Tuesday, September 16, 2008

[Korea.net News, Government News, September 9 2008] Korea to launch ubiquitous 119 rescue system

Source: Ministry of Public Administration and Security

Korea's National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said Tuesday (Sept. 9) that it will introduce an advanced "119" rescue service in cooperation with regional emergency management agencies and related government organizations.

The state-emergency management body invested 2.8 trillion won last October to build and stabilize a so-called ubiquitous 119 or (u-119) service system which provides prompt rescue service countrywide by using the Internet. The number 119 comes from the phone number Koreas call in case of emergency.

The u-119 system consists of the nationwide u-safety call system and "Help Me 119 Service" for expatriates and seniors currently being operated by regional emergency management agencies in Incheon, Gyeonggi-do (Gyeonggi Province) and Jeollanam-do (South Jeolla Province), and the automatic 119 report service which is currently being test run in 100 farming houses in South Jeolla Province.
[Korea.net News, Government News, September 9 2008] Seoul hosts global e-learning conference

Source: Ministry of Education, Science and Technology

The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology said Monday (Sept. 8) that Korea will host an international e-learning conference in Seoul Tuesday in an effort to help fuel growth in the key information technology (IT) content industry.

The three-day e-Learning Korea Expo will bring 20 e-learning institutions and companies from 12 foreign countries along with 70 domestic organizations. U.S., Japanese, British, Australian and Chinese companies and institutions are to open promotional booths at the event venue.

This year's expo will feature a so-called "ubiquitous classroom," where people can see what the future holds for schools in the form of digital textbooks and other interactive devices, the ministry said in a media release.
DOKDO:

[Korea.net News, Government News, September 5 2008] Spokesperson's statement on Japan's claim over Dokdo in 2008 Defense of Japan (Annual White Paper)
[Korea.net News, Government News, September 5 2008] Broadcasting and communications sector to lead 'green growth'

Source: Korea Communications Commission

The government will ease regulations on broadcasting and communications industries to create jobs and new growth engines, and world-class media enterprises in Internet protocol television (IPTV) and other new media fields.

The government will ease regulations to nurture media conglomerates by allowing companies to own both television networks and newspapers, as well as helping found a private media representative firm in the broadcasting advertising market that has been monopolized so far by the Korea Broadcasting Advertising Corporation.

The Korea Communications Committee (KCC) on Sept. 4 briefed President Lee Myung-bak on such a new policy on "ways to create new growth engines and jobs for the advancement of broadcasting and communications."
[Korea.net News, Government News, September 5 2008] Invil offers good prices, quality farming goods for online shoppers

Source: Ministry of Public Administration and Security

Want to buy some special presents for your relatives ahead of the upcoming Chuseok holiday from Sept. 13 to 15, but too busy to go shopping?

If yes, turn on your computer and IT can help you buy some outstanding freshly harvested local gifts by visiting http://www.invil.com, an Internet website built by the Korean government linking rural areas.
[Korea.net News, Government News, September 3 2008] Korea Coast Guard revamps Dokdo-themed website

Source: Ministry of Land Transport and Maritime Affairs

Since Aug. 25, the Korea Coast Guard has been providing improved web services to guarantee user-friendly access, carrying some data translated into English, Japanese and Chinese. The official website (http://dokdo.kcg.go.kr), which opened in May 2005, is set up to help web users have a better understanding of Dokdo (islands) and give them a look at the latest photos and videos of beautiful scenes of the islands.

The website also presents web users with chances to take a look at geographical and historical records on Dokdo, as well as news updates on changes in Japan's policies on the islands. It also introduces stories about those who have been defending the lonely islands of Korea in the East Sea.
[Korea.net News, Government News, September 2 2008] Broadcast Worldwide fair to be held at COEX, Seoul

Source: Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism

BCWW 2008/Broadcast Worldwide, a hub for Hallyu (Korean Wave) and Asia's largest international broadcasting program market, will be held at the COEX Convention Hall in Seoul for three days from Sept. 3 to 5. The international broadcast fair will be organized by the Korean Broadcasting Institute (KBI) under the sponsorship of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Organizers expect the upcoming broadcast fair to be the largest-ever event, attended by about 5,000 broadcast providers and buyers from 1,070 broadcast networks in 45 countries around the world. Broadcast providers and buyers from Asia, Europe and the Middle East will include NHK of Japan and Shanghai Media Group (SMG) of China.
[Korea.net News, Government News, September 1 2008] Korea's e-government ranks world's best for 3rd year

Source: Ministry of Public Administration and Security

The Ministry of Public Administration and Security said Monday (Sept. 1) that Korea's e-government again ranked top for the third year, according to a report from a U.S.-based think tank.

