Electronic Alarm Key-Lock System

It's a key that can never be copied or duplicated, a key that outwits burglars whose talents never seem to lose pace with the new developments designed to stop them.

In fact, technological development has rapidly permeated much of our world today, with sophisticated advanced electronics showing up everywhere from greeting cards to toys and cameras. One thing that hasn't changed much through the technological revolution, however, is the lock and key system, which time and trend seems to have passed by. But now, Seokyung Electronics has developed electronically encoded keys. The Seokyung Key is loaded with a specific IC that will only open a lock equipped with the matching circuit in a key. And if the circuits of the two ICs do not mate, an alarm goes off.

Made of high-density resin, the key is soft to the touch and lightweight. It has the economical efficiency of low power consumption, because it actually consumes power only when it is used. It comes with a power indicator and the battery can be recharged from an outside source. Different numbers can be encoded into one key for uses in multiple locks (i.e. you can open your office, house, safe and others with just one key.) A key can even be classified as a master key for convenient management and tight security.

Any conventional lock can be adapted to this system, and it has a variety of applications for home, office, automobile, motorcycle, and so on. When Seokyung keys are installed and connected to existing intercom lines or the like, a central anti-crime monitoring system can be established.

For car ignitions, the engine will not start and a rejection alarm will sound when the key does not match. Only an encoded key will start the engine--crosswiring won't even work. And when the key remains inserted, a warning lets you know to take it out.

Tel: 82-2-979-4196 Fax: 82-2-977-9595

Earlarm

InKwang Co. Ltd. has come up with the world's first ear-held timer alarming device. This compact and light alarm, Earlarm, allows you to carry it wherever you go and to use it for whatever you want--while commuting on the bus or subway, catnapping in your car, cooking, or studying. For commuters using mass transportation, Earlarm can warn you not to pass your stop without even bothering the persons around you. It will also prevent you from absent-mindedly burning your dinner while cooking and it will be helpful when you are napping in your car. You can set the timer on the alarm for up to 7 hours and 50 minutes by five minute increments with the five and 30 minute keys. It is the smallest of alarms, and cordless.

Tel: 82-32-819-3181~6 Fax: 82-32-819-3187

C.A. Power: Fuel Combustion Catalyst

This new product, by DongSung Company, reduces exhaust emissions and enhances engine power by utilizing an alloyed catalyst as an agent. It changes the ratio of fuel components by catalytic method to lead to perfect combustion that results in reduction of emissions, invigoration of engine power, and increased fuel consumption efficiency. The catalytic alloy is made up of six different metals and fuel quality is improved--containing 15 chemicals in general, 22 chemicals in detail. Fuel sludge photos show that pollution particles in the fuel processed through the catalytic alloy are greatly diminished. Engine movement becomes smooth and silent and knocking is eliminated by 90 percent. It saves fuel because it increases fuel consumption efficiency. In case of diesel engines, ignition point and cetane rating are also heightened. When C.A. Power is installed, fuel consumption improves by 5-10 percent on city roads and by approximately 10-30 percent on highways. Engine oil life doubles and C.A. Power removes carbon from the fuel injector.

Tel: 82-62-941-7449 Fax: 82-62-941-6153

Digital Still Camera

Samsung Aerospace Industries Ltd. has introduced its first digital still camera, the SSC-410N, developed with original Korean technology. The SSC-410N has high resolution (410,000 pixels) CCD imager, 1.8 inch LCD monitor and powerful 3x zoom lens. After taking a picture, you can see it displayed on the LCD monitor or television screen directly without going through any printing procedures. Pictures can be erased or stored in personal computers and used to make an album, or even your own homepage on the internet.

The SSC-410N provides continuous shooting mode, self-timer mode, flash mode and so on, and has a built-in flash with diverse flash modes-auto flash, flash on and off. The SSC-410N also provides two types of photographing, auto focus and manual. Auto focus can be used for distances down to 3 inches and manual focus down to 15.6 inches. The SSC-410N stores 31-120 images on a 4MB compact flash card. The shutter speed is 1/60-1/10,000 seconds. To get a better picture, choose exposure compensation up to กพ1 EV in 1/2 stop increments.

The Samsung SSC-410N leads you to the new world of photography and lets you experience the future.

Tel: 82-2-528-6752 Fax: 82-2-528-6183

Automatic Umbrella Packer

Rain Man, produced by YongWoo Engineering Inc., will prove to be your helpful doorman on rainy days when you want to keep a clean and dry shop, hospital, movie theater, hotel, or anywhere customer traffic might be high. This device will not only enhance customer satisfaction, but the tidy image of the store will keep more customers coming. This will ease customers' minds about losing their umbrellas. It's easy to handle, there is no need to push down the pedal and wrapping is done in 0.5 seconds. It doesn't require a power supply and it is durable and free of rust because it is made of high quality stainless steel.

