecting a recovery in its exports. Asia’s second-largest economy has faced pressure to allow the yuan to rise from U.S. lawmakers, who claim an undervalued currency gives its exporters an unfair advantage.
“Directors welcomed the recent decision to return to the managed floating exchange rate regime,” according to the statement. “This decision will increase the central bank’s flexibility to tighten monetary conditions.”
China’s current-account surplus will shrink for a second year in 2010 as domestic demand plays a greater role in driving the nation’s economic growth, according to the State Administration of Foreign Exchange on July 8. The gap, the broadest measure of trade, amounted to 6.1 percent of China’s gross domestic product last year, down from 9.6 percent in 2008, the currency regulator said.
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National Theater fest features Korean, global performances
A diverse range of performances prepared to strengthen cultural exchange will be hosted by the National Theater of Korea from September to October.
The “2010 National Theater of Korea Global Festival” has become a yearly cultural ritual so-to-speak since its inception in 2007. It claims the reputation as the most representative festival of Korea and stands as the country’s longest large-scale event each year.
Prospective attendees can feast their eyes on as many as 34 performances presented by nine different countries.
The “2010 National Theater of Korea Global Festival” has become a yearly cultural ritual so-to-speak since its inception in 2007. It claims the reputation as the most representative festival of Korea and stands as the country’s longest large-scale event each year.
Prospective attendees can feast their eyes on as many as 34 performances presented by nine different countries.
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Argentine nomad family visits Korea
Traveling abroad for 10 days would be a dream come true to many people. But for one Argentine family, even 10 years of traveling has not been enough.
Argentine couple Herman and Candelaria Zapp have been living a nomadic life for the past ten years, driving to every corner of the American and Australian continents in a classic 1928 Graham-Paige. Unlike normal tourists who purchase souvenirs, the couple “made” them along the way – Pampa, 9, Tehue, 6, Paloma, 3, and Wallaby, 2, were additions to the family born in the U.S., Argentina, Canada and Australia, respectively.
Herman and Candelaria’s adventure began in 2000 when they decided to put everything aside and make their pre-marriage vow a reality. The couple, who had been dating for ten years before tying the knot, realized they both shared a common interest in traveling so they promised to make a backpack trip within two years of getting married. But six years into their marriage, they were still at home with no children. That’s when Herman and Candelaria realized that they had to stop postponing their dream and turn their desire into action.
“People postpone their dreams because of the fear of going into the unknown or because they’re scared to leave their job, but if not now, then when?” said Herman.
Argentine couple Herman and Candelaria Zapp have been living a nomadic life for the past ten years, driving to every corner of the American and Australian continents in a classic 1928 Graham-Paige. Unlike normal tourists who purchase souvenirs, the couple “made” them along the way – Pampa, 9, Tehue, 6, Paloma, 3, and Wallaby, 2, were additions to the family born in the U.S., Argentina, Canada and Australia, respectively.
Herman and Candelaria’s adventure began in 2000 when they decided to put everything aside and make their pre-marriage vow a reality. The couple, who had been dating for ten years before tying the knot, realized they both shared a common interest in traveling so they promised to make a backpack trip within two years of getting married. But six years into their marriage, they were still at home with no children. That’s when Herman and Candelaria realized that they had to stop postponing their dream and turn their desire into action.
“People postpone their dreams because of the fear of going into the unknown or because they’re scared to leave their job, but if not now, then when?” said Herman.
Korean Tweeters focus on select few: survey
More than half of Twitter users in Korea follow less than 10 people, a local survey released on Tuesday said.
According to the KBS Broadcast Research Institute’s online survey of 14,649 people in 16 cities and provinces, 5,022 of the respondents turned out to be Twitter users.
Of these users, 56.7 percent said they do not follow more than nine people. Only 6.1 percent said they follow more than 100. Users that follow 10 to 19 people made up 17.9 percent, while 8.4 percent followed 20 to 29 people.
Sixty-one percent of the surveyed users had less than nine followers. People with more than 100 followers accounted for 5.8 percent.
