Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy

Minister speaks at Tech Plus 2011

Minister of Knowledge Economy Choi Joong-Kyung speaks at “Tech Plus 2011” on November 9 in Seoul. The annual industrial technology forum, called a “knowledge concert,” drew 3,000 participants and highlighted Korea’s role as a designer of industries. date2011-11-14

Vice Minister attends Smart Korea 2011

Vice Minister for Industry and Technology Yoon Sang-Jick speaks at Smart Korea 2011 on October 12 in Ilsan. As Korea’s biggest annual IT event, the conference drew close to 1,000 participants. date2011-10-25

Retail Sales Figures for September

date2011-10-20

MKE Releases Car Sales Figures for September

MKE Releases Car Sales Figures for September The Ministry of Knowledge Economy has released its car sales figures for September. Thanks to strong production, domestic sales and exports, the Korean automobile market maintained positive growth.     Consistent growth of domestic sales and solid outbound shipments led to a 10.3 percent year-on-year increase in production to 374,014 vehicles. Sales of imported cars jumped 25.3 percent and domestic car sales climbed 3.8 percent due to gr date2011-10-12

Retail Sales Figures for August

Seasonal demand stimulated sales of sporting items, while sluggish air conditioner sales lowered sales of household appliances and cultural goods. Because the Chuseok holiday fell early this year, sales of food and household goods climbed. date2011-09-28

MKE Releases Car Sales Figures for August

MKE Releases Car Sales Figures for August The Ministry of Knowledge Economy has released its car sales figures for August. Korea produced 320,438 vehicles, recording the highest-ever August performance at 13.6 percent. The introduction of new models into the domestic market, coupled with rising demand for imported vehicles, drove domestic sales up 3.7 percent year on year to 123,168. Sales of imported cars gained 4.1 percent to 9,116 vehicles, resulting in a record 7.4 percent market share. The date2011-09-23

Retail Sales Figures for July

date2011-08-23

MKE Releases Car Sales Figures for July

MKE Releases Car Sales Figures for July The Ministry of Knowledge Economy has released its car sales figures for July. Korea produced 391,607 vehicles, an increase of 3.7 percent from a year ago. Improved quality has raised the global profile of Korea’s automakers and most of the major companies enjoyed an upswing in production thanks to strong domestic demand and robust exports. The growing popularity of small cars was an additional factor. Increased sales of fuel-efficient models and f date2011-08-05

Minister Greets MIT Media Professor

Minister Greets MIT Media Professor Minister of Knowledge Economy Choi Joong-Kyung speaks with Professor Nicholas Negroponte of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology on July 26 in Gwacheon, a Seoul suburb. The discussion focused on partnerships with MIT’s media lab and cooperation on industrial resources. date2011-08-02

Exhibition Showcases Korea’s Amazing Robots

Minister of Knowledge Economy Choi Joong-Kyung paid a visit to the Gwacheon National Science Museum in suburban Seoul last week to mark the opening of a permanent robot exhibition. Visitors can experience robots in action and glimpse the future world that will soon be reality thanks to advances in robotics. A 495-square-meter, robot-shaped exhibition hall within the museum showcases 21 kinds of robots: humanoid robots, robotic fish, robots designed for disaster operations, household robots, educational robots and more. Performing robots entertain visitors with singing, dancing and martial arts. to view a robot tae kwon do demonstration. The public can view the exhibition six days a week from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. but can also reserve tickets for other times; tickets are available both online (www.scientorium.go.kr) and from a robot at the entrance. The hall can accommodate up to 30 people and 30-minute visits can be scheduled every hour on the hour. Music, dance and tae kwon do performances run every hour on the half hour and last 20 minutes. No reservations are necessary to view performances. As Korea’s robotics industry grows stronger, the Ministry of Knowledge Economy is considering whether to establish similar exhibitions in different locations in 2012. * For pictures of the exhibition, please see the attached file. * Released by the Robot Division date2011-07-27