NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS REPORT

9811 7

A REPORT TO THE AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

ON A VISIT TO KOREA BY A NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

TEAM UNDER AID SPONSORSHIP

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS
NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

The National Bureau of Standards1 was established by an act of Congress March 3,

1901. Today, in addition to serving as the Nation’s central measurement laboratory,

the Bureau is a principal focal point in the Federal Government for assuring maximum application of the physical and engineering sciences to the advancement of technology in industry and commerce. To this end the Bureau conducts research and

provides central national services in three broad program areas and provides central national services in a fourth. These are: (1) basic measurements and standards,

(2) materials measurements and standards, (3) technological measurements and

standards, and (4) transfer of technology.

The Bureau comprises the Institute for Basic Standards, the Institute for Materials

Research, the Institute for Applied Technology, and the Center for Radiation Research.

THE INSTITUTE FOR BASIC STANDARDS provides the central basis within the

United States of a complete and consistent system of physical measurement, coor- dinates that system with the measurement systems of other nations, and furnishes

essential services leading to accurate and uniform physical measurements throughout

the Nation’s scientific community, industry, and commerce. The Institute consists

of an Office of Standard Reference Data and a group of divisions organized by the

following areas of science and engineering:

Applied Mathematics—Electricity—Metrology—Mechanics—Heat—Atomic Physics—Cryogenics2—Radio Physics2—Radio Engineering2—Astrophysics2—Time

and Frequency.2 THE INSTITUTE FOR MATERIALS RESEARCH conducts materials research leading to methods, standards of measurement, and data needed by industry, commerce,

educational institutions, and government. The Institute also provides advisory and

research services to other government agencies. The Institute consists of an Office of

Standard Reference Materials and a group of divisions organized by the following

areas of materials research:

Analytical Chemistry—Polymers—Metallurgy — Inorganic Materials — Physical

Chemistry.

THE INSTITUTE FOR APPLIED TECHNOLOGY provides for the creation of appropriate opportunities for the use and application of technology within the Federal Government and within the civilian sector of American industry. The primary functions

of the Institute may be broadly classified as programs relating to technological meas- urements and standards and techniques for the transfer of technology. The Institute

consists of a Clearinghouse for Scientific and Technical Information,3 a Center for

Computer Sciences and Technology, and a group of technical divisions and offices

organized by the following fields of technology

:

Building Research—Electronic Instrumentation — Technical Analysis — Product

Evaluation—Invention and Innovation— Weights and Measures —Engineering

Standards—Vehicle Systems Research.

THE CENTER FOR RADIATION RESEARCH engages in research, measurement,

and application of radiation to the solution of Bureau mission problems and the

problems of other agencies and institutions. The Center for Radiation Research consists of the following divisions:

Reactor Radiation—Linac Radiation—Applied Radiation—Nuclear Radiation.

1 Headquarters and Laboratories at Gaithersburg, Maryland, unless otherwise noted; mailing address Washington, D. C. 20234.

2 Located at Boulder, Colorado 80302.

3 Located at 5285 Port Royal Road, Springfield, Virginia 22151.
NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS REPORT

NBS PROJECT

1400640 March 1968

NBS REPORT

9811

A REPORT TO THE AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

ON A VISIT TO KOREA BY A NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

TEAM UNDER AID SPONSORSHIP

Forest K. Harris

Ronald K. Eby

H . Steffen Peiser

IMPORTANT NOTICE NATIONAL BUREAU OF SIP

for use within the Government. I and review. For this reason, the whole or in part, is not authori; Bureau of Standards, Washingtoi

