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Non-Contact Dry Cleaning System

August 26, 2026 by Leave a Comment
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[INQ. NO. 2608M04] Removing fine foreign particles is a critical task that determines yield in display- and battery-manufacturing processes.
As processes advance ‒ such as larger panels and the realization of high resolution ‒ the importance of particle-removal equipment has grown. In this context, Korea’s AF ONE CO., LTD. has presented a non-contact dry cleaning system developed in-house.
AF ONE participated in K-Display 2026, recently held at COEX in Samseong-dong, Seoul, and demonstrated its proprietary cleaning brand, BUSC. This system is designed for a non-contact method that eliminates physical friction with the substrate.
The company’s CEO explained, “Unlike the ultrasonic or whirling methods primarily adopted by existing overseas equipment, we have improved cleaning performance by independently developing a ‘blow-up’ method that compresses internal air and sprays it through dual nozzles.”
A specially designed head shoots gas to detach foreign particles, while a controller sucks them in to prevent particle scattering. The CEO added, “We implemented a system through fluid analysis so that foreign substances are immediately sucked in without being blown away, even when air is blown downwards.”
The system can be customized for various shapes, including flat substrates, 4D curved surfaces, roll-to-roll surfaces, and metal masks.


 
 
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Dual Parallel-link Robot Arm

August 26, 2026 by Leave a Comment
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[INQ. NO. 2608M03] While semiconductors and displays use silicon and glass, respectively, as substrates, they share a common characteristic: they involve the repetition of complex etching and coating processes in a vacuum.
Consequently, robots deployed in these processes require high precision and fast operational performance.
T-ROBOTICS, a company specializing in robotics, exhibited a dual parallel-link robot arm reflecting market demands at K-Display 2026.
This product, which also won the nation’s Minister’s Award at the K-Display Awards held in conjunction with the exhibition, fundamentally eliminates arm sagging and vibration. This enables precise and rapid transportation of objects weighing up to 240 kg even in high-temperature environments of up to 500°C and high vacuum conditions.
In particular, it was designed with a minimized turning radius to reduce the space required for installation at manufacturing sites, and it incorporates sealing technology to maintain the vacuum environment ‒ as well as outgassing suppression technology to prevent the release of minute gases.

A spokesperson for the company explained, “Inside the chambers where display processing takes place, there are environmental factors that are difficult to manage, including toxic gases. Our technology’s outstanding feature is that it rapidly moves substrates through very narrow doorways using only the robot’s fingers.”
According to the company, by applying dual parallel link technology, fluctuations can be reduced by half even when the same force is applied. The length of the robot arm can be adjusted from 3 to 7 meters, depending on the size of the robot.
T-ROBOTICS was originally a company that developed vacuum robots for semiconductors, and it began manufacturing display robots in 2007 as well, currently holding 10 domestic and 33 international patents.
Currently, there are three companies worldwide that produce display-related robots, including T-ROBOTICS, a company that remains strong in the fields of Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) and Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD). T-ROBOTICS plans to continue targeting areas where other companies are strong in the future.
 
 
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Korea Showing Noteworthy Export Performance

August 26, 2026 by Leave a Comment
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Pioneering New Potential Markets with Competitive Items
 

South Korea’s exports in July totaled $98.89 billion, which is a significant 62.8% increase compared to the same period last year.
This marks the second-highest monthly figure on record for Korea, following the $102.25 billion recorded in June. The trade balance, calculated by subtracting imports from exports, recorded a surplus of $30.32 billion, marking an increase of $23.81 billion year-on-year. This shows a streak of surpluses exceeding $30 billion for two consecutive months.

As in July, semiconductors were the driving force behind this amazing export performance. Semiconductor exports surged by 178.8% year-on-year to $41.01 billion. This is the second-highest-ever on record, following June ($44.8 billion). It is attributed to the continued rise in memory semiconductor prices, driven by the sustained expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure investment by global big-tech companies. The fixed price of 16GB DRAM semiconductors climbed from $31.00 in March of this year to $45.00 in July.