Chung Dong-hun, professor of media studies at Kwangwoon University noted that Twitter’s growing popularity in Korea owes much to its small number of heavy users and celebrities.
“Twitter is a social network service that’s mainly based on relationships,” he told The Korea Herald. “So, the heavy users or well-known figures tend to communicate with more people, while others don’t.”
According to the KBS Broadcast Research Institute’s online survey of 14,649 people in 16 cities and provinces, 5,022 of the respondents turned out to be Twitter users.
Of these users, 56.7 percent said they do not follow more than nine people. Only 6.1 percent said they follow more than 100. Users that follow 10 to 19 people made up 17.9 percent, while 8.4 percent followed 20 to 29 people.
Sixty-one percent of the surveyed users had less than nine followers. People with more than 100 followers accounted for 5.8 percent.
Chung Dong-hun, professor of media studies at Kwangwoon University noted that Twitter’s growing popularity in Korea owes much to its small number of heavy users and celebrities.
“Twitter is a social network service that’s mainly based on relationships,” he told The Korea Herald. “So, the heavy users or well-known figures tend to communicate with more people, while others don’t.”
Hyundai E&C leads construction transition
Korean construction companies are stepping up efforts to diversify their project portfolios and customer bases in search of increased stable revenue streams.
Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co., Korea’s largest contractor, is leading the industry’s transition with a range of contracts for skyscrapers, infrastructure and plants.
While 83 percent of overseas construction projects that a majority of domestic companies are running largely involve building power plants or development facilities, Hyundai E&C has diversified its project portfolio in a number of different international markets through new contracts for green energy production and harbor works in Middle Eastern countries like Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates.
Under the five-year plan to promote overseas construction, the government has proposed a mid- and long-term strategy to fit the rapidly-changing global market climate, involving measures to diversify markets and project types to explore future growth industries such as green technology-related businesses.
The plan focuses on practical strategies for a shift to higher value-added businesses, improved profitability and the development of niche markets, while diversifying project portfolios to occupy new areas such as green energy resources such as nuclear, water, wind and tidal power, which has been emphasized due to hikes in oil prices and the growing need for renewable energy.
Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co., Korea’s largest contractor, is leading the industry’s transition with a range of contracts for skyscrapers, infrastructure and plants.
While 83 percent of overseas construction projects that a majority of domestic companies are running largely involve building power plants or development facilities, Hyundai E&C has diversified its project portfolio in a number of different international markets through new contracts for green energy production and harbor works in Middle Eastern countries like Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates.
Under the five-year plan to promote overseas construction, the government has proposed a mid- and long-term strategy to fit the rapidly-changing global market climate, involving measures to diversify markets and project types to explore future growth industries such as green technology-related businesses.
The plan focuses on practical strategies for a shift to higher value-added businesses, improved profitability and the development of niche markets, while diversifying project portfolios to occupy new areas such as green energy resources such as nuclear, water, wind and tidal power, which has been emphasized due to hikes in oil prices and the growing need for renewable energy.
GM moves to relese Volt in Korea next year
U.S. automaker General Motors Co. (GM) will bring its new electric vehicle, the Volt, to South Korea next year for a market test before a possible launch, the top executive for the automaker's South Korean unit said Wednesday, according to Yonhap News.
"The Chevrolet Volt is going to bring innovative change to the global auto market. We will bring a Volt demonstration fleet to Korea next year to examine consumer interest before deciding on the launch in the market," said Mike Arcamone, president of GM Daewoo Auto & Technology.
"The Chevrolet Volt is going to bring innovative change to the global auto market. We will bring a Volt demonstration fleet to Korea next year to examine consumer interest before deciding on the launch in the market," said Mike Arcamone, president of GM Daewoo Auto & Technology.
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S-Oil helps children of firefighters
S-OIL, the country’s third-largest oil refiner, on Wednesday donated 300 million won ($250,000) in funds toward scholarships for 100 children of firefighters at Yongsan Fire Station in Seoul who died during duty or retired due to disability.
The donation is a part of Hero Firefighters Support Program which S-OIL established in 2006.