the Report has been specifically |

Approved for public release by the

Director of the National Institute of

Standards and Technology (NIST) on October 9, 2015

s accounting documents intended

subjected to additional evaluation

listing of this Report, eiiher in Office of the Director, National

i the Government agency for which

pies for its own use.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Index

Page

I* Introduction. .«o...o..oo.........o«o • I

2. General Observations and Conclusions. ............... 3

2.1 Need for a national system of physical standards. 3

2.2 Deficiences in present system............. ....... 3

2.3 Government responsibility. ............... .............. 3

2.4 Review of existing organizations.......... 4

3 . Recommendations. 6

3.1 Reorganization. 6

3.2 Responsibilities. 6

3.3 Advisory Panel. 8

3.4 Competitive Salaries...... 8

3.5 New Grounds and Buildings 8

3 . 6 New Library. 9

3.7 Miscellaneous........ 9

3.8 Timing and Need for Action................. 9

4. Sister Relationship with NBS. 10

4.1 Training at NBS........................................ 10

4.2 NBS visits to IMSRR. .................................. . 10

4.3 Physical Standards. .................................... 11

4.4 Laboratories....... 11

4.3

Library. 11

4.6 Need for Action. . 0O .... 11

5 . Diary.... 12

5.1 Interviews in the U. S. .... „ ........... a 12

5.2 Interviews in Japan. ................................... 12

5.3 Interviews in Korea, 15

Appendix 1 - Abbreviations. 0 .. . 33

Appendix 2 - NIRl/NBS Team Agreement 34

Appendix 3 - Government Employees Salary Scale .................. 35

Abstract

A review of visits by an NBS team to about 50 Korean research, test

ing, and standards laboratories and government offices is presented together with the conclusions and recommendations of that team.

The amount and complexity of Korean industry based on modern technology is increasing and apparently will continue to increase. Also,

the volume of exports is increasing. Both of these factors create needs

for more sophisticated physical standards, quality control, and calibrated testing systems within the country. However, most of the present system of standards and calibration is inadequate for the demands

of modern technology. The responsibility for physical standards is

diffuse, many of the reference standards themselves are inadequate, and

are housed in laboratories which are not suited for good measurements.

As a consequence, a number of companies are forced to go outside of

Korea to obtain calibration of their instruments and reference standards

Similarly, the responsibility for testing and applied research (that of

a nature to be supported within the government) is somewhat diffuse and

many of the facilities are inadequate for the work.

It is concluded that to change this situation there should be a number of changes made in the present systems of testing, standards, and

research. These should include: a combination of some government

agencies; some changes in responsibilities and guidance; some changes

in the salary structure; and new grounds, buildings and library. To

assist the development of the combined agencies, a "sister relationship"

with NBS could include: training of key personnel at NBS; visits by NBS

staff to the new Agency; and NBS advice and assistance with planning

physical standards, new laboratories, and a new library. NBS training

assistance presupposes that funding from some source can be arranged,

since NBS has no funds available for this purpose. The NBS team is convinced that these changes, etc., should be made quickly in order that

the new Agency be able to meet the demands which Korean industry will

soon place upon it. It is our belief and hope that the recommendations

in this report will be of assistance to the technology of Korea.

1. Introduction

Any survey and assessment of technology in the Republic of Korea

must be made with the historical background of the country in mind.

Korean history reaches back through four millenia, much of the time as

an independent kingdom with a feudal system. Modern Korea was under

Japanese domination during half a century and was under colonial rule

during the final 37 years of this period, ending in 1945 with the partition of the country into a northern half, rich in mineral resources and

under communist domination, and a southern half with a largely agricultural economy, in which a republican form of government was organized.

In the 1950-53 war, this Republic was almost completely overrun by the

invaders from the North; and the armistice of 1953 left the nation

partitioned, with the resources of the northern half firmly behind the

Iron Curtain. The struggle of the Republic of Korea toward a viable

industrial economy is being made under the continuing threat of a neighbor whose rulers are militant; and the defense posture of RQK, which

requires an 600,000-man army and absorbs 30$ of the national budget, is a

basic consideration.