Among the top-20 major export items, 19 categories ‒ excluding home appliances ‒ showed positive growth. Automobile exports recorded $6.24 billion, a 7.0% increase, driven by strong sales of eco-friendly vehicles such as hybrids and a base effect resulting from the automotive industry’s summer vacation schedule shifting from late July to early August.
Ship exports also rose by 46.9% to $3.29 billion, boosted by expanded shipments of high-value-added vessels, such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers. This marks the sixth consecutive month of growth.
The materials and machinery sectors also showed a steady increase. Steel exports ($2.36 billion) rose by 4.4%, driven by demand for the construction of AI data centers and oil pipeline replacements in the United States. Exports of general machinery ($4.53 billion) also increased by 5.9% due to expanded investment in high-tech manufacturing.
While energetically releasing new products, Korean companies are knocking on the doors of global markets with competitive items. In their efforts toward accomplishing their export performance goals for this year, creative moves are being made to discover their own potential buyers and markets.
In particular, Korean companies engaged in the manufacturing of products in the field of oil & gas are continuously coming up with attractive and competitive items:
WOOSUNG VALVE has not only been manufacturing products based on projects such as oil & gas, power plants, desalination, chemical plants, shipbuilding, and offshore ― but also supplying check valves required for various basic industries such as pumps, engines, compressors, boilers, chillers, dryers, and scrubbers.
WFN CO., LTD. specializes in manufacturing customized flanges and forged heat exchanger parts, including tubesheets and baffles. WFN manufactures flanges and forged parts in diverse shapes and sizes that are required in various industries such as oil & gas, offshore, plants, and ships.


 
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Gas Detectors

August 26, 2026 by Leave a Comment
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[INQ. NO. 2608M02] Senko Co., Ltd. is a company specializing in gas detectors that protect users from oxygen deficiency, toxic gas poisoning, gas explosions, etc. Products are divided into portable and fixed types according to installation method, and single and complex gas detectors according to measurement function.
Senko develops electrochemical sensors with its own technology, and also develops and produces gas safety devices and systems for various industrial sites, such as portable gas detectors.
In this way, Senko is not only localizing the domestic market, which is dominated by foreign products, but is also developing overseas markets.

Senko’s gas detectors quickly notify users about any dangers of the site through real-time gas concentration measurement and alarm function when the set value is exceeded. In addition, it has acquired various international explosion-proof certifications such as IECEx, ATEX, CSA, UL, and PESO ― and is thus equipped with the ability to respond to the global market.

 
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Check Valves

August 26, 2026 by Leave a Comment
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[INQ. NO. 2608M01] WOOSUNG VALVE CO., LTD. is a manufacturer specializing in producing and selling all types of check valves since its establishment in 1981.
WOOSUNG VALVE has not only been manufacturing products based on projects such as oil & gas, power plants, desalination, chemical plants, shipbuilding, and offshore ― but also supplying check valves required for all basic industries such as pumps, engines, compressors, boilers, chillers, dryers, and scrubbers.
WOOSUNG VALVE’s two key check valves are: dual plate check valve; and non-slam check valve.

These two check valves are high-performance industrial valves designed to prevent backflow of fluid, protect the system, and control efficient flow rate. Optimal selection is possible depending on the installation environment and flow conditions, and they offer various advantages such as water-shock prevention and compact structure.
Dual-plate check valves are applicable to general industrial piping, HVAC, seawater treatment, pump discharge lines, etc., while non-slam check valves are applicable to pump systems, high pressure piping, plant equipment, etc.

 
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Rise of Korean Defense

August 26, 2026 by Leave a Comment
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Thanks to expanded exports to Poland and the Middle East, Orders already scheduled exceed KRW 100 trillion.

Establishing overseas local production and supply chains

The four major domestic defense companies are expected to post combined operating profits of more than KRW 1.5 trillion in the second quarter of this year, setting a new quarterly record.
According to financial data provider FnGuide, operating profit consensus for the second quarter of this year for Hanwha Aerospace, Hyundai Rotem, Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) and LIG D&A totaled KRW 1.5026 trillion. That is an increase of 11.7% from the same period last year.
Sales are also expected to return to the KRW 10 trillion range. The defense industry’s Big 4 first surpassed KRW 10 trillion in combined sales in the fourth quarter of last year, when sales reached KRW 12.9183 trillion, but slowed to KRW 9.4691 trillion in the first quarter of this year. A revenue consensus for the second half stands at KRW 11.298 trillion.

