KT, the nation’s second-largest telecom carrier, on Thursday launched new service plans that charge users based on their data use while offering almost unlimited voice call and messaging services. This is an unprecedented phone plan in Korea where Internet-based communications are fast replacing traditional voice calls and text messages. Under the new scheme, the lowest-priced plan, 300 megabytes per month, is 29,900 won ($27.45) with free mobile calls. Those who pay more than 54,900 won per mon

South Korea’s rank in the Global Retail E-Commerce Index dropped to seventh place due to the economic slowdown, data showed Thursday.According to the latest index by global consulting firm A.T. Kearney, Korea’s rank slipped from fifth place in the previous year.The index analyzes nine indicators of e-commerce such as macroeconomics, consumers’ technology acceptance, shopping habits, e-commerce infrastructure and potential in 30 countries.The United States ranked first this year, followed by Chin

Starting July, all newly-manufactured fuel dispensers in South Korea will be equipped with the world’s first IT module that monitors fuel flow in real-time via the Internet, as part of the government’s latest efforts to prevent gas stations from deceiving customers.Developed by the inspection research agency Korea Testing Certification, the security module, to be attached inside the meter, includes a specially-designed MicroSD card that compares the amount of fuel flowing out the dispenser with

Samsung Electronics home appliance division chief Yoon Boo-keun (second from left) and celebrity chefs pose with the company’s new Chef Collection built-in home appliances during a media event in Seoul on Thursday. The company aims to more than double its sales in the nation’s built-in market by 2018. (Samsung Electronics)

King Digital Entertainment, the British creator of the massively-popular Candy Crush franchise, is betting big on the Korean market to repeat its success story in Asia. The company recently launched Candy Crush Soda, the sequel to Candy Crush Saga, one of the most successful digital games in the world, to lure Korean gamers. Its star-studded TV commercials in particular are garnering attention as they feature a slew of Korean celebrities, including ballerina Kang Soo-jin and baduk master Cho Hun

Korean telecom giant to collaborate with global partners for next Internet address system

Iron Man edition of Galaxy S6 Edge on way

A model poses with LG Electronics’ new Whisen dehumidifiers that boast a 17-liter inverter ― the largest capacity within the industry ― at a launch event in Seoul on Monday. (LG Electronics)

LG Chem is spurring its energy storage system business in North America having recently inked several battery deals with U.S. companies, including the latest with Gexpro, to expand its presence in the region. The Seoul-based battery maker said Sunday it has signed a deal with Gexpro, a leading distributor of electrical supplies, to develop energy storage systems. The system with 45 kilowatt of storage capacity will use LG Chem’s lithium-ion batteries to be installed at schools, hospitals, gas st

Korean tech firm vows to create ecosystem for biometrics technology

Samsung Electronics released white-bezel ultrahigh-definition TVs in Seoul Thursday. The company said the TVs with the white frame were the first in nine years to come out in the Korean market. (Samsung Electronics)

Leading South Korean game developer Smilegate commemorated the first anniversary of the firm’s start-up incubation initiative, called Orange Farm, in Seoul on Thursday.Smilegame runs three centers to nurture start-ups ― two in Seoul and one in Busan ― that house 23 ventures in total. The business incubators are the largest among those run by private firms in Korea.Smilegate CEO Kwon Hyuk-bin“Smilegate will spare no efforts to help fledgling ventures at the incubation centers to write success sto

CEO expresses confidence in new flagship smartphone