Under these handicaps a 3 -year plan of economic development was initiated in 1962, and saw exports grow from $M55 in 1962 to 5JM256 in 1966,

with manufactured goods accounting for 68$ of the final figure. A second 5 -year plan was begun in 1967 with its principal emphasis on industrialization and export expansion. Export volume is expected to reach

$M350 in 1967, and it has been predicted that electronics alone will

account for a figure between ^£L00 and $M200 of the national product by

1971.

Because of its situation with respect to natural resources, but with

a reservoir of literate, intelligent and hard working people, the Republic

of Korea must depend largely on processing and manufacturing for an

export market in order to sustain a viable economy. Thus the problems of

quality assurance, particularly for export items, are of paramount

importance. It was in connection with these problems and with the

testing programs that implement quality assurance that the visit of our

NBS team to Korea was sponsored by AID. Our program of visits was arranged in collaboration with the US Operations Mission/Korea by the

National Industrial Research Institute (NIRI) which has the ultimate

responsibility for tests of export items to assure acceptable quality

in foreign markets. The program was enlarged at our request to include

some additional visits.

The text of our report is divided into sections: (l) Introduction;

(2) General observations and conclusions that are the basis of our

recommendations to AID in the areas studied; (3) Recommendations that

we wish to submit for discussion and action; ( 4) Elements of a

u sister

relationship” which could be realized between our NBS and an ROK organization having a mission and objectives similar to ours, if funds were

1

made available from some appropriate source; (5) A diary of our day-today activities together with some comments on the individual visits;

(6) Appendices listing abbreviations used in the text, stating the formal

agreement reached between the NBS team and NIRI at the conclusion of our

study, and presenting information about ROK government employees salary

scale.

2

2. General Observations and Conclusions

2.1 Need for a National System of Physical Standards

In a technological economy good measurements are essential to quality control and to equitable trade. These measurements must be based on

a national system of physical standards which should be in agreement with

the International System if it is to serve trade between nations.

Authorities in ROK have developed an extensive system of written

standards which specify attributes and performance of products and

materials—drawn largely from U.S., Japanese, British, and German specification standards with modifications to meet local conditions —which

have gained substantial manufacturer and consumer acceptance, and whose

provisions form the basis of export product inspection. To be effective,

the control of manufacturing operations and the evaluation of product

quality must be backed by measurements coordinated through calibrations

based on a national system of physical standards.

2.2 Deficiencies in Present System

While there are Korean laws defining many of the units of measure

in accord with the International System, a national measurement system

is not yet realized in practice. The responsibility for the basic standards is fragmented; the reference units which exist are improperly

housed and are not generally used effectively. There is in fact no extensive interface between the national standards and the calibration

services that should be available to technology and science. In many of

the laboratories and test facilities we visited, the original factory

calibration of measuring equipment is used and no procedure exists for

periodic calibration checks. The "Fine Instrument Center11 (FIC) has a

temporary arrangement with the 8th Army Calibration Laboratory for

checking FIC reference standards; but this is on a time -available basis

and is purely an interim understanding, FIC can probably provide some

part of Korea’s technology with secondary level calibrations which would

be useful as a stop-gap measure until the Korean system is properly

organized. The "Gold-Star Electronic Company" sends its company standards

to Germany for calibration checks. There are a few additional instances

in which progressive companies make use of the measurement systems of

other countries to provide needed calibration services.

2.3 Government Responsibility

It is clearly a responsibility of central government to provide and

properly maintain reference standards adequate to form the basis of a national measurement system in essential agreement with the International

System, and to make these standards available to science and technology

through appropriate calibration services and consultation. This responsibility cannot be delegated if the national system is to be kept in agreement with the International System.

3

2.4 Review of Existing Qrganizailons

A brief examination of a few ROK organizations is pertinent at this

point. The Fine Instrument Center (EIC) has within its mission (a) the

training of instrument technicians, (b) the recalibration, repair and

maintenance of instruments, (c) engineering and consulting services to

industry in instrumentation, and (d) prototype development of instruments.