You can easily refill the cartridge into the continuous feeding system that has a capacity of 2,000 vinyl bags, which accommodate advertising or company logos on their surface. Rain Man wraps both folding and standard umbrellas.

Tel: 82-2-543-8434 Fax : 82-2-512-3767

Automatic Clutch and Brake System

Heavy traffic jams in the large cities of the world have prompted an increasing number of drivers to buy cars with automatic transmissions, but the downsides are the higher costs for gasoline and repairs and increased air pollution because of greater fuel consumption. And an extra inconvenience comes in the form of slower acceleration. Hand in Hand Company has recently developed an Auto Clutch System for all kinds of manualtransmission cars, trucks, and 4WD vehicles. The Auto Clutch is an electronically controlled system that makes manual transmissions change gears without operating the clutch pedal, just as if it was an automatic vehicle. Like an automatic, you can change the gear with a gentle touch, and you can start your car smoothly with just the accelerator pedal.

Also like an automatic, you don't need to press the clutch pedal when you stop the car-the engine does not stop.

You can install the Auto Clutch on any kind of manual transmission vehicle and select the automatic or manual function at your will. With the Automatic Clutch, you don't need to be irritated by driving in traffic jams. Enjoy the convenience and economy of both automatic and manual transmissions.

Auto Brake is a system that holds the brake pedal down automatically after 1.5 seconds without continuing to press on the pedal, thus enhancing driver comfort by reducing physical effort. The auto brake system is useful on steep slopes or icy roads because it assures safety by preventing the vehicle from rolling backwards yet allowing easy start-up on steep slopes and prevents initial back sliding on icy roads.

Tel: 82-2-422-0745/6 Fax: 82-2-413-9096

Air-Pot Vacuum Container

Korea Alphaline Company, Ltd., which specializes in kitchen tools and home appliances, has recently invented a new line of vacuum containers dubbed Air-Pot. A vacuum state, by removing the air from the container, prevents bacteria from breeding. After putting foods in the bowl and locking the clip, a pump is attached near the push-button and manual action can remove the air from the bowl. When you want to open the bowl, push the button, air will rush inside and the cover will open easily.

It keeps food from rotting by eliminating oxidation, and food can be preserved fresh for a longer period of time with nutrients, fresh taste, and flavor retained. The new, high-tech material is strong against impact and the cover does not open easily when it's not supposed to. It prevents spill-over and odors and repels humidity, and food is cooked/pickled instantly by reverse osmotic pressure. The container is heat-resistant for microwave oven use. It received the Good Design Mark and Successful Design Mark authorized by the government, further proving the excellent design originality, function, safety, and quality.

Tel: 82-2-271-2301~5 Fax: 82-2-277-1195

Koanda Glasses Support

If it weren't for the glasses mark on your nose, you would be looking much more handsome and bright. Koanda can improve on the impression you make. If you worry about the mark left by your necessarily-inconvenient glasses or feel pain on the bridge of your nose, try this cute idea from Color Industry Company and find out how it can ward off you worries.

By attaching Koanda to the arms of your glasses, they will not press down on your nose because the glasses no longer sit directly on your nose, but instead are supported by Koanda. It also prevents allergy or erosion caused by sweat while giving you the effects of finger-pressure therapy that serve to eliminate headaches and enhance your concentration. (Quoting from Chinese medical science, Oriental therapy and treatment are supported by medical science research and their marvelous effects are recognized and welcomed by Western people.)

Koanda is a clip-type device, so it is handy to use-attach or remove as you please. They are adjustable to your facial shape or the size of glasses by changing the soft connecting part. You can certainly utilize this product as a fashion accessory.

Tel : 82-345-494-0161 Fax : 82-345-495-3074

ArtLand Sensitive Clock

At midnight, you don't have to fumble for the clock or switch on the light to find out what time it is any more. This "ArtLand Sensitive Clock" produced by Joy Life Company Ltd. has a sensor that detects light and sound variations. It turns on an internal light if you simply ask "What time is it?" or make a sound like a hand clap. The sound sensor responds to any sound over 50 dB. The clock light will also automatically remain on for seven seconds after lights in the room are turned off. This eliminates the inconvenience right after turning out the lights. This new concept has come alive in a high-touch function with simple and modern design and is supported by a variety of pastel-tone colors.

The ArtLand Sensitive Clock can be a special present that reminds the recipient of your practical and sincere kindness.

Tel: 82-2-642-3000 Fax: 82-2-644-2349

Some of China's famous old history books describe Koreans as a people who enjoy singing and dancing, which indicates that the Korean people have long had a passion for celebration and ceremony. And they have traditionally enjoyed drinking with those close to them as a means of sharing their joys and sorrows-a tradition which still lives today.