The performance of Hanwha Aerospace stands out the most. Its second-quarter operating profit is projected at KRW 1.0224, raising expectations that it will surpass KRW 1 trillion in quarterly operating profit. As revenue recognition for export business to Europe, including Poland, expands, business in Egypt and Australia is also expected to contribute to earnings.
Hyundai Rotem is expected to post second-quarter operating profit of KRW 270.2 billion, a 4.9 increase from a year earlier. Despite the burden of the significant performance boost from last year’s exports of K2 tanks to Poland, the company appears to be maintaining stable profitability.
KAI’s second-quarter operating profit is forecast to rise by 22.6% to KRW 104.5 billion. This is attributed to the delivery of T-50i training fighter planes to Indonesia, and a recovery in the civilian aircraft components business.
LIG D&A is expected to record the highest growth rate among the four major defense companies in the second quarter, with operating profit increasing by 36% to KRW 105.5 billion. Demand for the UAE Cheongung-II (medium-range surface-to-air missile) project and air defense systems in the Middle East is also continuing.
Visibility on future earnings is also considered strong. As of the first quarter of this year, the combined order backlog of the four companies exceeded KRW 100 trillion, meaning they have secured a stable production base for several years based solely on the work already obtained.


 
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K-Tire Production Base Shifts from China to Europe

August 26, 2026 by Leave a Comment
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Nexen drastically reduces production in China.
Hankook Tire significantly expands its Hungarian plant.
Kumho expands production in Vietnam and Korea.

The domestic tire industry has accelerated the expansion of overseas local production and the restructuring of its supply chains.
According to sources in the tire industry, Nexen Tire plans to reduce the proportion of Chinese-made tires in its European sales volume from approximately 15% last year to about 4% this year. Shipments from its Chinese factories to Europe have also been cut from about 3 million tires annually to around 600,000. The company’s strategy is to replace those volumes with production from its plants in South Korea and the Zatec plant in the Czech Republic to minimize tariff-related risks.

Among South Korean manufacturers, a tariff rate of 29,9% was imposed on tires produced in China by Nexen Tire and Kumho Tire, respectively, while a lower tariff rate of approximately 3.4% was imposed on products of Hankook Tire & Technology, which has a relatively lower proportion of production in China. It is reported that the EU determines tariff rates by comprehensively considering factors such as the proportion of Chinese-made products and the ratio of local production in Europe.
Nexen Tire is accelerating the adjustment of its production bases to reduce the tariff burden on Chinese-made tires. The company is shifting a substantial portion of exports to Europe previously supplied from its Qingdao factory in China to a parallel production system at its domestic plants in Yangsan and Changnyeong, South Gyeongsang Province, as well as at its plant in the Czech Republic. The strategy aims to preemptively reduce the proportion of Chinese-made products subject to tariffs and replace a significant portion of European sales volume with locally produced goods.
The tire industry as a whole is also accelerating its move to reduce tariff risks. Kumho Tire, which produces approximately 30% of its total global output in China, has embarked on structural improvements and supply chain diversification. It is pursuing plants to expand the proportion of high-value-added products and reorganize a portion of its production volume in China to focus on factories in Vietnam and Korea. Furthermore, it is accelerating the establishment of a local production system in Europe, aiming to complete its new Hampyeong plant in 2027 and its Poland plant in 2028.
Hankook Tire & Technology, which has a relatively low proportion of production in China, plans to maintain its existing strategy while focusing on strengthening production competitiveness in Europe. Following the operation of its Hungarian plant since 2007, the company has recently expanded its production lines to include tires for trucks and buses through a large-scale expansion, securing an annual production capacity of approximately 18 million units.

 
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Competition for LNG Carriers Intensifies

August 26, 2026 by Leave a Comment
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Korean companies secure 64% of this year’s orders.
China increases production emphasizing cost-effectiveness.
Japan expands government support.

The liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier market is heating up again. Competition for orders is intensifying as the expansion of LNG projects, centered in the U.S., coincides with the demand for replacing existing vessels with eco-friendly ones. Global LNG carrier orders, which stood at just 37 vessels last year, surged to 35 in the first quarter of this year alone and reached 53 as of early June.
According to sources in the shipbuilding industry, Korean shipbuilders have maintained an advantage so far in the global LNG carrier bidding war. As of early June this year, Korean shipbuilders secured 34 orders out of the 53 LNG carriers ordered worldwide, 64% of the total.
By company, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering had the most orders with 16 vessels, followed by Samsung Heavy Industries with 12 and Hanwha Ocean with 6.

The reason Korea has taken the lead is high technological barriers. LNG carriers are a representative high-value-added ship type that must safely transport liquefied natural gas at 163 degrees Celsius below zero.
Industry sources assess that Korea’s three major shipbuilders ‒ HD Korea Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering, Hanwha Ocean, and Samsung Heavy Industries ‒ earn absolute trust from global shipowners based on decades of accumulated construction experience, quality control systems, large-scale project execution capabilities, and on-time delivery compliance.
China has recently been rapidly expanding its presence in the high-value-added LNG carrier sector. By early June of this year, Chinese shipbuilders had secured orders for a total of 19 LNG carriers, trailing closely behind Korea.
China is currently expanding its presence in the global market by leveraging its price competitiveness and large-scale production capacity. As of last year, it has reportedly accounted for over 70% of total global ship orders.
Japan has also launched a counterattack at the national level. A sense of crisis is mounting as Japan’s share of global ship orders has fallen from the past 15~16% level to 8% last year.
Japan plans to restore competitiveness in high-value-added vessel types, such as LNG carriers, through shipyard consolidation, facility investment, AI and DX based productivity enhancement, and manpower development.
 
 
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K-Heavy Industries Also Takes Advantage of Data Center Boom

August 26, 2026 by Leave a Comment
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Entering AI power infrastructure business one after another

Traditional heavy industries are jumping into the data center market amidst the artificial intelligence (AI) data center boom. Korea’s shipbuilding, oil refining, construction machinery, and steel industries are joining the data center market, which has till now been considered a feast only for semiconductor companies. With the spread of generative AI sparking a data center construction boom centered in North America, the entire related industry, including power, cooling, engines, and steel, has started to find new sources of revenue.
According to industry sources, HD Construction Machinery plans to develop engines for data centers by next year to meet the growing demand for emergency generators driven by increasing data centers. The company is targeting the market for ultra-large engines for AI data centers by leveraging industrial engine technology previously used for emergency generators. Accordingly, it is constructing a new engine factory in Gunsan, North Jeolla Province, in addition to its current engine plant in Incheon.

Korea’s large shipbuilding industry is securing substantial orders. As it takes years for U.S. big tech companies to connect data centers to the power grid, power generation facilities based on ship engines have emerged as a realistic alternative. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries announced that it has secured its first order for engines for U.S. data centers, while Hanwha Engine and STX Engine are also considering entering the business to meet growing demand. It is also analyzed that the shipbuilding industry is expanding its scope beyond simple ship manufacturing into the power generation and electrical infrastructure sectors.
The oil refining industry is also riding the AI wave. It is targeting the ‘liquid immersion cooling’ market, which is currently the hottest keyword in the data center industry. Oil refiners are accelerating the competition to develop cooling oil fluids for data centers by leveraging their existing lubricant technologies.
The steel industry also has high expectations of the AI boom. AI data centers are much heavier than ordinary buildings, and their power facilities are constructed with multi-layered structures, requiring a large volume of large section steel (H-beams) and high-grade structural steel. Hyundai Steel has signed a strategic framework agreement with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and is supplying eco-friendly steel materials, such as carbon-reducing steel and H-beams, to major data centers in the Asia-Pacific region.

 
 
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Getting Around South Korea

July 23, 2026 by Leave a Comment
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A Complete Guide to Getting Around South Korea

South Korea’s transport network combines smart card systems, high speed rail, scenic themed trains, and subway accessible hiking trails, helping visitors travel smoothly across the country’s cities and regions.