Thus, while FIC obviously must maintain a standards laboratory and can

provide a calibration service, it is dependent on a higher echelon standards laboratory (preferably, directly on the national laboratory) for

assignment and calibration checks on its reference standards. The Korea

Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) was organized in 1966 as an

independent agency to carry out research in the sciences, engineering,

and economics. It aims at ’’utilizing science and technology to support

and encourage the economic development of the nation. Preservation of

autonomy and independence is considered of the greatest importance.

Financial support is furnished by the governments of ROK and USA under a long range program of assistance which helps insure stability. However,

it is intended that the Institute will ultimately become self-sufficient

through provision of its services to industry on a cost-incurred basis.”

It aims to attract Korean scientists and engineers presently working

both in and out of the country and is in a position to offer salaries and

working conditions that are very much more attractive than those of government laboratories. Here also it may be assumed that a standards laboratory will be needed to meet the needs of the Institute; and it may be

that calibration services can be extended to industrial firms on a

’’cost -incurred” basis; but it is not within the charter of the Institute

to set up and maintain the national measurement system nor does it wish to

carry out the public obligations incident to custody of the national

reference standards. The National Industrial Research Institute (NIRI)

is organized for industrial research as well as being assigned the

ultimate responsibility for export product inspection. Its mission statement includes the following: ”...to carry out investigations of domestic

resources. . .development of production, training of technicians and

engineers, application of modem technology to industry.... An important

activity is research directly concerned with industrial production which

manufacturers cannot do because of lack of facilities and equipment. The

Institute is also concerned with improving the quality of industrial products and the development of new industrial fields.”

While there is apparently some overlap in the stated missions of

KIST and NIRI, we do not believe that there need be any significant

duplication of effort. KIST aims at research that will be supported by

industry on a contract basis. Industrial research of NIRI may well be

limited to areas of technology which must be supported by government,

where industry is unable or unwilling to provide the funding needed.

Certainly there are areas of applied research that rna^-ch with NIRI’s

obligations in supervising product evaluation. It is, however, quite

clear that in competition for technical talent, KIST has an enormous

advantage over NIRI since it is not limited to government salary scales

4

and offers substantial fringe benefits. Also, the element of NIRI l s mission concerned with export quality assurance may well suffer since

"research" activity commands a substantial bonus above the normal salary

scale. Thus, senior staff understandably tend to concentrate their

efforts in "industrial research" and to emphasize the research aspect of

their activities. Something should be done to bring salaries and working conditions of senior scientists and engineers in government organizations more nearly into line with the outside opportunities that are

available

.

There are a number of inspection of institutes in various technical

areas which are under the general supervision of NIRI. In addition,

there are provincial laboratories (with inspection functions) which are

under the immediate supervision of the provincial governments, and

ultimately answerable to the Ministry of Home Affairs. Thus the responsibility for quality assurance is diffuse, and technical communication

could be handicapped by the need to proceed through channels between

two ministries.

In the area of responsibility for the national reference standards,

the Bureau of Weights and Measures (in MCI) has custody of such metrology

standards as there are; the Electrical and Communications Institute (in

MOC) has custody of the electrical standards; the Atomic Energy Institute

(in MOST) no doubt has the competence to establish radiation standards of

intensity and exposure needed in industry and medicine, but as yet has

done nothing in this field. Thus in the field of the national reference

standards of measurement, organizations in a number of ministries are

involved, and this seems to us an undesirable complication.

5

3. Hec emendations

From our observations during visits to industrial research and

testing institutes, government bureaus, testing and product control

facilities, and manufacturing plants, we have concluded that the

following recommendations are worthy of consideration.

3.1 Reorganization

The organizations now concerned with domestic and export standards,

supervision of quality control testing, industrial research, and responsibility for the national reference standards should be united as

branches of a single organization similar to the US National Bureau of

Standards. Within the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MCI), these

organizations are:

a. National Industrial Research Institute (NIRI)

b. Bureau of Weights and Measures

c. Korea Bureau of Standards [NBS(ROK)].