Korea's remarkable economic development was made possible through hard work by Korean laborers despite the often difficult environment in which they had to work. Through the good times and bad, many of these economic miracle workers sought relief from the stresses of life through after-hours eating and drinking. And of the many kinds of liquors, soju (Korean style distilled liquor) became the most popular among the general populace. In fact, soju has become the standard for alcoholic beverages for Korean people as seen in the fact that when offering to buy someone a drink, Koreans say, "Let's go for a sip of soju."

In the past, soju had mainly been the drink of choice for workers and other people in urban areas while "makkoli," a milky unrefined rice wine, had been more popular in rural regions. Soju eventually became the most popular liquor both in the city and farming areas, but with the rise in the living standard for the Korean people in general, they began to favor higher-priced beverages like beer and whiskies. Beer, in particular, began to take the largest share in Korea's beverage market. Recently, however, soju has been making a comeback with distillers concentrating more on coming up with premium-level sojus with high-quality tastes and sophisticated bottle design. The emergence of premium soju has contributed to changing the concept of soju as a low-priced liquor and has attracted popularity with its enhanced taste. The reason for soju's steady popularity through the ages, however, may lie in the fact that it offers relatively high alcohol content despite its comparatively low price. In addition, the Korean people may drink soju to recollect the times of the past and forget current hardships, which has become a major social and cultural factor for sustaining the popularity of the beverage.

Soju is a transparent distilled liquor made from starchy cereals like rice, barley, potatoes, and sweet potatoes. In contrast with other alcoholic brews which tend to go bad after a long time, soju does not sour.

Most soju products manufactured en masse in factories these days start at 95 percent alcohol and then are diluted with water to lower the alcohol content to 25 to 30 percent. Before dilution, soju may be distilled through state-of-the-art precision machines and in the process, all the impurities are completely removed. In the past, soju was not diluted, so had special taste and flavor depending on the impurities from the ingredients and brewery materials. The distilled and undiluted soju popular in the past, however, gave way to diluted sojus in 1960 when the government prohibited the making of the distilled-only soju in private households.

Distilled liquor is learned to have originated in Persia. The Mongolians, who integrated the Persian and Islamic culture into their own, then introduced distilled alcohols to Oriental society. In Arabic, distilled liquor is called "Arag,"and Korean people at one time called soju "arag-ju (arag wine)." Soju was introduced to Korea during the Won Dynasty (an ancient Chinese kingdom ruled by Mongolians), and a variety of methods for manufacturing soju developed in Korea's Koryo Kingdom. The various kinds of soju were used for many purposes, even medicinal. At that time, soju provided a "pure and clean" taste as it was made from pure cereals, but it was sold at high prices as it was not diluted with water.

The size of Korea's soju market has now reached $1.2 billion per year. Three major companies; Jinro, Doosan-Kyungwol and Bohae make up 48.2, 16.7 and 9.2 percent market shares, respectively. The rest of the market is shared by relatively small companies producing for local provincial markets. Jinro, Korea's largest soju maker, took the world's top position last year in terms of sales of spirits. According to a beverage-specializing magazine in Britain, Drinks International, in an article entitled "The World's Top Spirit Brand Sales for 1996," Jinro finished on the top of the list by selling 43.80 million cases last year. Another beverage industry magazine in the United States, Impact International, cited Jinro as having recorded the world's second position in terms of sales last year. Jinro'sbooming business has been enhanced by the introduction of a new premium soju, called "chamnamutong-malkun soju" as well as high sales of its products both at home and abroad. In Japan, in particular, Jinro's soju has emerged as the second largest selling single brand. Now Jinro exports 35 million dollars worth of soju to 80 nations around the world.

Doosan-Kyungwol, which has enjoyed a remarkable leap in sales thanks to its new brand, Green Soju, sold $13.5 billion worth of soju abroad in 1996 while Bohae, which is also experiencing a boom due to its premium soju named "Kimsatkat," exported $3 million worth. "Kimsatkat," the first premium soju, targeted a new consumer market and had sales of 12 million bottles in the first 100 days after introduction. Japan has become the largest foreign market for the Korean soju makers, mainly due to high demand there for the products since the 1988 Seoul Olympics. It is expected that exports of soju will continue to increase as it has become well known as a beverage representing Korea among foreigners. And exports of soju are closely related with the overseas popularity of Korean food culture because soju complements other Korean traditional foods like pulgogi (Korean barbecue) and kimchi.

Bohae Brewery Co., Ltd.
1607-6, Seocho-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul, Korea
Tel: (82-2) 583-7391
Fax: (82-2) 587-7874

Doosan Kyungwoul Corporate Ltd.
Doosan Bldg. 101-1, Euljiro-1ga, Chung-gu, Seoul, Korea
Tel: (82-2) 726-9534
Fax: (82-2) 755-7230

Jinro Limited
1448-3, Seocho-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul, Korea
Tel: (82-2) 520-3650
Fax: (82-2) 588-7949