Directory of Korean ceramics industry, associations, universities, and institutes

Universities

Gachon University

(461-701) 1342 Seongnamdaero, Sujeong-gu,
Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do
Phone: 82-31-750-5114
Website: www.gachon.ac.kr/english

Nanoscale biological research is a strong area of focus at the university, whose schools include a College of BioNano Technology. In addition, it operates the Gachon BioNano Research Institute. Founded in 2007, the Research Institute’s objective is to “showcase innovative research and developing trends in fusion technology and nurture professionals in this field.”

Hanyang University

Seoul campus: 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul 04763
ERICA campus: 55 Hanyangdaehak-ro, Sangnok-gu, Ansan, Gyeonggi-do 15588
Phone: 82-2-2220-1421
Website: www.hanyang.ac.kr/english

The Ceramic Materials Research Institute and the Institute of Nanoscience and Technology are among 44 centers of study within the university. Among the facilities within its National Research Laboratory are the Thin Film Electronic Materials, Nano SOI (Silicon-on-Insulator) Process, and KINETIC Coating Laboratories. The university offers a major in materials and chemical engineering (chemical, ceramic, textile, and advanced materials).

Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)

KAIST 291, Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141
Phone: 82-42-350-2114
Website: www.kaist.ac.kr/html/en

KAIST describes its mission as “fostering the growth of science and technology leaders with a business mindset.” In keeping with its focus on bringing research ideas to market, the institution launched Startup KAIST to “create an entrepreneurial culture based on science and technology.” Aligned with this initiative is the work of the Office of University–Industry Collaboration, which works in turn with the Technology Commercialization Center and the Technology Business Incubation Center.

Korea University

45 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 136-701
Phone: 82-2-3290-1152
Website: www.korea.ac.kr/mbshome/mbs/en/index.do

Among the university’s areas of research concentration are microelectronics and nanotechnology systems, where the focus is on “studying microsystem and nanosystem design, optoelectronic devices, nanoscale devices, MEMS and NEMS fabrication, and microstructured and nanostructured materials,” the website notes. The university also is home to a Microelectronics & Micro/Nano Systems Laboratory that pursues advances in microsystems and nanotechnology-based microsensors and microactuators.

Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH)

77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang-si,
Gyeongsangbuk-do
Phone: 82-54-279-0114
Website: www.postech.ac.kr

POSTECH is home to 64 research centers and many state-of-the-art research facilities, including Korea’s only synchrotron radiation facility. Among its research institutes is the National Institute for Nanomaterials Technology, conceived as “a core research center for the advancement and commercialization of nanotechnology.”

Seoul National University

Gwanak Main Campus: 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu,
Seoul 08826
Phone: 82-2-880-4447
Website: en.snu.ac.kr

Among the university’s 16 colleges is the College of Engineering, home to the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. It also operates the Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology and the Advanced Institute of Convergence Technology, whose areas of research include energy semiconductors, nano-bio convergence, carbon dioxide recycling, green batteries, biomedical implant convergence, nano imaging and therapy, and nanoparticle innovation.

Sungkyunkwan University

Humanities and Social Sciences Campus: 25-2, Sungkyunkwan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Natural Sciences Campus: 2066, Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeong Gi-do
Phone directory: www.skku.ac.kr/eng_home/skku/campusinfo/find_tel_02.jsp
Website: www.skku.ac.kr/eng_home/index.jsp

Sungkyunkwan University’s history dates to 1398, but the school is keeping its focus on the future and its goal to be ranked among the top 100 universities in the world. As part of its strategy for achieving that goal, the university founded the SKKU Advanced Institute of Nanotechnology (SAINT) in 2005. Comprised of faculty and students, SAINT’s interdisciplinary nanomaterials group is described as “studying design, preparation, and integration of nanoscale materials and advanced nanotechnology-based application,” the website says. Working with the financial support of the Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology, it established a target of becoming one of the world’s top five nanotechnology institutes.

Sun Moon University

Asan campus: Kalsan-ri, Tangjaong-myaon, Asan-si, Chungnam, 336-708
Phone: 82-41-530-2114
Chonan campus: Samyong-dong, Chonan-si,
Chungnam, 330-150
Phone: 82-41-559-1214
Website: tulip.sunmoon.ac.kr/english/main.do

The university’s schools include the College of Advanced Materials Engineering, whose education and research programs focus on development and application of industrial materials at the core of the future industries. It conducts “industrial on-site practical education associated with 2,000 materials-related small businesses.”

Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST)

50, UNIST-gil, Eonyang-eup, Ulju-gun, Ulsan
Phone: +82 52 217 0114
Website: www.unist.ac.kr

Since opening in 2009, UNIST is already a leading science and technology university, and the instituion aims to be a top ten-ranked science and technology university worldwide by 2030. UNIST operates a School of Materials Science and Engineering that is active in industry research. The school’s two tracks, Advanced Materials Science and Nano Materials Engineering, merge research and education with industrial innovation.

University of Seoul

163 Seoulsiripdae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul
Phone: 82-2-6490-6114
Website: english.uos.ac.kr

Founded in 1918, the University of Seoul is a public institution with more than 10,000 students enrolled in seven undergraduate colleges and nearly 90 fields of study in the Graduate School. Three research centers are affiliated with the Institute: the Nanoscience & Technology Center, Seoul Jewelry Research Center, and High Performance Computing Research Center.

Yonsei University

50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
Directory: www.yonsei.ac.kr/eng/about/contacts/index.asp
Website: www.yonsei.ac.kr/eng

Founded in 1885, Yonsei University is Korea’s oldest private university and includes 18 graduate schools, 22 colleges, and 133 subsidiary institutions. Its Department of Materials Science and Engineering is building on a 50-year record of success in materials research. At the graduate level, its 280 students are engaged in the study of materials technology that has an impact on nanotechnology, biotechnology, and information, energy, space, structural, and clean technologies.

Government agencies and institutes

Korea Institute of Ceramic Engineering and Technology (KICET)

101, Soho-ro, Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, 660-031
Phone: 82-55-792-2500
Website: www.kicet.re.kr/en

As “Korea’s sole research institute specialized in ceramic technology,” KICET, a government-sponsored entity, partners with Korean companies to provide them with research, development, testing, analysis, and technology support. Its area of concentration is the “foundation technology” intended to “provide an independent growth platform for Korea’s next-generation focus industries.”

Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (KITECH)

89, Yangdaegiro-gil, Ipjang-myeon, Seobuk-gu,
Cheonan-si Chungcheongnam-do 31056
Phone: 82-41-589-8235
Website: eng.kitech.re.kr/main

Research at KITECH falls into three areas of concentration: root technology; manufacturing system technology; and industry convergence technology. The institute’s work in these areas supports its economic focus, which is to strengthen the autonomy and economic viability of small- and medium-sized enterprises.

Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS)

797 Changwondaero, Seongsan-gu, Changwon,
Gyeongnam 51508
Directory: www.kims.re.kr/eng/sub.php?code=05_01&Radd=05_01
Website: www.kims.re.kr/eng

KIMS is a government-funded research institute whose objective is “to comprehensively facilitate R&D, test, and evaluation and provide technical support related to materials technology in order to promote innovative technology and industrial development.” Its research divisions include Metal Materials, Powder & Ceramics, Surface Technology, Composites Research, Commercialization Research, and Industrial Technology Support & Safety.

Korean Institute of Metals and Materials (KIM)

6th Floor, Seocho-daero 56-gil 38, Seocho-gu, Seoul 137-881
Phone: 82-2-557-1071
Website: eng.kim.or.kr

KIM was founded in 1946 to facilitate “exchanges with institutes of metals and materials in other countries.” A member of the International Organization of Materials, Metals, & Minerals Societies, KIM participates in conferences designed to promote science and technology exchanges and maintains relationships with member organizations, which, in the U.S., include ASM International, the Iron and Steel Society, and the Minerals, Metals, and Materials Society.

Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST)

5, Hwarang-ro 14-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792
Phone: 82-2-958-5114
Directory: eng.kist.re.kr/kist_eng/?sub_num=416
Website: eng.kist.re.kr/kist_eng/main

Founded in 1966 as Korea’s first science and technology research institute, the institute operates the KIST Gangneung Institute of Natural Products and the KIST Jeonbuk Institute of Advanced Composite Materials, which was established in 2008 “to develop and disseminate composite material related original technology that enables national industry to lead the world.”