Under the program, the company carries out a variety of activities each year to help stabilize firefighter’s families’ living conditions, the company said.
The program includes awarding prizes to honorable firefighters, offering financial support to injured officers and their families.
The donation is a part of Hero Firefighters Support Program which S-OIL established in 2006.
Under the program, the company carries out a variety of activities each year to help stabilize firefighter’s families’ living conditions, the company said.
The program includes awarding prizes to honorable firefighters, offering financial support to injured officers and their families.
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Jolie's bulging veins draw attention
Actress Angelina Jolie, in Tokyo for the weekend opening of action thriller "Salt,'' brushed off rumors about her shaky relations with Brad Pitt, AP reported.
"He was just a wonderful father," she said Tuesday of Pitt, during work on the film, in which she plays a tough spy. He often brought the children to the set, she recalled.
Pitt and Jolie have been partners since they began a relationship while working on the 2005 film ``Mr. & Mrs. Smith.'' They are raising six children.
Jolie arrived in Seoul on Tuesday night to promote the film.
(Photos: AP-Yonhap)
"He was just a wonderful father," she said Tuesday of Pitt, during work on the film, in which she plays a tough spy. He often brought the children to the set, she recalled.
Pitt and Jolie have been partners since they began a relationship while working on the 2005 film ``Mr. & Mrs. Smith.'' They are raising six children.
Jolie arrived in Seoul on Tuesday night to promote the film.
In the meantime, the pictures of the 34-year-old actress in Japan are drawing attention from fans due to their showing of bulging veins in her arms, hands and even fingers.
Experts blame her too much exercise without a proper diet for the bulging veins in her arms and wrists, according to news reports.
They reportedly said they probably resulted from working out while not eating enough.
Jolie is known as a fitness fanatic.
(Photos: AP-Yonhap)
Embassies cautious on contact with N.K.
Some South Korean embassies have been criticized for going overboard in their attempts to shun Pyongyang and keep South Koreans out of contact with North Koreans.
The embassies have called for South Korean residents to refrain from frequenting North Korean restaurants, saying that if they do, the residents would be violating the National Security Law.
These “recommendations” were said to have been issued after Seoul concluded that North Korea was culpable for the sinking of the Cheonan.
The 1,200-ton ship sank in the waters of the West Sea in March, killing 46 of the sailors aboard.
The embassies reportedly were acting on orders from the Foreign Ministry in Seoul, handed down by e-mail.
Some of the overseas embassies even called for the traveling agencies to stop taking the tourists to North Korean restaurants, according to e-mails secured by some of the local media here.
The reported embassies included those in Nepal and Malaysia.
The embassies have called for South Korean residents to refrain from frequenting North Korean restaurants, saying that if they do, the residents would be violating the National Security Law.
These “recommendations” were said to have been issued after Seoul concluded that North Korea was culpable for the sinking of the Cheonan.
The 1,200-ton ship sank in the waters of the West Sea in March, killing 46 of the sailors aboard.
The embassies reportedly were acting on orders from the Foreign Ministry in Seoul, handed down by e-mail.
Some of the overseas embassies even called for the traveling agencies to stop taking the tourists to North Korean restaurants, according to e-mails secured by some of the local media here.
The reported embassies included those in Nepal and Malaysia.
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[Analysis] Victory of key aides anticipated to give Lee renewed momentum
Two trusted associates of President Lee Myung-bak won legislative seats in Wednesday’s by-elections, saving the face of the embattled leader and his conservative party, which had been reeling from the previous election loss.
Lee Jae-oh, former chief of an anticorruption body, and Yoon Jin-shik, former presidential secretary for economy, gained the posts in the generally politically-neutral regions of Seoul and Chungcheong, respectively, giving the president new momentum as he enters the second half of his five-year term. The two, running on the ruling Grand National Party’s ticket, had competed against unified opposition candidates representing more than one party.
Lee Jae-oh, former chief of an anticorruption body, and Yoon Jin-shik, former presidential secretary for economy, gained the posts in the generally politically-neutral regions of Seoul and Chungcheong, respectively, giving the president new momentum as he enters the second half of his five-year term. The two, running on the ruling Grand National Party’s ticket, had competed against unified opposition candidates representing more than one party.
