New wave of IT world rushing in

‘Cloud Meets Big Data’ was the hot issue in IT Forum which was recently held in COEX Convention Center. Cloud Computing has been the main stream of Korean Internet services since last year. It sounds little far from your daily life, but over 10 millions are using the Cloud service. Let’s take a look before it’s too late.

Hot issue in IT World, elusive Cloud computing

Cloud computing is defined as a computing environment providing services through internet servers such as a data storage, network, and contents at the same time according to Naver dictionary(http://100.naver.com). In short, we put all data together into servers of data center so we could use them whenever we need. Just like the clouds intangible, the space doesn’t exist in computer, but we can handle them freely

(Source: EBN Industry News)

Let’s take an example with an email. Whenever you log in, you’ll receive emails or data. Your computer actually doesn’t have the storage for data but you can take them out from the internet server. This is a basic concept of it.

Cloud computing is a technology that you can use the Operating Systems(OS) such as Windows, and Mac, and Word processor, Office, Photoshop, Games and all kinds of application programs and the saved data with certain payment. Many of Korean corporations and government organizations already adopted the service or moving to adopt it. IT service companies are providing a large webhard-type of cloud service for individuals as well.

Faster, Easier and Cheaper

The advantage of the Cloud Computing is that you can save the space and costs. All you need are a monitor, a keyboard, a mouse and the network function, and you just have to pay as much as you use. The other advantage is that you can use the data anytime with a variety of IT devices such as computers, tablet PCs, and smart phones.

For its cost effectiveness, the Cloud computing system is much more attractive to businesses than to individuals. With the Cloud Computing system, employees just need internet-accessible computer instead of expensive PC and software. In terms of security, the authentication process prevents the security breaches and information leaks.

(Source: NewsPim)

Firstly, the server stability and the security must be guaranteed for Cloud computing. In fact, a cloud computing service in the US was down for two hours with a huge loss. In this case, users’ loss must be tremendous. In terms of security, like DDoS, servers can be the target for hacking or attack. Strict security solution should be prepared to prevent such a horrible damage to data center

Seize the Growth Engine of Future Korea

The scale of the world Cloud Computing market is expected to grow from 31 billion dollars in 2011 to 60 billion dollars in 2014. It is the trend that world class IT businesses and venture companies consider the Cloud Computing a key industry in the future. Global competition for Cloud Computing among business and individual market is already underway

In response to global competition, Korean government announced the strategy last month that they will increase the Cloud Computing adoption rate up to 15%. The official said that they will improve the legal system in order to promote the growth of Cloud Computing market. In addition to encouraging government agencies build up Cloud Computing infrastructure in a certain percentage, Korean government support small businesses so that they can be a global competitor through combining data center with Cloud Computing.

Korean companies are set to Cloud Computing service. IT companies sell their services such as large scale Cloud Computing and virtualization solutions. They move ahead with international companies to be the leader in the world market of Cloud Computing market

(Source: Digital Times)

Korean mobile service company K on June 30^th made an agreement of joint venture together with Japanese company S. K has a plan to build up data center in Kimhae, Gyeongsangnam-do so that they could provide data service for not only Japanese companies but also for Asian companies within a radius of 2,000 km. Global e-bay company E announced last 13^th they will build up data center in Busan to support Korea, China, Japan, Singapore and Australia branches. Prior to it, US IT company opened a data center in cooperation with Korean Insurance Company K in Songdo, Incheon city last November. It appears that more companies will open data centers in Korea

The key reasons for these trends are geological conditions, less natural disasters, stable and low cost electric service and reliable internet service. In particular, IT infrastructure is the most highly graded. With these strength and advantages, we are looking forward to being a leader in data center hub through Asia and global competitor in the world cloud computing service market.

Yonhap Interview) Indian leader says food aid to N. Korea based on 'grave' situation

NEW DELHI, July 24 (Yonhap) -- Indian President Pratibha Patil said that her country's recent decision to offer food aid to North Korea was reached in consideration of the North's "grave" food security situation.

Patil said in an interview with Yonhap News Agency in New Delhi ahead of her trip to Seoul that India took a "well deliberated" decision to provide food to North Korea in accordance with its emergency food aid policy, indicating further food shipments to the North in the future.

