Technopark(TP) system in South Korea started as a networking hub for invigorating local industries, by making synergy among the nurturing enterprises, the central government, and other regional innovative institutions. Each center in different 19 provinces mainly aims to increase the wealth of its community by promoting technological development and the competitiveness of its associated businesses and knowledge-based institutions.
Established in 2010, Jeju TechnoPark, a later starter than most other centers which started in the 2000s, has achieved rapid growth over the past decade. Jeju Technopark aims to improve the industrial development in Jeju-si through technological innovation especially small and medium-sized but highly-potential enterprises. Its main goals are to strengthen R&D support to foster future industries and new businesses which utilize specialized natural resources.
Designated as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO, Jeju Island is full of diverse natural resources of scientific value. Jeju Island is known to be a habitat for about 9,000 species.
Moreover, lava seawater is being used for diverse industries. It is a unique underground water resource of Jeju, which is produced by natural filtration through the volcanic bedrock since the beginning of the Island. It also contains rich minerals and nutritive salts with almost no organic material or pathogens. Through research and development of long hours, its commercial value has been proven.
The technopark is particularly supportive of promoting Biotechnology industries using these unique resources of Jeju Island — from new enterprise initiation, marketing to professional manpower training. Through patent registration and application, it fosters industries such as health functional foods, beverages and cosmetics using resources. Three different certification systems are introduced to construct a brand image made of natural resources, lava seawater, and natural herbs in Jeju Island.
The IT and energy industry are also largely supported by the technopark — such as Smart Grid, intellectual tourism industry, and electrical vehicles. Smart Grid is a new kind of electric grid, which is built from the bottom up to handle the groundswell of digital and computerized equipment and technology dependent on it. It enables automation and management of the increasing complexity and needs of electricity as an unprecedented opportunity to bring reliability, availability, and efficiency that will contribute to our economic and environmental health.
Here below are companies recommended by the Jeju TechnoPark. They are specialized in manufacturing goods using the natural resources derived from Jeju Island.
Leading Innovation Company in the Solar Energy Industry: Nanoom Energy Inc.
Solar as a natural resource can be an energy for power by converting sunlight into electrical power either through photovoltaic (PV) panels or through mirrors that concentrate solar radiation. This energy can be used to generate electricity or be stored in batteries or thermal storage. While public interest in renewable energy is growing, the problem is that the barriers to entry to renewable energy use are very high because installation processes are difficult for individuals to understand and quite time-consuming.
Some companies developed systems that allow ordinary individuals to simulate the construction of solar energy production over the Internet. However, existing-solutions were inaccurate and were not programmed to find the way and recommend to users how to maximize electrical energy production.
In order to deal with these limitations, Nanoom Energy Inc. developed a machine learning solar estimation platform which can calculate more accurate power generation and profits using artificial intelligence. It provides a predicted calculation of azimuth and slope angle which is optimized to produce maximum energy generation. It also gives a predicted calculation of power generation based on existing power generation data, weather data, and on-site installation conditions.
The company also designed a solar balancing control system which can effectively control solar power systems in real time. It maximizes power generation efficiency and minimizes predicted loss and risk. Nanoom Energy Inc. is expected to draw attention from the globe and to contribute to the development of the solar energy market by providing accurate and detailed analysis. It enables more power plants to be built by maximizing UI/UX-based convenience and securing reliability for solar energy.
Seafood Caught by ‘Hanyeo’: MANJE Fisheries CO-OP
Located in Gimnyeong and famous for its beautiful ports and clean seas, Manje Fisheries CO-OP is a seafood processing distributor. They carefully handle and process the delicious fish caught in Jeju’s clean ocean, including mackerels, silver hairtails, hanchi, as well as the shellfish caught by Korean ‘mermaid’ divers (hanyeo).
Manje Fisheries CO-OP provides delicious and fresh products from Jeju at the cheapest rate.
I can proudly say the shellfish caught by our hanyeos are top tier in terms of freshness and taste.