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Angelina Jolie: ‘Salt’ has potential for franchise
Hollywood’s highest paid actress Angelina Jolie dropped by Korea for the first time to promote “Salt” on Wednesday -- her latest slam-bang espionage thriller that she said has the potential to become a franchise if the film scores big at the box office.
“We’re leaving it up to the fans,” Jolie said during a news conference in Seoul Wednesday as part of a promotional tour for the Phillip Noyce-directed film.
“If the people want another one, certainly we’ll give it to them.”
With an ending that leaves the story of a Russian double agent working for the CIAwide open, speculation about a sequel has been going around the rumor mill.
“We’re leaving it up to the fans,” Jolie said during a news conference in Seoul Wednesday as part of a promotional tour for the Phillip Noyce-directed film.
“If the people want another one, certainly we’ll give it to them.”
With an ending that leaves the story of a Russian double agent working for the CIAwide open, speculation about a sequel has been going around the rumor mill.
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LG Electronics profit plunges on handset loss
LG Electronics said on Wednesday that it did not expect a turnaround in its phone business until the fourth quarter at the earliest, as the world’s No. 3 handset maker struggles to compete with the likes of Apple and the Research In Motion in the smartphone market.
The Korean company reported its first loss in its handset business for four years, hit by a lack of competitive smartphone models.
“With the launch of new models at the end of the third quarter, we hope to turn around our handset business in the fourth quarter,” Jung Do-hyun, chief financial officer of LG Electronics, told reporters on the sidelines of an investor meeting in Seoul.
However, some analysts expected LG’s handset unit to remain in the red by the end of this year, as the company faces intensifying competition in fast-growing smartphone segment.
The Korean company reported its first loss in its handset business for four years, hit by a lack of competitive smartphone models.
“With the launch of new models at the end of the third quarter, we hope to turn around our handset business in the fourth quarter,” Jung Do-hyun, chief financial officer of LG Electronics, told reporters on the sidelines of an investor meeting in Seoul.
However, some analysts expected LG’s handset unit to remain in the red by the end of this year, as the company faces intensifying competition in fast-growing smartphone segment.
Ruling party wins by-elections
Lee's aides net key races as GNP recovers from local poll loss
President Lee Myung-bak’s party overcame its previous defeat and secured victory in the parliamentary by-elections Wednesday, taking a considerable burden off the conservative leader’s chest as he struggles to finish his controversial projects in the second half of his term.
The ruling Grand National Party, which had yet to fully recover from its previous election defeat last month, won five of the eight legislative seats up for grabs in the elections, narrowly defeating the liberal Democratic Party.
President Lee Myung-bak’s party overcame its previous defeat and secured victory in the parliamentary by-elections Wednesday, taking a considerable burden off the conservative leader’s chest as he struggles to finish his controversial projects in the second half of his term.
The ruling Grand National Party, which had yet to fully recover from its previous election defeat last month, won five of the eight legislative seats up for grabs in the elections, narrowly defeating the liberal Democratic Party.
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2010년 7월 27일 화요일
Ambassadors of the G20 summit in Seoul, Yuna Kim
2010년 7월 26일 월요일
Promoting Korea everyone’s responsibility
An important aspect of a diplomatic mission in Korea is promotion, promotion and promotion in every sphere.
So it is appreciated when the local and diplomatic communities get together to help Korea’s young but vibrant tourism industry.
One new tool is the Tourism Supporters’ Network which was inaugurated last month.
The network is the brainchild of the Korea Tourism Organization’s CEO Lee Charm.
The first trip under this new umbrella was to Gangjin in the southwestern part of the country, an area almost unknown to foreigners.
A lot could be said about Gangjin, all good of course, but one important feature that is missing is a brand that will propel the city into the hearts and minds of locals and international tourists alike.
Sure Gangjin is famous for its celadon, sure they make great tea, sure they have beaches, delicious seafood and interesting museums, but that one branding image for the area is missing.
