Amazing Korean Technologies – Top 10 Korean Technologies

South Korea is considered one of the most digitally advanced nations worldwide. It ranks third among the OECD countries regarding broadband Internet users and is globally recognized for its expertise in electronics, digital displays, semiconductor devices, and mobile phones. The country has invested considerable time and resources in research and development.

The government actively encourages companies to innovate and push boundaries to establish themselves as technological advancement leader. Over the past 7 years, South Korea has consistently ranked at the top of Bloomberg’s Innovation Index, thanks to the contribution of Korean technologies.

Additionally, Korean startups are known for taking risks and developing new ideas they can test in the domestic market before expanding globally. The following are the list of 10 Korean technologies, which are not ranked in any particular order, have been globally commercialized or have the potential to be in the future.

1. Walking Car Technology 

Hyundai

The first ultimate mobility vehicle (UMV), called ELEVATE, was developed by Hyundai Motor. This vehicle combines electric cars with robotic technology and can traverse various terrains, including stairs up to 5 feet high, making it useful for search and rescue missions.

It can also provide easier transportation for people with disabilities and the elderly with its 4-sided vehicle access. The UMVs will have a modular EV platform allowing different bodies to be switched out depending on the situation.

Additionally, the legs can fold into a stowed drive mode, which cuts power to the joints and maximizes battery efficiency using an integrated passive suspension system. As a result, the UMVs can drive at highway speeds like any other vehicle.

2. Medical Robotics Technology

According to reports, the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM) has developed a “Caregiver Robot” robot designed to assist patients in their recovery and rehabilitation. The robot can support both the upper and lower body of the patient and does not require any manual control as it can function autonomously.

It is expected that these robots will be in great demand in Korea in the year 2020. In Korea, there is a shortage of nurses and caregivers, leading to a decrease in the number of people entering the nursing sector. As a result, alternative solutions need to be provided.

In the future, robot caregivers are expected to become more advanced, but for now, the current Caregiver Robot developed by KIMM is a promising start that can be built upon. These robots offer significant advantages, such as being available 24/7 without needing rest, which would be too costly and ineffective with human caregivers.

3. Smartphone Hearing Aid

snailsound Example NG: Nigeria's Information Hub

SnailSound, a Korean start-up, has developed an innovative app to transform a smartphone into a hearing aid. The app is designed to capture sounds in the vicinity of people who have hearing impairments and process them into audible sounds in real time. It consists of two components, an earpiece and the app.

The app conducts simple hearing tests to determine the user’s preferred sounds and calibrates them to ensure clarity. Additionally, the app uses intelligent non-linear amplification and adaptive noise reduction algorithms based on AI to amplify inaudible sounds and suppress background noise simultaneously.

This improves the hearing experience for people with hearing impairments without costly hearing aids.

4. 3D Screen Monitors 

Korean TechnologyMOPIC, a Korean startup, has developed a monitor that can display 3D images without needing 3D glasses. Instead, they have created a program for the monitor’s screen that enables the camera to track what viewers are watching and adjust the pixels accordingly to provide an accurate 3D image.

They have also created a 3D/VR viewer called Snap3D, which is in the form of a smartphone case. With the introduction of high-speed and massive data wireless technology like 5G, Snap3D will have access to high-quality stereoscopic videos and AR content anytime and anywhere. The price for the case is approximately $30.

5. Korean Technologies – Zing Technology

The “Zing” technology, developed by ETRI (Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute), enables smartphones to transmit vast amounts of data in seconds. With a transmission speed of 3.5 Gbps, it is considerably faster than NFC (Near-Field Communication), with a speed that is 8,000 times faster.

The technology uses a set of communication protocols that allow two electronic devices to establish communication. The newly developed “Zing” technology can transfer massive amounts of data within seconds, allowing a 1 GB movie to be sent to and from a smartphone in about 3 seconds.

As Korea is a major smartphone market, this technology has great potential for commercialization. Additionally, the upcoming launch of 5G technology has increased the demand for technologies that facilitate device connectivity.

6. The Rollable TV

Korean Technologies

The statement highlights LG’s innovative technology for flatscreen TVs. The company has developed a rollable TV screen that can be rolled up and stored inside a rectangular speaker, making it easy to move and store. The TV screen is flexible and can be rolled up with a button.

LG created an ultra-thin rollable OLED display and technologies to enhance the quality of the images and the sound. The TV can also be partially displayed to show the time, dashboard, etc. It can be rolled and unrolled 50,000 times, which is equivalent to 4 times daily for the next 32 years.

The technology is incredibly quiet as it rolls in and out of the speaker. This technology is a significant advancement in flatscreen TVs, and it has the potential to change how people watch TV and use it in their daily lives.

7. Micro LED TVs

micro LED Example NG: Nigeria's Information Hub

Samsung has introduced a new technology called Micro LED TV which measures 75 inches long and uses smaller LED chips to produce more compact pixels. The size of the Micro LED TV can be customized to fit into different spaces.

The device incorporates millions of built-in chips to achieve 4K resolution on the Micro LEDs. Like OLEDs, MicroLED sets are also self-emissive, but instead of organic light-emitting diodes, they use tiny non-organic LEDs, with three per pixel.

Therefore, each pixel can be turned on or off independently, resulting in perfect contrast and colour control. Micro LED TVs can also run continuously for up to 100,000 hours, which translates to slightly over 11 years.

8. Samsung Smart Trainer

Samsung Smart Trainer

The statement explains that the Samsung Smart Trainer is not a product that can be purchased separately but a feature included in Samsung TVs. The Samsung Smart Trainer is a unique feature that allows users to transform their living room into a fitness area and use their TV as a personal trainer.

The feature uses sensors to track and analyze the user’s posture in real-time, count reps, and guide them on improving their form and getting the best workout possible. Additionally, users can sync the Samsung Health app to monitor their progress, including the number of calories burned and steps taken.

Overall, the Samsung Smart Trainer is an innovative feature that utilizes technology to provide users with a convenient and effective fitness experience in the comfort of their own homes.

9. Korean Technologies – TuPiX

KISTI (Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information) developed the TuPiX technology, which is a system that utilizes an algorithm to analyze Big Data swiftly. Big Data analytics examines vast amounts of data to identify patterns, market trends, and other valuable business insights.

Korean firms are increasingly integrating Big Data into their operations. Utilizing Big Data can enhance customer service, boost efficiency, and enable better business decision-making. Therefore, it is crucial to have a reliable system for analyzing Big Data.

TuPiX, a technology developed by KISTI, can significantly reduce data processing times to 1/7th of the current speed. As more companies recognize the benefits of Big Data, they will inevitably adopt it to improve their business operations.

10. Kevlar Textile Coating Technology

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The Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) has developed a technology that enhances the performance of Kevlar textiles. This technology involves applying a coating of zinc oxide to Kevlar fibres, which has been found to increase the shock absorption capacity of the material by 60%.

Kevlar is already known for its high strength, but this new coating method has the potential to save lives and is considered to be one of the top 10 Korean technologies. The coating process is also simple and easy to apply.

This product has potential applications beyond police vests, including the production of more durable bicycle and car tires and racing sails. Smartphone manufacturers have also expressed interest in this technology due to its impressive tensile strength-to-weight ratio.

Moreover, Kevlar, already known for its strength, is five times stronger than steel. Therefore, many Kevlar manufacturers are eager to adopt this new technology, and its success could lead to widespread adoption throughout the industry.