South Korea Travel Tips

To reinvigorate the development of advanced science and technology, the government established the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) and the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) in 1966 and 1967, respectively.

Initially, Korea¡¯s national science and technology policies focused mainly on the introduction, absorption, and application of foreign technologies. In the 1980s, however, the emphasis shifted to the planning and conducting of national R&D projects to raise the level of scientific and technological skills. This included programs to increase both public and private sector R&D investment, and to nurture highly skilled R&D manpower

Since the early 1990s the government has been concentrating on three areas: the fostering of research in the basic sciences, securing an efficient distribution and use of R&D resources, and expanding international cooperation. These efforts are intended to increase Korea¡¯s technological competitiveness.

With this goal in mind, the Presidential Advisory Council for Science and Technology (PACST) was established in April 1999, to strengthen the overall coordination of national science and technology policy. Its main role is to coordinate major policies and overall plans for promoting science and technology (S&T), expand the science and technology-related investment and set priority for national R&D programs. PACST consists of 19 members including the President as chairman and major cabinet members related to science and technology. In setting up the PACST, the government has been seeking to enhance R&D investment in an effort to develop advanced technologies in the fields of bio-technology, environmental technology, new materials, information technology, and nuclear energy.

Under a "Long-term Plan for National Science and Technology Development," formulated in 1999, Korea envisions to become one of the top seven technologically advanced nations in the world during the first quarter of the 21st century.

As of the end of 2003, Korea's total R&D investment reached US$16 billion, which accounted for 2.64 percent of GDP. Korea will also actively invest in the development of public welfare technologies that improve the quality of life and of technologies that can lead to the creation of new industries.

In addition, Korea will continue to strengthen its involvement in global issues such as the preservation of the environment, and a stable supply of food, energy, and health care for the betterment of mankind.