So it is appreciated when the local and diplomatic communities get together to help Korea’s young but vibrant tourism industry.
One new tool is the Tourism Supporters’ Network which was inaugurated last month.
The network is the brainchild of the Korea Tourism Organization’s CEO Lee Charm.
The first trip under this new umbrella was to Gangjin in the southwestern part of the country, an area almost unknown to foreigners.
A lot could be said about Gangjin, all good of course, but one important feature that is missing is a brand that will propel the city into the hearts and minds of locals and international tourists alike.
Sure Gangjin is famous for its celadon, sure they make great tea, sure they have beaches, delicious seafood and interesting museums, but that one branding image for the area is missing.
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Film archive to hold Kim Ki-young retrospective
The Korean Film Archive will host a week-long retrospective of influential writer-director Kim Ki-young’s films at its screening center, the Cinematheque KOFA, from July 27-Aug. 1.
Known for his “nyeoh,” meaning “women,” involved in taboo subject matters such as extra-marital affairs and crimes of passion, the late auteur’s works were largely unknown and ignored until the 1990s.
One year before Kim and his wife were tragically killed in a blaze at their home, a career retrospective at the 1997 iteration of the Pusan International Film Festival sparked renewed interest in his films.
The program proved to be a huge success in attracting international interest as his films subsequently made the rounds at international film festivals.
In 2008, a digitally restored and re-mastered print of Kim’s most representative film “The Housemaid” was screened at the world’s most prestigious movie gala, the Cannes International Film Festival.
When it was first released to local audiences in 1960, the story of an upper middle-class family undone by a husband and father’s extra-marital affair with his housemaid proved to be a hit with both critics and audiences alike.
Known for his “nyeoh,” meaning “women,” involved in taboo subject matters such as extra-marital affairs and crimes of passion, the late auteur’s works were largely unknown and ignored until the 1990s.
One year before Kim and his wife were tragically killed in a blaze at their home, a career retrospective at the 1997 iteration of the Pusan International Film Festival sparked renewed interest in his films.
The program proved to be a huge success in attracting international interest as his films subsequently made the rounds at international film festivals.
In 2008, a digitally restored and re-mastered print of Kim’s most representative film “The Housemaid” was screened at the world’s most prestigious movie gala, the Cannes International Film Festival.
When it was first released to local audiences in 1960, the story of an upper middle-class family undone by a husband and father’s extra-marital affair with his housemaid proved to be a hit with both critics and audiences alike.
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Hyundai brings out bicycles
Hyundai Motor Co. introduced two bicycles whose designs are based on the mid-sized sedan Sonata and the compact sport utility vehicle Tucson ix on Thursday.
The Sonata bicycle, built from aluminum, weighs 10.9 kilograms and comes with a 14-speed gear system. The Tucson ix-based bicycle is a mountain bike that comes with a 24-speed gear system and 26-inch alloy wheels.
The Sonata bicycle is priced at 255,000 won ($212) and the Tucson ix bike is priced at 425,000 won.
Both bikes are available at www.shop-hyundai.com and blu.hyundai.com, as well as at bike stores.
The Sonata bicycle, built from aluminum, weighs 10.9 kilograms and comes with a 14-speed gear system. The Tucson ix-based bicycle is a mountain bike that comes with a 24-speed gear system and 26-inch alloy wheels.
The Sonata bicycle is priced at 255,000 won ($212) and the Tucson ix bike is priced at 425,000 won.
Both bikes are available at www.shop-hyundai.com and blu.hyundai.com, as well as at bike stores.
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Korean firms set to lead rechargeable battery market
Korea’s rechargeable battery makers are set to dethrone their Japanese rivals in the global market this year as they bask in surging orders of largely digital mobile gadgets and cost competitiveness stemming from the weaker currency.
According to industry experts, an alliance of the two Korean electronic giants, Samsung and LG, have been in hot pursuit of Sanyo and Sony, which have long dominated the global market. The Korean firms, however, are likely to expand their presence in the global market as the explosive popularity of IT products such as smart phones continues.