Indian President Pratibha Patil (Yonhap)

"To ensure that the food assistance reaches its destination speedily and effectively, we cooperated with the World Food Program. ... I understand that Indian food assistance has reached the DPR Korea and is being distributed by the WFP," Patil said in the interview, using the abbreviation of North Korea's official name.

Patil was to arrive in South Korea on Sunday for a four-day state visit, including a summit with South Korean President Lee Myung-bak on Monday.

The South Korea-India summit will focus on ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in all fields, including diplomacy, security, economy, trade and culture, Lee's office said.

India's presidential palace (Yonhap)

As Washington and Seoul continue to mull the need to send humanitarian food aid to North Korea, India announced in March that it was making US$1 million available for distribution through the WFP, saying that the North's situation is sufficiently serious to warrant assistance.

On July 5, India's Ministry of External Affairs said that 900 tons of soya beans and 373 tons of wheat, which were bought with India's $1 million humanitarian aid, were offloaded at the North Korean port of Nampo.

Patil said that during her visit to Seoul, she aims to accelerate the momentum in bilateral relations stemming from last year's effectuation of a comprehensive economic partnership agreement.

"India and the Republic of Korea elevated bilateral ties to the level of a Strategic Partnership. The objective of my visit to the ROK is to accelerate the momentum in our relations," Patil said, using the full name and abbreviation of South Korea's official name.

While in South Korea, the Indian leader will also lay flowers before a bronze bust sculpture of Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore that was recently erected in central Seoul by the two countries to mark the 150th birth anniversary of the late poet.

The followings are questions and answers from the July 22 interview with Patil at the Indian Presidential Palace.


Question: What is the purpose of your trip to South Korea this time? Do you have any specific agenda you want to discuss with South Korean leaders?

Answer: Let me first convey my warm greetings to the people of the Republic of Korea, a friendly country with which India is linked by both bonds of culture and civilization. Buddhism is a common chord which resonates in both India and the Republic of Korea. Both our countries share common values of democracy, rule of law and respect for human rights. You will recall that H.E. President Lee Myung-bak visited India in January 2010 as the Chief Guest for our Republic Day celebrations. During his visit, India and Republic of Korea elevated bilateral ties to the level of a Strategic Partnership. The objective of my visit to the ROK is to accelerate the momentum in our relations. In Seoul, I look forward to holding discussions with President Lee in which we will cover the entire gamut of our bilateral relations as well as regional and global issues. I also look forward to meeting Speaker Park of the National Assembly of ROK.


Q: Nearly six decades ago, India, as a leader of the non-aligned bloc of countries, played an important role in bringing the Korean War to an end. Most recently, your country drew international attention by providing food aid to North Korea. Does your country have a further plan to give humanitarian aid to the North?

A: The Government of Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPR Korea) made a specific request of food assistance to the Government of India. In view of the grave food security situation in the DPR Korea, the Government of India took a well deliberated decision to provide food assistance to the DPR Korea in line with our policy on emergency food assistance. To ensure that the food assistance reaches its destination speedily and effectively, we cooperated with the World Food Program (WFP), which has an ongoing program in the DPR Korea. I understand that Indian food assistance has reached the DPR Korea and is being distributed by the WFP.


Q: India and South Korea have forged close ties in almost all areas. Now, your country is home to many big South Korean companies, including Samsung and LG. However, there have recently been some negative reports about Korean companies trying to expand their presence in India. One such report is about Orissa residents who oppose POSCO'S plan to build a steel plant near their village. Do you have an idea to resolve the problem?

A: The Government of India has given all clearances for the POSCO project and the State Government of Odisha is to acquire the land for the project. We are aware that they are facing some obstacles in doing so. The State Government of Odisha is dealing with the situation.

Q: Many agree that economic relations between India and South Korea are very good and are moving in the right direction. Do you have any plan to further develop them?

A: Our governments have already put in place an institutional framework and relevant mechanisms which have created a highly conducive environment for our businessmen and industrialists to operate and contribute to each other's economy. For instance, the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement that came into effect last year, was able to generate 40 percent growth in trade in the first year itself, with the bilateral trade having crossed US$17 billion. We are ready and willing to further upgrade our CEPA. During President Lee's visit to India, recognizing the potential for further expansion of the economic engagement between our two countries, we agreed to a trade target of $30 billion by 2014. I am confident that we would meet this target comfortably.