Followed by Taiwan, the United States and Singapore, Korea has been voted best e-government in the report by the Brookings Institution which examined almost 1,700 government websites, including those of education, defense, finance, transportation and foreign affairs ministries in nearly 200 counries for the ranking.

According to the report, Korea's government websites scored 100 percent for the second year for its foreign language services, online sevices for all administrative procedures and private information protection.
[Korea.net News, Government News, August 21 2008] Gov't proposes increased Internet accountability

Source: Korea Communications Commission

The Korea Communications Commission said Wednesday (Aug. 22) that it had made an amendment to information and communication network laws in order to efficiently implement the government's information and communication network policy.

Under the proposed amendment, if Internet portals do not at least temporarily block online postings containing defamatory information even after receiving a complaint, they could be subject to a fine of up to 30 million won ($28,598).

The commission said it would like portals to be more responsible for monitoring defamatory or obscene postings. Postings in this case covers comments attached to news articles, blog postings, articles – almost any text published on the Internet that is open for all to read.
[Korea.net News, Government News, August 18 2008] Yahoo! interview with President Lee covers economy, climate and North Korea

Source: Office of the President

An interview with President Lee Myung-bak by Yahoo! was posted on www.yahoo.com at nine o'clock (KST) this morning through its global network. Arirang TV, an English satellite broadcaster in Korea, also aired the interview in 188 nations at the same time.

So far Yahoo.com has conducted interviews with political leaders in the United States. In marking a revamping of its series of interviews to include global leaders of other countries, Yahoo.com chose President Lee Myung-bak as its first interviewee.

In the interview, President Lee said it was heartbreaking for him to see skyrocketing consumer prices weighing heavily on ordinary citizens. He expected that the Korean economy would make a turnaround by the end of next year. He went on to ask the Korean people to join forces to weather the hard times for another year or so.
[Korea.net News, Government News, August 11 2008] Cyber universities to be established under the Higher Education Act

Source: Ministry of Education, Science and Technology

Korea will see the opening of new cyber universities governed under the Higher Education Act next year, according to an announcement by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology on August 4, 2008.

In current practice, cyber universities are classified as ‘lifelong education facilities in the form of distance learning universities.' They offer degrees according to the Lifelong Education Act, equivalent to those of four-year universities and 2~3-year junior colleges.

Starting 2009, however, the universities will be classified as regular higher education institutions pursuant to the Higher Education Act, offering bachelor's and associate bachelor's degrees.

Monday, September 15, 2008

[Korea.net News, Government News, August 7 2008] The stance of the Korean government on the IFJ press release

Source: Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism

KOREAN CULTURE AND INFORMATION SERVICE
FOREIGN MEDIA RELATIONS TEAM

The Stance of the Korean Government on the IFJ Press Release

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism expressed profound regret at the press release issued on August 5 by the International Federation of Journalists under the title, "IFJ Condemns Political Interference in Korean Media."

In the press release, IFJ unfairly criticizes the current situation surrounding the Korean media with such an extreme expression as "a catastrophe for press freedom" censuring recent changes in the management of media companies in Korea. In addition, the organization made an unduly inappropriate claim by saying, "the government is trying to manipulate media" or "Korea returns to the oppressive policies of the past."

Having gone through a democratization process, Korea is now basking in more freedom of the press than at any time before. The Korean Government maintains a consistent and steadfast stance on the media that the Government should not, can not and has no intention to control the media.

The truth behind the changes being made in the management of major broadcast media in Korea, which the IFJ press release is condemning, is discussed below.
[Korea.net News, Government News, August 4 2008] President to be interviewed by Yahoo!

Source: Office of the President

President Lee Myung-bak is to hold an interview with world-famous Internet portal Yahoo! (www.yahoo.com) in the middle of this August, the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae said Monday (Aug. 4).

This will be the first such interview the Internet powerhouse has conducted with a non-American leader, Cheong Wa Dae said.