Ministry of Science, ICT, and Future Planning

Government Complex-Gwacheon, 47, Gwanmun-ro, Gwacheon-si, Gyeonggi-do 13809
Website: english.msip.go.kr/english/main/main.do

The Ministry aims to promote a creative economy and societal happiness through its support of science, technology, and information and communications technology (ICT). Through global partnerships, the Ministry is committed to furthering science and technology R&D through the development of various institutions and support of research efforts.

Associations and journals

Korean Ceramic Society

137-849 76 Seocho-gu, Bangbae
Phone: 82-2-584-0185, 588-5140
Email: ceramic@kcers.or.kr
Website: www.kcers.or.kr

Journal of the Korean Ceramic Society

Han-Ill Yoo, Editor
Email: hiyoo@snu.ac.kr
Website: www.koreascience.or.kr/journal/AboutJournal.jsp?kojic=SRMHB8

Published bimonthly, the Journal of the Korean Ceramic Society “contains reports of original research on all aspects of ceramics and ceramics-based composites,” the website notes. “Topics of the journal include a broad range of material science as follows, but are not limited to: chemistry and physics of conventional ceramics and glasses; engineering ceramics, including composites; advanced inorganic glasses with special properties; nanostructured ceramics; and materials for biological application.”

Journal of Asian Ceramic Societies

Website: www.journals.elsevier.com/journal-of-asian-ceramic-societies

With responsibility for peer review shared by The Ceramic Society of Japan and the Korean Ceramic Society, the Journal of Asian Ceramic Societies publishes “papers documenting original research and reviews covering all aspects of science and technology of ceramics, glasses, composites, and related materials. These papers include experimental and theoretical aspects emphasizing basic science, processing, microstructure, characteristics, and functionality of ceramic materials.”

Companies

Korea Murata Electronics Company

22^nd floor, GT Tower (East) 411, Seocho-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul 137-856
Phone: 82-2-561-2347
Website: www.murata.com/en-eu

Murata describes itself as “a global leader in the design, manufacture, and supply of advanced electronic materials, leading-edge electronic components, and multifunctional, high-density modules. Murata innovations can be found in a wide range of applications from mobile phones to home appliances, and automotive applications to energy management systems and healthcare devices.”

LG

LG Twin Tower 128, Yeoui-daero,
Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
Phone: 82-2-3777-1114
Website (U.S.): www.lg.com

LG’s Commercial Division serves industries with commercial displays, solar panels, lighting, and more. It’s R&D arm covers all business areas to develop applications and technologies for its products. According to the company’s website, “The organization is concentrating on research in basic technology, quality inspection, and standards fulfillment to improve its product quality, along with research in production-related core technologies and design.”

Posco Energy

16F, POSCO Center West Wing, 440, Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 135-933
Website: eng.poscoenergy.com/eng/renew/_service/main.asp

In 2007, Posco Co. Ltd. spun off its fuel cell business, and, the following year, the new enterprise established its Fuel Cell BOP factory in Pohang. The business, renamed Posco Energy in 2012, now has expanded its operations in the Asia-Pacific region, Europe, and South America. It is the world’s largest fuel cell producer and describes itself as “taking the lead in green energy business through a fuel cell, hydrogen-based, eco-friendly power generation system.”

Samsung

14, Seocho-daero 74-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul, 06620
Phone: 82-2-2145-2114
Website: www.samsungsem.com/global/index.jsp

Samsung Electro-Mechanics describes itself as providing “a total solution for all electronic component needs, from materials and parts to modules.” To achieve this goal, it operates three business divisions. The Digital Module Division works on advances in camera modules, wireless solutions, power modules, and vibration motors. The Linkage of Magnetic Flux Coil, Capacitor, Resistor Division is dedicated to innovation in MLCCs, tantalum capacitors, chip inductors, chip resistors, and EMCs. The Advanced Circuit Interconnection Division focuses on the development of technology related to HDI, rigid flex, BGA, and FC BGA.

Ssangyong Materials Corporation

151, Seongseogongdannam-ro, Dalseo-gu, Daegu
Phone: 82-53-580-4217, 4218
Website: www.ssym.com/eng/html/main.html

A branch of Ssangyong Group, which in turn is operated by holding company Ssangyong Cement, Korea’s biggest cement company, Ssangyong Materials Corporation is a leader in the field of advanced materials industry. The company is headquartered in Taegu and has plants there and in Pohang as well as a marketing office in Seoul that serves as its global sales contact. Ssangyong works with ceramic materials that include alumina, silicon nitride, zirconia, and silicon carbide.

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