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Korea Zinc Launches Gallium Facility to Reduce Reliance on Chinese Supply
Korea Zinc has announced plans to establish a gallium recovery plant at its Onsan smelter in Ulsan, as part of a broader strategy to secure supply chains for strategic minerals traditionally dominated by China. The company will invest 55.7 billion won (approximately $39.3 million) in the facility, with pilot operations set to begin in the first half of 2028. Once fully operational, the plant is projected to yield 15.5 metric tons of gallium annually, with estimated profits of 11 billion won based on current market prices. Supported by in-house research and development, Korea Zinc has commercialized its gallium extraction technology, enabling cost-effective and profitable production. Machinery usually requires KCs certification in order to be approved for import and sale in Korea.
Gallium, a mineral essential for advanced electronic applications such as semiconductors and LEDs, has been classified as a critical mineral by both the Korean government and the U.S. Department of Energy. Currently, China controls nearly 98.7 percent of global gallium output, and its recent export bans have heightened international concerns about supply chain vulnerabilities. Korea Zinc’s new facility aims to counteract these risks while also enabling the recovery of over 16 tons of indium annually as a by-product, adding another 8 billion won in potential revenue. The company, already the world’s largest non-Chinese indium refiner, continues to bolster its technological capabilities. Notably, its proprietary low-temperature, low-pressure hematite process has been designated a National Core Technology by Korea’s Ministry of Industry.
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South Korea Identifies 39 Non-Compliant Imported Products in Safety Inspection
The Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) has announced the results of its latest safety inspection on imported consumer goods purchased through overseas online platforms. Out of 206 products examined, 39 items failed to meet Korean safety standards, representing a non-compliance rate of 18.9 %, nearly four times higher than the average rate for domestically distributed products earlier this year.
The investigation focused on products popular for outdoor and daily use in the autumn season. Electrical devices, helmets, and children’s items usually require KC Safety Certification in order to be approved for import and sale in Korea. Tests covered chemical substance detection, electric-shock protection, and impact resistance, among other safety criteria.
Major Findings by Category
- Household products: 11 items failed, including eight types of bicycle and motorcycle helmets. Several helmets broke or detached during dynamic-tension testing, revealing weak fastening systems that could not maintain required strap strength under load.
- Children’s products: 9 items were found non-compliant, including toys containing excessive levels of phthalate plasticizers—up to 420 times the permitted concentration—and slime toys with boron content nearly five times above the limit.
- Electrical goods: 19 items were identified as hazardous, such as DC power adapters and multi-socket plugs with insufficient insulation clearance and excessive temperature rise, creating potential fire and shock risks.
Examples of Non-Conforming Products
Among the products that failed testing were:
- Adult bicycle helmets whose chin-strap buckles tore or slipped open under tension, violating impact and retention strength criteria.
- A portable 100 W USB-C multi-port charger that reached over 130 °C at the coil during operation—well above the 110 °C safety threshold.
- A multi-socket power strip where live parts were exposed, making electric shock possible during normal use.
- A children’s sticker toy set containing phthalate levels exceeding limits by more than 300-fold, posing chemical exposure risks for young users.
- Electric scooters that reached top speeds of 38–39 km/h, exceeding the legal limit of 25 km/h for personal mobility devices.
Director-General Kim Dae-ja stated that additional inspections will be carried out later this year, focusing on winter products, and that authorities will continue monitoring to prevent unsafe goods from re-entering the domestic market.
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KGS and KATECH Partner to Advance Hydrogen Safety and Carbon-Neutral Mobility
On the 19th, the Korea Gas Safety Corporation (KGS) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Korea Automotive Technology Institute (KATECH) to promote carbon neutrality and support the growth of the hydrogen economy. This partnership aims to strengthen both institutions’ capabilities—KGS in hydrogen safety management and KATECH in future mobility technologies—by combining their independently developed expertise to enhance the safety and reliability of the rapidly expanding hydrogen sector. Products and components used in hydrogen related systems usually require KGS certification in order to be approved for import and sale in Korea.
The agreement outlines a commitment to collaborate on technologies that support eco-friendly mobility and infrastructure, as well as initiatives to assist domestic companies entering international markets by providing access to testing and equipment resources. KGS plans to deepen its collaboration with KATECH through joint R&D projects and participation in government-led research initiatives, contributing to safer hydrogen applications and accelerating the transition toward a sustainable energy society. KGS President Park Kyung-guk emphasized during the signing ceremony that hydrogen is a core energy source for the carbon-neutral era, and securing a foundation for its safe use is critical to the industry’s long-term viability.