It is Manje Aquaculture’s greatest pleasure to contribute to your healthy diet. We’re committed to providing the freshest seafood from Jeju’s clean sea.
Enjoy Fresh Jeju Food: Samda Inc.
Samda Inc. is a food company which aims to lead the healthy food culture by supplying Jeju food across the nation and giving happiness to its customers. The company sells various Jeju specialities such as Jeju black pork bellies (‘Samgyeopsal’, ‘Ogyeopsal’, and ‘Suyuk’), Jeju silver-hairtail, mackerel, tilefish, cham-gulbi, hanchi/squid, and shrimp.
In order to supply stable prices and high-quality products, Samda Inc. operated its own processing centers for the first time in Jeju Island, and adopted a Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Point (HACCP) system to thoroughly manage hygiene and quality. The centers are equipped with lines for grilling and automatic packaging. Samda Inc. acquired technology to manufacture various HMR products, too.
Samda Inc. promises its global customers to provide Jeju’s taste by providing trust and by alchemizing the accumulated know-hows.
Promising Global Exporter of Omegi Rice Cake: SAMDA OMEGI
Starting in 2016, SAMDA OMEGI earned the majority of its profits in the domestic market by selling omegi rice cake which is the traditional food in Jeju Island. Tourists from the peninsula and overseas were the main consumers. However, the company had a tough time when the number of tourists reduced and faced production process and distribution problems.
A breakthrough into the export market saved the company and created a second chance. The company diversified its production line and improved its production process with governmental support. By participating in the global networking program operated by Jeju technoPark, SAMDA OMEGI could achieve successful export profits.
Now, omegi rice cakes produced by the company are being sold globally: China, Canada, and Vietnam. It now contributes to the rising global brand value of Jeju Island and its traditional food.
Keep Skin Healthy with Skin Care Product Made of ‘Scoria’: Jeju Scoria Co., Ltd
Jeju Scoria Co., Ltd have researched about the premium Jeju volcanic scoria over the past year, since it was established in 2000.
Volcanic scoria is a natural resource in Jeju Island. It is a highly vesicular, dark-colored volcanic rock. It contains crystals phenocrysts so that it is usually called brown diamond. It is strictly managed by the environment management policy of Jeju local government. Only companies with permission to sell conservation resources can produce and supply raw materials. So, as acquired a preserved natural resource trading license, Jeju Scoria Co., Ltd processes scoria into ingredients and components for skincare products and dyeing products.
Jeju Scoria Co., Ltd always strives to convey the value of scoria safely and effectively to consumers. The company launched its own brand, “BETTER SKIN”. It manufactures and consistently develops products such as shampoo, maskpack, and cleansing foam using scoria. Jeju Scoria Co., Ltd promises its consumers to keep their skins healthy with its products.
Good Looking and Tasting snacks: Eco J Food
A cute pig shaped snack and Jeju’s representative dessert bread. Eco J Food is the first HACCP certified dessert, soup, and dressing producer in Jeju. The goal of Eco J is to supply customized products through 1:1 meetings with customers and to produce products made of clean local ingredients with proper systematic hygiene management. Its main product, Jeju Dormon (meaning “run” in Jeju dialect), was developed fusing a luxurious french dessert, finance, with fresh hallabong and savory peanuts.
Enjoy Omegi Rice Cakes: EMOM Co., Ltd
The fusion of Jeju’s healthy ingredients and omegi rice cakes made with love and sincerity. Omegi rice cake, a local Jeju food, originates from omegi alcohol. When food was scarce, omegi rice cake was treated as a fine snack while making alcohol. The pre-existing, rugged, traditional snack was redefined into a premium snack by Omeome.
There are a total of 14 flavors including Hanrabong, Jeju tangerine, Jeju organic green tea, and so on. Due to the nature of Jeju Island, manufacturing plants are not permitted, so our business had to start from scratch. Our products are handmade with love and passion.
As a luxury brand of Jeju Island, we aim to grow into a perfect food manufacturing industry that produces healthy and safe food, and we will put our promises and beliefs first.
Kayla Hong
Asia Journal