As noted below (See 3.2) there are other organizations that should be

included.

3.2 Responsibilities

The new organization (for the purposes of this report called the

Institute of Metrology, Standards, and Related Research - IMSRR) should

be responsible for:

a) The duties of the present organizations —specifications, quality

control and industrial testing, calibration services, reference

standards, training in measurement techniques and good laboratory practice^ measurement-related research, industrial research

of a nature that is not carried out by KIST or in industrial

laboratories;

Note: Responsibility for quality control testing and industrial

research is now somewhat diffuse and consideration should be

given to central coordination of the Provincial Industrial

Research Institutes which have duties similar to those of NIRI.

They are presently responsible to the Ministry of Home Affairs

through local government channels.

b) the electrical standards;

Note: These are now maintained in the Ministry of Communications (MOC). In taking over the basic electrical standards

6

IMSRR would assume the responsibility of providing MOC with the

calibration of electrical standards needed by MOC. At the same

time MOC should be relieved of the task of testing watthourmeters —a job it performs now only because it has custody of

the basic electrical standards.

c) radiation and radioactivity standards needed for medical and

industrial applications , including nuclear power;

Note: In this one area, consideration should be given to the

possibility of delegating the establishment and maintenance of

these standards to the Office of Atomic Energy.

d) establishment and maintenance of temperature standards for the

entire range needed by industry;

e) providing standard reference materials needed for calibration

of instruments and checking the procedures used in the analysis

of products and materials;

Note: The standard reference materials program should be

correlated with those now in existence in other countries.

Correspondence with the Office of Standard Reference Materials

National Bureau of Standards

Washington, D,C. 20234

could be useful in planning a program. It may be in the future

that seme standard reference materials could be obtained on an

exchange basis, with RQK providing other materials needed in

the international program. Existing talent in NIRI and elsewhere in research and testing organizations of RQK could be

utilized for this purpose.

f) establishment of industrial safety standards;

g) maintenance of a nationwide inventory of special testing equipment and measurement competence.

Note: We do not know if it is feasible to make FIC an arm of

IMSRR, but from the point of view of economy of effort, of

equipment, and of training measurement specialists (desired by

FIC as well as IMSRR), and in view of the desirability of

unifying responsibility for the measurement system and the

essential calibration services needed by technology, the inclusion of FIC in the new organization would have decided

advantages.

7

3.3 Advisory Panel

To achieve the closest possible ties with the technical and scientific needs of the nation, an advisory panel should periodically review the

activities and plans of IMSRR and make recommendations based on its findings. Such a panel should be selected from leading scientists and engineers in universities, industry, and other technical areas such as KIST

and FIC.

We would also urge that the industrial research program of NIRI be

reviewed in the light of programs now under way or planned in KIST, so

that duplication of effort may be minimized. NIRI talent thus freed

could be made available for the equally important tasks of assisting in

the establishment of an effective national measurement system and in its

application to the problems of product quality assurance so vital to the

industrial economy of RQK.

3.4 Competitive Salaries

There is presently a substantial salary differential in favor of

individuals engaged in "research” (Appendix 3). We believe that in IMSRR

this should be extended to those who are responsible for:

a) maintenance and use of the nation 1 s reference standards;

b) planning and directing of the calibration services of the

Institute;

c) planning and directing of product testing.

We understand that pay scales of NIRI and other technical services of the

national and provincial governments are far below those of industry and

KIST. This leads to the loss of the best talent in the technical staff

of the government. A reasonable differential is perhaps useful since a limited movement of personnel is healthy but the discrepancy here is far

too great. The government could easily lose the technical leaders it has

and not be able to make the staff improvements needed to assume the

responsibilities described above. This situation should be corrected,

perhaps in steps during a period of several years.

3.3 New Grounds and Buildings

The present facilities and site of NIRI are needed and wanted by

adjacent Seoul National University (SNU) to consolidate its colleges.