Smart Cards Make Travel Simple
Using a transit card instead of cash tickets saves 100 won per ride and allows free transfers between subways and buses within a 30 minute window, extended to 60 minutes overnight. T-money cards cost between 3,000 and 5,000 won, never expire, and work nationwide on subways, buses, trains, and taxis. WOWPASS and NAMANE Card offer dual wallet designs that double as prepaid debit cards. The Discover Seoul Pass combines transit access with free entry to over 70 landmarks. As of early 2026, station kiosks across metropolitan lines support foreign issued Visa and Mastercard for recharges, alongside cash options.

The Seoul Climate Card for Unlimited Travel
The Seoul Climate Card offers unlimited rides on Seoul subways and city buses, with passes ranging from a one day pass at 5,000 won to a thirty day basic pass at 62,000 won. Combined, river, and premium versions add Ttareungi bikes and the Hangang River Bus. In 2026, coverage expanded to Seongnam, Hanam, Uijeongbu, and the Gimpo Goldline. Short term passes activate immediately upon loading, so tourists should charge them on their first day of travel. Unused short term passes can be refunded at the T-Town Customer Center with a passport, though thirty day passes are non-refundable.

Seoul and Busan Subway Fares Explained
The Seoul Metropolitan Subway spans 24 lines with a unified ticketing system based on distance. The base transit card fare is 1,550 won, compared to 1,650 won for cash tickets, with surcharges added beyond 10 kilometers and an extra 700 won on the Shinbundang Line. Busan Metro uses a two tier zone system instead, charging 1,300 won for trips of 10 kilometers or less and 1,500 won for longer journeys with a transit card.

Special Transit Options for Visitors to Busan
Busan offers several programs for international visitors. The Prepaid Dongbaek Pass helps foreign residents access transit discounts through a prepaid card registered with a local currency app. Busan Pay lets tourists buy unlimited one day or three day subway passes using a dynamic QR code scanned at turnstiles. The Visit Busan Pass combines tourism benefits with a transit chip usable indefinitely anywhere in South Korea.

High Speed Rail with KTX and SRT
South Korea’s high speed rail network connects major cities, cutting the Seoul to Busan journey to roughly two hours and eight minutes on nonstop services. The KTX departs from Seoul Station, Yongsan Station, and Cheongnyangni Station, while the SRT departs from Suseo Station in southern Seoul. Both trains reach speeds up to 305 kilometers per hour. The Korail Pass offers unlimited travel on KORAIL trains for foreign tourists, though it excludes SRT, municipal subways, and special tourist trains.

Scenic Themed Trains Across the Country
South Korea also operates themed scenic trains that highlight the country’s landscapes. The West Gold Train travels from Seoul’s Yongsan Station to Iksan along the west coast, featuring ondol heated cabins and a foot bath cafe with panoramic windows. The V-Train winds through the Baekdudaegan mountains at a leisurely 30 kilometers per hour, while the Donghae Santa Train passes through the Taebaek Mountains toward snow covered peaks.

Hiking Trails Connected to the Subway
Seoul’s mountain trails are remarkably close to subway exits, making hiking accessible without a car. Mount Bukhan, reached via Bukhansan Ui Station, offers a steep two hour climb to granite summits or a gentler alternative at Wonhyobong Peak, with a nearby tourism center renting hiking gear. Mount Nam features a barrier free sky forest deck trail, while Mount Acha offers gentle paved paths popular for night hiking.

Luggage Storage, Navigation, and Etiquette
Major stations operate T-Locker and T-Luggage networks. T-Lockers are automated and unmanned, accessible via mobile app using Bluetooth or QR codes, while T-Luggage Centers offer storage and same day delivery between stations or to Incheon Airport. Since Google Maps does not function effectively in South Korea, travelers rely on Naver Map and KakaoMap for navigation. On trains and buses, commuters keep voices low, leave priority seating vacant, and avoid weekday rush hours from 7 to 9 AM and 6 to 8 PM.

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