Google plans its first R&D plant in Korea

The Internet search company Google Inc. said yesterday that it will establish a research and development center in Korea that will focus on technology related to the Internet. Google signed a joint agreement with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy and the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency yesterday. The Commerce Ministry said the center is part of the Korean government’s efforts to attract technology- oriented foreign companies to create research facilities in Korea. The agreement enables Google to put direct investment into the center. Construction schedules and other details, including the center’s location and financial figures, will be announced later. Google does not have a branch in Korea, so the center will marks its first official presence here. Google senior vice president Alan Eustace said the company hoped to continue investment in Korea and may establish a local office. He said engineers for the center have already been hired. He also said that North Korea’s nuclear test did not affect Google’s decision to invest. Google is locating in Korea because of its network infrastructure, among other reasons, he said. by Wohn Dong-hee