India is a large and growing market. Some of your companies such as LG, Samsung, Hyundai have been very successful in India. We invite greater investment from the ROK to our country. We would urge the Korean corporations to take full advantage of the extensive opportunities offered by the huge Indian market. On a similar note, Indian corporations are keen to take advantage of the opportunities in the ROK. India has a competitive advantage in areas such as pharmaceuticals and Information Technology. Our companies require greater access to the Korean market in these sectors. We also need more connectivity between our two countries which will encourage people-to-people contact, enhance interaction of commerce and business enterprises and generate prosperity for our peoples.


Q: The fast-developing Indian economy has become the object of envy of other countries. However, some note that hurdles also lie ahead for your country's economic development, especially the lack of proper infrastructure. Does your government have any plan to improve infrastructure?

A: India has made important strides in the recent years with an impressive rate of growth. At the same time we are alive to some of the constraints that we face particularly with respect to infrastructure. My government has taken many initiatives to develop India's infrastructure. We are looking at US$1 trillion investment in this field during our 12th Five Year Plan (2012-2017). I take this opportunity to invite Korean enterprise to participate in the development of India's infrastructure.


Q: India has often been a target of international terrorism, most recently in Mumbai. What is your government's plan to root it out?

A: First of all I would like to convey our gratitude for the message of support and condolence we have received from President Lee on behalf of the people and Government of Republic of Korea for the victims of the outrageous terror attack that took place in Mumbai on 13 July 2011. India is a victim of cross-border terrorism. I whole heartedly agree with President Lee's view that terrorism is a crime against humanity and has no justification whatsoever. India will continue to work with the Republic of Korea and other members of the international community to confront, combat and collectively defeat this crime against humanity.


Q: As a female president, do you have any advice, if any, for South Korean female politicians?

A: I am impressed with the rapid transformation of Korean society within a short period of time. This would not have been possible without the valuable contribution of Korean women. I would like to convey my tribute to the strength, resilience and dynamism of Korea's women. Korean women are already participating in a meaningful way in public life. I support a greater role for women in all fields.
(END)

Korea and India vow to expand cooperation

President Lee Myung-bak and Indian President Pratibha Patil held a summit on July 25 at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul to discuss ways to expand bilateral cooperation.

The two leaders agreed on the importance of Korea-India ties, which have substantially improved in a variety of sectors since the 2010 agreement to upgrade to a strategic partnership, including diplomacy, security, culture, economy and trade.

Lee and Patil agreed to work to increase the effects of the Korea-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which took effect on January 1, 2010 by reflecting on the trade environment of the two countries.

President Lee Myung-bak (right) and Indian President Pratibha Patil held a summit on July 25 at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul (Yonhap News)

The two leaders signed a nuclear energy cooperation pact, which will allow Korean atomic power firms to enter India’s nuclear energy market.

They also signed a memorandum of understanding on media exchanges and cooperation between Korea and India.

The two leaders also agreed to closely cooperate on key international issues like climate change, and expressed hopes a successful Nuclear Security Summit in Seoul in March 2012.

By Yoon Sojung
Korea.net Staff Writer

India signs nuclear deal with South Korea

NEW DELHI: India and South Korea signed a civil nuclear agreement on Monday, a deal that gives the north-east Asian country an entry into India’s nuclear energy sector. The deal, India’s ninth, was signed by President Pratibha Patil in Seoul with South Korean President Lee Myung Bak. President Lee termed the nuclear cooperation agreement as “historic” and which would act as “a milestone, demonstrating that our two countries have now truly become strategic partners”.
Negotiated over three rounds, the last in December, the India-South Korea agreement carried the least amount of historical nuclear “baggage” as far as India is concerned. Officials involved in the negotiations described them as “clear, pragmatic and smooth”.
Both sides held some extra informal meetings on the deal this year and the Indian side was impressed with the proactive approach of the South Koreans in this sector. The India-South Korea deal was always going to be an easier sell than the India-Japan deal. Japan and India have been locked in negotiations which are really going nowhere.
The Japanese have been hobbled by the Fukushima disaster, but they have been carrying a long-held nuclear baggage, which Indian negotiators find “unrealistic”. Japan, said sources, may have quietly dropped the demand that India sign the CTBT, but they continue to hold out a laundry list of actions India must take to reassure them before they can sign the deal. The thing is, without an India-Japan deal, a number of western countries entering the Indian nuclear sector would find it difficult to get in, because Japan holds the licences for critical components of nuclear reactors.
That was until the South Koreans entered the market. Having swiped a massive UAE nuclear deal from under the noses of the French, Koreans have established themselves as not only much cheaper nuclear suppliers, but more crucially, from the Indian point of view, as an alternative supply chain for nuclear reactors and its components like giant forgings. The India-South Korea deal therefore does two things — it allows India to tap into another country’s nuclear expertise and it takes the pressure off the India-Japan nuclear deal.