Also, the present plant of the Bureau of Weights and Measures is not

suited to good measurements and its grounds are not adequate for the combined organizations. Hence, a new site should be selected. It is suggested that ground on the undeveloped part of the Export Industrial

Estate in Yongdeungpo be considered for this site. The Bureau of Weights

and Measures is planning a new laboratory building and we understand that

some funds are set aside for this. It is suggested that these funds, if

available, should be applied toward building at the new site. Moreover,

valuable properties would be freed by the contemplated moves.

8
I m
This suggested location would facilitate liaison and close cooperation between IMSRR and FIC; indeed there could even be sharing of some

laboratory equipment and reference standards in areas of common concern,

with a substantial reduction in cost to each organization.

3.6 New Library

Library facilities of the present organizations are wholly inadequate in some technical areas. A really good National Technical Library

would be of great benefit to Korean technology and therefore, a central

library an the new site of the combined organizations is suggested. This

library should take into account resources which might be available to

it on an inter-library loan basis from other institutions both public

and private (e.g,, universities, industry, KIST).

Note: It would be advantageous for the Patent Office to share the site

and to have immediate access to the central library of IMSRR, but

we are not suggesting that the Patent Office itself necessarily

be incorporated into IMSRR. Similarly, there might be a number

of advantages in having the Korean Standards Association share

the site.

3.7 Miscellaneous

a) A statistical engineer with training in the design and analysis

of experiments and quality control tests would be extremely

useful to IMSRR.

b) In addition to other gains, a unified organization should achieve

conservation of management talent and of equipment. Thus, there

should be more time for planning in areas not covered thoroughly

now. For example, decisions to buy expensive equipment (infrared spectrometers, x-ray diffraction apparatus, etc.) should be

made taking into account availability of such equipment in

other institutions to which IMSRR might have access, and if

purchased, should be accompanied by a decision (and evaluation

of fund availability) to provide a continuing supply of relatively inexpensive replacement parts. This should be especially

true for parts of known limited life such as sources of illumination.

3.8

Timing and Need for Action

We would point out that the recommendations above are listed in a sequence which might correspond approximately to a reasonable sequence

of implementation. However, it is our feeling that rapid implementation

of all the recommendations is necessary for the attainment of a national

institution adequate to meet the growing needs of Korean Technology.

9
'
4. Sister Relationship with NBS

We assume the establishment of a unified institution (BASER) with

the responsibilities described in Section 3 together with needed funding. The "sister relationship" between NBS and the proposed institution

could include any or all of the following features.

4.1 Training at NBS

a) Training of Koreans in various fields of testing has been active

for some time. This can be continued in areas where it would

be of further assistance if a source of funding can be found.

b) If 4 or 3 engineers or scientists were trained in appropriate

measurement fields, they could be expected to assume responsibility for the national standards of measurement. They could

also train the technicians who would carry out under their

direction the essential calibration services of IMSRE.

Note: It may be pointed out that NBS and the George Washington

University cooperate in a graduate curriculum of Engineering

Metrology leading to MS and D.Sc. degrees. Koreans could enter

this program upon acceptance by GWU. Thus broad training in a variety of measurement disciplines is available in the cooperative program. Specialized training at NBS only would require

much less time and expense. t

c) Training of scientists in research areas appropriate to the

mission of IMSRH could be carried out at NBS. To be effective,

these visits would have to be at least six months, but one year

would be better,

d) NBS could also assist in arranging training periods for IMSRE

personnel in State Offices of Weights and Measures when this

seems more appropriate than a training program at NBS or is

considered to be helpful as a supplement to NBS training.

4.2 NBS Visits to IMSRH

Experts in various fields of research, standards, and testing, might

be made available to IMSKR for periods of a few months or longer. This

form of assistance would be quite costly in terms of the specialists

absence from his own work for an extended period and should not be undertaken unless there is good reason to believe that his services will be

efficiently used.