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Samsung revives P5 Project as AI Demand spurs Investment
Samsung Electronics is reportedly resuming construction of its advanced Pyeongtaek Plant 5 (P5) after a two-year suspension. The renewed push is attributed to recent breakthroughs in high-bandwidth memory (HBM) and next-generation DRAM technologies, along with projected rapid growth in the artificial intelligence (AI) chip sector. These developments are fueling new domestic investment initiatives by the tech giant. Equipment and components involved in chip production usually require KCs certification in order to be approved for import and sale in Korea.
Industry insiders revealed on July 1 that company leadership is in active discussions regarding both construction and capital deployment for the P5 site. Preliminary steps have already begun, with staff assigned to reorganize materials on location. Full-scale deployment of heavy machinery is anticipated as early as October.
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Korea launches first Large-Scale Ammonia Cracking Project for Hydrogen Mobility
On September 7, the South Korean province of Jeonbuk launched a major demonstration project aimed at producing hydrogen from ammonia, part of a broader effort to build the technological foundation for a clean hydrogen supply and transition the local industry toward carbon neutrality. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed by Jeonbuk Province, the city of Gunsan, the Korea Research Institute of Ships & Ocean Engineering (KRISO), Hyundai Motor, Hyundai Rotem, and the Korea Testing Laboratory (KTL) to develop and operate an ammonia-based hydrogen production system. Scheduled to run from 2025 to 2027 at KRISO’s testing site in Gunsan, the initiative represents Korea’s first large-scale deployment of ammonia cracking technology for mobility-grade hydrogen production. Hydrogen-based systems and components usually require KGS factory approval in order to be approved for import and sale in Korea.
Each partner plays a distinct role in the project: Jeonbuk and Gunsan will handle permitting and administrative support; KRISO will provide the test site and manage ammonia storage and supply infrastructure; Hyundai Motor is tasked with designing and operating the ammonia cracker; Hyundai Rotem will oversee manufacturing, installation, and commissioning of the equipment; and KTL will develop safety guidelines. Ammonia is considered a promising hydrogen carrier due to its higher storage density and ease of liquefaction compared to hydrogen. The project is expected to accelerate the commercialization of ammonia cracking technology and support the development of an integrated clean hydrogen industry in the region.
Feel free to contact us any time if you need assistance or have any questions regarding Korean certifications like KC, KC EMC, KCs, KCs for explosion safety products or KGS factory registration.
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SK hynix expands Chip Packaging Capacity with new Backend Facility in Korea
SK hynix, a global leader in memory chip manufacturing, is preparing to build a new backend production facility to enhance its packaging capabilities amid growing demand for advanced semiconductor technologies. The facility, provisionally named “P&T 7,” will be located in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province. The company has begun demolishing a former LG plant it had previously acquired on the site, with plans to complete the demolition by September. Machines and products involved in chip production usually require KCs certification in order to be approved for import and sale in Korea.
While a construction timeline for the seventh facility has yet to be finalized, the site is expected to function both as a packaging plant for finished products and as a testing fab. SK hynix currently operates six backend (P&T) buildings across Icheon and Cheongju. The backend process, which includes wafer dicing, chip testing, and packaging, is becoming increasingly vital as traditional semiconductor scaling approaches its physical limits. In this context, advanced packaging technologies are emerging as a critical pathway to achieving improved performance and power efficiency in next-generation chips.
Feel free to contact us any time if you need assistance or have any questions regarding Korean certifications like KC, KC EMC, KCs, KCs for explosion safety products or KGS factory registration.
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Korea announces $600 Million Investment in Hydrogen-Based Steelmaking Technology
Korea has unveiled plans to develop hydrogen-based steelmaking technology by 2030, aiming to strengthen the global competitiveness of its domestic steel industry and advance toward carbon neutrality. Following the completion of a recent feasibility study, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced an investment of 814.6 billion won (approximately USD 600 million) over five years to support a demonstration project in partnership with the private sector. The initiative includes constructing a facility capable of producing 300,000 tons of hydrogen-reduced steel and molten iron. Products and components for hydrogen systems like pressure vessels usually require KGS factory registration in order to be approved for import and sale in Korea.
The hydrogen-based steelmaking process, which uses hydrogen gas instead of coal, can reduce carbon emissions by more than 95% compared to traditional methods. Korea intends to apply this technology to electric arc furnaces operated by small and medium-sized enterprises. A key part of the plan involves the utilization of FINEX—a strategic national technology—as an alternative, environmentally friendly method for steel production. FINEX allows direct use of iron ore fines and non-coking coal, offering a viable replacement for conventional blast furnaces. According to the ministry, the demonstration project is expected to position Korea as a leader in low-emission steel production by 2050.