source:the linkpaper.ca

Jongmyon: A must visit World Heritage site in Korea

Chongmyo Shrine was built at the same time as Gyeongbok Palace to hold the ancenstral tablets for the kings of the Chosun Dynasty. Since then, all but 2 of the kings and their queens are enshrined here. According to Confucian tradition, the royal family would perform elaborate rituals here 5 times each year to pay respect to their royal ancestors. The tradition still holds today, although the Jongmyo Daeje (Royal Shrine Ritual) is only performed once each year, in May (designated as Cultural Property #56). Dozens of descendents of the royal family gather in court costumes appropriate for the Chosun period. The rituals are accompanied by traditional court music (Chongmyo Cherye-ak- Intangible Cultural Property #1) played by the Royal Court Orchestra.

                           



Cheongjeon
The main shrine hall, Cheongjeon (National Treasure #227) is the longest single traditional structure in Korea. It houses the tablets for the first set of kings and their queens.

                                  
                 


At the northern part of the grounds is an overpass to Changgyeong Palace. Although the two were originally connected, during the Japanese occupation, Yulgong-no road was built between the them as a symbolic split. (The overpass opens at 9:00 and closes one hour prior to closing of the Shrine.)

                                


Hours:
Mar. ~ Oct. - 09:00 ~ 17:00 (weekends- 18:00)
Nov. ~ Feb. - 09:00 ~ 16:30
Closed: Every Tuesday

Admission:
Adults (19 to 64 years old): 1,000 won (groups: 800 won)
Children (7 to 18 years old) and soldiers: 500 won (groups: 400 won)
* Children 6 and under, seniors 65 and over: Free

Directions:
Jongno 3 (sam)-ga Station (Subway line 1, exit 11; Subway line 3, exit 8; Subway line 5, exit 8), 5 minutes walking

source:lifeinkorea.com

Dear Friends! Lets know about Jongmyo in Korea

Jongmyo is a Confucian shrine dedicated to the memorial services for the deceased kings and queens of the Korean  Joseon Dynasty. According to UNESCO  , the shrine is the oldest royal Confucian shrine preserved and the ritual ceremonies continue a tradition established since the 14th century. Such shrines existed during the Three Kingdoms of  Korea period but only the shrines for the rulers of Joseon remain. The Jongmyo Shrine was added to the UNESCO  World Heritagelist in 1995.

When it was built in 1394 by order of King Taejo, it was thought to be one of the longest buildings in Asia, if not the longest. The main hall, known as Jeongjeon, had seven rooms. Each room was reserved for a king and his queen. The complex was expanded by King Sejong who ordered the construction of Yeongnyeongjeon (Hall of Eternal Comfort). This practice of expansion continued, with the growth of the complex moving from west to east, because of the need to house more memorial tablets during the reigns of later kings until there were a total of nineteen rooms. However, during the Seven Year war, Japanese invaders burned down the original shrine and a new complex was constructed in 1601 CE which has survived to this day. The original tablets were saved in the invasion by hiding them in the house of a commoner and also survive to this day. There are 19 memorial tablets of kings and 30 of their queens, placed in 19 chambers. Each room is very simple and plain in design. Only two kings' memorial tablets are not enshrined here.

 

The current Jeongjeon is National Treasure No. 227 and is the longest building in Korea of traditional design.

The south entrance gate was reserved for spirits to enter and exit, the east gate was for the king, and the west gate was for the performers of the royal ritual.
Viewed from the king's throne at Gyeong bokgung Palace, Jongmyo Shrine would have been on the king's left while the Sajik Shrine, another important Confucian shrine, was on the right. This arrangement was derived from Chinese practice. The main halls are surrounded by hills. In front of the main hall is the Woldae Courtyard, which is 150 meters in length and 100 meters in width.