Science and Technology Korea's prowess in science and technology has been growing steadily since the 1980s, as the country's rapid economic development created demands for more advanced and dynamic research and development activities across all sectors. Investments in R&D have increased 45-fold from US$430 million in 1981 to US$19.38 billion in 2004, while technology investment per gross domestic product has soared from 0.62 percent to 2.85 percent during the same period. This growth has led to an increasing number of international patent applications and research papers registered with science citation indices. In addition, Korea ranked fifth in the world on the science and technology achievement indicator developed by the UN. Development Program which takes into account patent registration, technology exports and overall education levels. The number of people working in the field of science and technology surged from 18,500 in 1980 to 210,000 in 2004. In order to lead an economic upsurge through emphasis on science and technology, the Government promoted the Minister of Science and Technology to Deputy Prime Minister in October 2004 and launched the Science and Technology Innovation Office as a center for establishing the nation's science and technology innovation system.


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Korea

Over the past four decades, Korea's impressive economic growth was part of what has been described as the East Asian miracle. Intensive growth transformed Korea into the 12th largest economy and trading partner in the world. It was driven by high savings rates and investment and a strong emphasis on education, which boosted the number of young people enrolled in a college or university to one of the highest levels in the world (81.3% in 2004). During those years, Korea's industrial structure was drastically transformed. Major industries were diversified to include automobiles, petrochemicals, electronics, shipbuilding, textiles and steel products. By applying lessons from centuries of development in the West, Korea was able to make a similar transformation from an agricultural to manufacturing and on to a service-centered economy in just 50 years time. The GDP growth rate was 9.5 percent in 1999, 8.5 percent in 2000, 3.8 percent in 2001, 7.0 percent in 2002, 3.1 percent in 2003, 4.6 percent in 2004 and 4.0 percent in 2005. Thanks to the GDP growth driven by boosted exports and increased investments in plant and facilities, Korea emerged as the world's 11th largest economy in terms of GDP size in 2004, reaching US$680.1 billion.

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In Korean Business world

Welcome Topics of Conversation:


South Korea's cultural heritage
South Korea's economic success
South Korea's international accomplishments
sports [especially the Olympics]
The South Korean socccer team's performance at the 2002 FIFA World Cup
the health of the other's family [just general well-being, such as 'Is your family well?']
personal hobbies

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South Korea Business Dress

Guidelines for business dress
Conservative dress prevails in South Korean business culture.
Subdued, conservative colours are considered the most appropriate choices for the initial meetings. You can slowly introduce bright colours after you build credibility and relationships.
In business settings, standard attire for men includes a dark suit, white shirt, and conservative tie.
Women typically wear very conservative skirt and blouse combinations or business dresses. Since many people sit on the floor in homes and restaurants, tight skirts are best avoided.
Sleeveless tops and miniskirts are considered unprofessional in most business settings. As a guest, dress conservatively even for very informal occasions, although some Koreans have started wearing sleeveless shirts and shorts for their outings.

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korean monks praying

countryside in korea

This is what Bulgogi looks like !