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Korea extends Hydrogen Infrastructure with new Clusters in Eastern Provinces
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy has confirmed plans to establish two hydrogen clusters in the eastern provinces, aiming to accelerate the growth of hydrogen-related industries. Beginning in March next year, a dedicated industrial complex for hydrogen storage and transportation will be constructed in the cities of Donghae and Samcheok in Gangwon Province. In addition, Samcheok is slated to host a hydrogen liquefaction facility, contingent on the results of an economic feasibility study scheduled for completion in July.
Pressure vessels and other systems related to hydrogen power systems usually require KGS certification in order to be approved for import and sale in Korea.
Further south, Pohang in South Gyeongsang Province will see the launch of a new industrial complex for hydrogen fuel cell manufacturing later this year, positioning the city as a future hub for hydrogen battery exports. To fund these initiatives, the central and local governments have allocated a combined 214.2 billion won (approximately USD 158 million) through 2028, while the private sector is expected to contribute an additional 293.6 billion won. According to the ministry, the overarching goal is to build a comprehensive industrial ecosystem that spans the entire hydrogen value chain, from production and storage to transport and end use.
Feel free to contact us any time if you need assistance or have any questions regarding Korean certifications like KC, KC EMC, KCs, KCs for explosion safety products or KGS factory registration.
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Korean Appliance Makers accelerate Entry into Beauty Device Market amid Home-care Trend
South Korea’s small and mid-sized home appliance manufacturers are increasingly diversifying into the beauty device sector to capitalize on the rising demand for home-care products. Leveraging existing expertise in high-frequency, ultrasound, and cooling technologies, companies like Cuckoo, At Home, and Chungho Nais are launching new skincare tools and expanding product lines. Cuckoo, known for its kitchen appliances, introduced the “Renature Medikin HI” skincare device following a 33% year-on-year increase in hair-care gadget sales. Meanwhile, At Home’s esthetic brand “Thome” achieved sell-out success with its “The Glow” droplet ultrasound device. These firms are combining technological capabilities with design innovation to differentiate themselves in a competitive market. Home appliances like Beauty Devices usually require KC Safety certification in order to be approved for import and sale in Korea.
Design and service offerings are emerging as key differentiators. Chungho Nais collaborated with Dongkook Pharmaceutical to launch the “Madeca Prime Ritual White Pearl Chungho Package,” inspired by the traditional gua sha technique. Ceragem, known for massage chairs, entered the beauty market with its “Cellunic MediSpa Pro,” available for trials at its wellness cafés, leading to a 27.4% increase in trial users in Q2 2025. Industry forecasts suggest the Korean beauty device market, which expanded from 500 billion won in 2018 to 1.6 trillion won in 2022, will surpass 3.4 trillion won by 2030 with annual growth over 10%. As interest in K-beauty grows globally, small and mid-sized manufacturers are expected to pursue international expansion, backed by South Korea’s strong technological reputation.
Feel free to contact us any time if you need assistance or have any questions regarding Korean certifications like KC, KC EMC, KCs, KCs for explosion safety products or KGS factory registration.
Tel. Europe: +49-69-271 37 69 259
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South Korea opens Market to LEO Satellite Internet Services
South Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT has approved three cross-border agreements allowing low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite internet services to operate domestically. This includes Starlink Korea LLC’s arrangement with SpaceX and partnerships between Korean operators Hanwha Systems and KT SAT with Eutelsat’s OneWeb. The approvals clear the path for both Starlink and OneWeb to begin commercial operations as early as next month, pending final equipment certification under the country’s regulatory framework. Foreign telecommunications firms in Korea must form agreements with local license holders to legally offer services to end-users. Wireless reception equipment for low Earth orbit satellite services and radio equipment in general usually require KC EMC certification in order to be approved for import and sale in Korea.
The move marks a significant shift in South Korea’s telecommunications landscape, historically dominated by SK Telecom, KT, and LG Uplus, and aligns with national efforts to lead in 6G infrastructure. LEO satellite networks, such as Starlink’s over 7,100 satellites and OneWeb’s expanding constellation, provide high-speed, low-latency coverage especially valuable in remote or mobile environments. KT SAT, already operating the Mugunghwa geostationary satellite, and Hanwha Systems, which holds an 8.8% stake in OneWeb, are positioning themselves as key players in the evolving market. Emerging technologies like direct-to-cell and inter-satellite laser communications are also expected to transform the competitive dynamics, potentially challenging traditional terrestrial networks in select use cases.
Feel free to contact us any time if you need assistance or have any questions regarding Korean certifications like KC, KC EMC, KCs, KCs for explosion safety products or KGS factory registration.
Tel. Europe: +49-69-271 37 69 259
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Email: info@korea-certification.com For more information you can download our free brochure “Korea Certification Made Easy – The Booklet.
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