1. Introduction to the text
South Korea’s semiconductor industry has emerged as a global powerhouse, contributing significantly to the nation’s economic growth and technological advancement. This remarkable journey, which began in the 1960s, has transformed the country into a leading player in the highly competitive semiconductor market. The semiconductor industry’s success story is intertwined with the nation’s determination to overcome economic challenges and establish itself as a technological force.
2. Vocabulary
| Korean Word | Romanization | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 반도체 | bandoche | semiconductor |
| 산업 | san-eop | industry |
| 성장 | seongjang | growth |
| 기술 | gisul | technology |
| 경쟁력 | gyeongjeengnyeok | competitiveness |
| 투자 | tuja | investment |
| 혁신 | hyeogsin | innovation |
| 수출 | suchul | export |
| 선두 | seundu | leading |
| 주력 | juryeok | major |
3. The main text in both Korean and English
한국의 반도체 산업은 1960년대 초반부터 시작되었습니다.
The Korean semiconductor industry began in the early 1960s.
당시 한국은 경제 발전을 위해 전략적 산업을 육성해야 했습니다.
At that time, Korea needed to foster strategic industries for economic development.
정부는 반도체 산업에 대한 투자를 늘리기 시작했습니다.
The government started increasing investments in the semiconductor industry.
1980년대 후반, 한국 기업들은 기술 혁신에 주력하기 시작했습니다.
In the late 1980s, Korean companies began focusing on technological innovation.
이를 통해 반도체 제품의 품질과 성능을 크게 향상시킬 수 있었습니다.
This enabled them to significantly improve the quality and performance of semiconductor products.
1990년대에 이르러 한국 반도체 산업은 세계 시장에서 경쟁력을 갖추게 되었습니다.
By the 1990s, the Korean semiconductor industry had become competitive in the global market.
현재 한국은 반도체 분야에서 세계 최고 수준의 기술력을 보유하고 있습니다.
Today, Korea possesses world-class technological capabilities in the semiconductor field.
삼성전자와 SK하이닉스 등 대기업들이 주력 제품으로 반도체를 내세우고 있습니다.
Major companies like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix have made semiconductors their flagship products.
이들 기업의 수출 실적은 한국 경제에 크게 기여하고 있습니다.
Their export performance has greatly contributed to the Korean economy.
한국 정부는 반도체 산업의 지속적인 성장을 위해 연구개발 지원과 인력 양성에 힘쓰고 있습니다.
The Korean government is striving to support research and development, and nurture talent for the continued growth of the semiconductor industry.
4. Reading comprehension questions
1) When did the Korean semiconductor industry begin its journey?
2) What was the government’s role in the early stages of the industry’s development?
3) How did Korean companies improve their semiconductor products in the late 1980s?
4) Name two major Korean companies that have made semiconductors their flagship products.
5) What efforts is the Korean government making to support the continued growth of the semiconductor industry?
5. Cultural and historical notes
The rise of the Korean semiconductor industry is a testament to the nation’s resilience and determination to overcome economic challenges. After the Korean War, South Korea was one of the poorest countries in the world. However, through strategic investments and a focus on technological advancement, the country has transformed itself into a global leader in the semiconductor industry.