President Lee will speak on the significance of the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Korea and his efforts to communicate better with Internet users and upgrade the national image and brand power of the country during the scheduled interview with Yahoo correspondent Aaron Task, according to a media release by Cheong Wa Dae.
[Korea.net News, Government News, August 4 2008] Gov't to strengthen online etiquette education for students

Source: Ministry of Education, Science and Technology

The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology said Saturday (Aug. 2) that Korea plans to expand its school curricula covering Internet ethics and common online etiquette, and will start teaching the subject at an earlier age.

Beginning next March, "online courtesy" will be taught starting from the second grade as part of a wider social skills curriculum. Related material will be reflected in student textbooks, according to the ministry.
[Korea.net News, Government News, August 4 2008] Gov't to strengthen online etiquette education for students

Source: Ministry of Education, Science and Technology

The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology said Saturday (Aug. 2) that Korea plans to expand its school curricula covering Internet ethics and common online etiquette, and will start teaching the subject at an earlier age.

Beginning next March, "online courtesy" will be taught starting from the second grade as part of a wider social skills curriculum. Related material will be reflected in student textbooks, according to the ministry.
[Korea.net News, Government News, August 4 2008] Gov't to strengthen online etiquette education for students

Source: Ministry of Education, Science and Technology

The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology said Saturday (Aug. 2) that Korea plans to expand its school curricula covering Internet ethics and common online etiquette, and will start teaching the subject at an earlier age.

Beginning next March, "online courtesy" will be taught starting from the second grade as part of a wider social skills curriculum. Related material will be reflected in student textbooks, according to the ministry.
[Korea.net News, Government News, August 4 2008] Gov't to strengthen online etiquette education for students

Source: Ministry of Education, Science and Technology

The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology said Saturday (Aug. 2) that Korea plans to expand its school curricula covering Internet ethics and common online etiquette, and will start teaching the subject at an earlier age.

Beginning next March, "online courtesy" will be taught starting from the second grade as part of a wider social skills curriculum. Related material will be reflected in student textbooks, according to the ministry.
[Korea.net News, Government News, August 4 2008] Gov't to strengthen online etiquette education for students

Source: Ministry of Education, Science and Technology

The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology said Saturday (Aug. 2) that Korea plans to expand its school curricula covering Internet ethics and common online etiquette, and will start teaching the subject at an earlier age.

Beginning next March, "online courtesy" will be taught starting from the second grade as part of a wider social skills curriculum. Related material will be reflected in student textbooks, according to the ministry.
[Korea.net News, Government News, July 31 2008] Gov't launches u-trade website

Source: Ministry of Knowledge Economy

The Ministry of Knowledge Economy and the Korea International Trade Association have partnered together in launching ‘www.utradehub.or.kr,' a comprehensive website aimed at seamlessly expediting paper-free international trade and commerce.

Companies who join as web members will be able to trade across borders without conventional paper documents, instead utilizing electronic certification systems to accelerate the overall process. Firms will be able to mobilize logistics, make payments and banking transactions, clear customs, and find trading partners all from one online source. The service will be available at a nominal fee, helping many small and medium sized companies who are not able to develop a paperless, electronic system on their own.
[Korea.net News, Government News, July 29 2008] Gov't opens online trade support system

Source: Ministry of Knowledge Economy

The Ministry of Knowledge Economy said Tuesday (July 29) that Korea has opened the world's first online trade support service system to help companies cut administrative costs and boost competitiveness.

The "uTradeHub" system is the culmination of nearly 20 years of research, and is designed to package all trade-related transaction paperwork into a single Internet-based application, according to the ministry.

The ministry said the introduction of the new system -- which incorporates services like export bill purchase negotiations (e-Nego), bill of lading (e-B/L) and letter of credit (e-L/C) -- is expected to revolutionize overall business processes and improve the productivity of local companies, and will be developed as an export product.
[Korea.net News, Government News, July 25 2008] Center for good research practice opens online service

Source: Ministry of Education, Science and Technology

The Center for Good Research Practice(CGRP) launched an official website on July 18, 2008, as a cyber research network responsible for systemically collecting and managing information on research ethics, and promoting proper research practice among Korean academic societies.

Based on the off-line center located at Chosun University in Gwangju, the CGRP website will help raise awareness on the major issues of research ethics, introduce related systems and conferences in and out of Korea, and provide educational resources and video material. The cyber space will also function as a venue for researchers to build diverse communities for information sharing and discussion.