Samsung SDI which provides rechargeable battery products for Apple’s iPad and iPhone and Samsung Electronics’ Galaxy S will take the No.1 title from Sanyo this year, experts predicted.
A lithium-ion battery is a type of rechargeable battery mainly used in portable electronics such as laptops and mobile phones, but they are increasingly being used to power electric or hybrid cars.
Last year, Japan’s Sanyo held 20 percent of the market followed by Samsung SDI Co. and LG Chem Ltd., with 19 percent each, Japan’s Sony Corp. with 12 percent and China’s BYD with 7 percent. Korea, Japan and China control 95 percent of the global production of small rechargeable batteries used in portable electronic devices, such as mobile phones.
According to industry experts, an alliance of the two Korean electronic giants, Samsung and LG, have been in hot pursuit of Sanyo and Sony, which have long dominated the global market. The Korean firms, however, are likely to expand their presence in the global market as the explosive popularity of IT products such as smart phones continues.
Samsung SDI which provides rechargeable battery products for Apple’s iPad and iPhone and Samsung Electronics’ Galaxy S will take the No.1 title from Sanyo this year, experts predicted.
A lithium-ion battery is a type of rechargeable battery mainly used in portable electronics such as laptops and mobile phones, but they are increasingly being used to power electric or hybrid cars.
Last year, Japan’s Sanyo held 20 percent of the market followed by Samsung SDI Co. and LG Chem Ltd., with 19 percent each, Japan’s Sony Corp. with 12 percent and China’s BYD with 7 percent. Korea, Japan and China control 95 percent of the global production of small rechargeable batteries used in portable electronic devices, such as mobile phones.
Talk flourishes over iPhone 4 delay
Even with KT’s official announcement involving the delay in launching the new iPhone 4 here, speculations continue to grow over why South Korea was left off of Apple’s list of 17 countries receiving the new model on July 30.
KT, the exclusive provider of the iPhone in Korea, said Sunday: “Initially, KT was scheduled to launch the iPhone 4 in July. However, because it is taking longer to prepare for regulatory approval, KT will now launch the iPhone 4 in the coming months.”
A KT official said the company is expecting to release the new model in the upcoming one to two months, following a government approval process such as testing of the radio wave usage.
The exact date of the launch, however, was yet to be known as KT or Apple has not filed the request for the government’s testing as of Sunday, according to Lee Tae-hee, spokesman for the state-run Korea Communications Commission.
“Neither KT or Apple has requested the government to examine and approve the usage of radio wave on the new wireless device iPhone 4, which is necessary for the commercial selling of the device” he said. “KT officials have noted that they have not made the request since they’re currently processing their own examinations (ahead of the government approval).”
As soon as the news about the delay in the launch of iPhones was released, hundreds of postings flooded the social networking sites, especially by people who were eagerly waiting for the new model.
“How am I supposed to wait another one or two months again?” Lee Seung-ha, a university student who lives in Ilsan, Gyeonggi Province, wrote on the micro-blogging site Twitter.
KT, the exclusive provider of the iPhone in Korea, said Sunday: “Initially, KT was scheduled to launch the iPhone 4 in July. However, because it is taking longer to prepare for regulatory approval, KT will now launch the iPhone 4 in the coming months.”
A KT official said the company is expecting to release the new model in the upcoming one to two months, following a government approval process such as testing of the radio wave usage.
The exact date of the launch, however, was yet to be known as KT or Apple has not filed the request for the government’s testing as of Sunday, according to Lee Tae-hee, spokesman for the state-run Korea Communications Commission.
“Neither KT or Apple has requested the government to examine and approve the usage of radio wave on the new wireless device iPhone 4, which is necessary for the commercial selling of the device” he said. “KT officials have noted that they have not made the request since they’re currently processing their own examinations (ahead of the government approval).”
As soon as the news about the delay in the launch of iPhones was released, hundreds of postings flooded the social networking sites, especially by people who were eagerly waiting for the new model.
“How am I supposed to wait another one or two months again?” Lee Seung-ha, a university student who lives in Ilsan, Gyeonggi Province, wrote on the micro-blogging site Twitter.
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