Boeing opens its first Korea center for tech research

Entrance to the Boeing Korea Engineering and Technology Center in Gangnam District, southern Seoul. [BOEING KOREA]

Boeing opened a technology research center in Gangnam District, southern Seoul, to study artificial intelligence and machine learning, the Chicago-based aerospace company announced in a statement on Friday.

The goal for the Boeing Korea Engineering and Technology Center (Bketc) is to accelerate the research and development of strategic technologies, like those related to automatic flight, avionics, mobility platforms, smart cabins and smart factories.

It is Boeing’s first research center built in Korea and the 12th globally.

The company said it signed a memorandum of understanding with the Korea Evaluation Institute of Industrial Technology, which is affiliated with Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, to search for collaboration opportunities. Cooperation is expected at both the public and private levels.

Boeing Korea President Eric John said the new center will be able to offer job opportunities in the field of engineering. He added the opening of the center will solidify the relationship with the Korean government in terms of aerospace development.

Boeing announced its plan to open a research center in Korea in March last year. The company has invested more than $5 billion dollars in the country over the past 15 years, according to Boeing.

BY JIN MIN-JI [jin.minji@joongang.co.kr]