10

4.3

Physical Standards

NBS could advise and assist in planning and acquiring physical

standards and reference materials and the instrumentation essential to

their proper use. NBS oould also provide initial calibrations (in terms

of the International System) of reference standards that would become

the basis of a national measurement system.

4.4 Laboratories

NBS could advise and assist in planning the laboratories and controlled environment needed for proper work in standards, research, and

testing. NBS could also give advice concerning instrumentation for those

fields of work.

4. 5 Library

NBS could advise in planning the IMSRR, central library and could

contribute substantially with NBS publications on an exchange basis.

4.6 Need for Action

In conclusion, we would like to emphasize our feeling that the

rapid development of all these aspects of the "sister relationship” with

NBS (or other national laboratories) is necessary to prepare IMSRR for

the demands which we believe Korea* s technology will place on it in the

near future.

11

5. Diary

5.1 Interviews in the U.S.

Before our departure for our tasks in Korea, we succeeded in obtaining a good deal of reading material partly with the help of the Embassy

of Korea. At the US National Bureau of Standards we profited from advice

given by our staff member, Dr. Chong Kuk Kim, and a consultant to the

Polymer Division, Dr. Hyuk Yu, whose brother. Professor Hoon Yu . of the

Seoul Graduate School of Public Administration, we met later in Korea.

We talked to Dr. Harvey L. Goering of the Battelle Memorial Institute

(BMI) about the sister relationship set up between BMl and the Korea

Institute of Science and Technology (KIST). That relationship included

training programs of senior KlST staff members, two of whom visited us at

NBS before our departure. One of them. Dr. Young Ku Yoon, a competent

X-ray crystallographer with experience at Brown University, Brooklyn

Polytechnic Institute, US Steel and Argonne National Laboratory, was

shortly returning to Korea. We were also fortunate to have private

briefings from US Commerce Department economists who had considerable

experience of the Korean scene.

Just before departure from NBS we met Mr, Sung Hwan Kim , an NBS

guest worker for some months from the National Industrial Research Institute

(NIRI).

Most important, probably, was our meeting with members of the Korean

Industrial Development Observation Team led by Assistant Ministers, Woo

Ryong Lee. ^nistryofC^merceand^Indust^ (MCI ) , and Moon Talk Lee.

Economic Planning Board (EPS). We obtained valuable information from

that team of twelve senior executives especially as a result of an

evening discussion meeting convened by Assistant Minister, Woo Ryong Lee.

in which we were given an excellent introduction to the Korean government’s enqouragement and interest in the field of our mission.

5.2 Interviews in Japan

Thursday, September 28

One of us arrived in Japan and visited the production, testing, and

development facilities at the Haijij^^ Rigaku Denki Co. . Ltd.

Useful discussions concerning a number of instruments were Reid with

Superintendent Yokoyama and Research Department Manager. Dr. Yoshimatsu. The subject of government export regulations was discussed with T. Yamada

of the Export Dept. I, Overseas Division.

Saturday, September 30

The remainder of the team arrived in Tokyo, Japan, and were met by

Dr. Isao Qyama. second division chief of the National Research Laboratory

12

Mr. Masanao Moriiaura . physicist at the same laboratory,

and others. 'An opportunity presented itself to discuss the relation of

standards laboratories to Japanese test laboratories engaged in industrial

product characterization and quality control.

Sunday, October 1

During informal meetings with Professors Teiichi Ito. R. Sadanaga.

and M. Nakanira

.

all of we discussed standard reference

material development in Japan, the possibility of encouraging Korean participation in the program which is unique in the Far East, and Japanese

success in the continuing supply of qualified graduates to industry and

government institutes concerned with inspection, testing and quality

control.

Monday, October 2

We called on Dr. Robert T. Webber. Scientific Attach^, Far East

^^assies^f^e^S, to discuss the background of Korean science and

technology as it relates to our mission.

We also met Dr. Walter H. Hodge. US National Science Foundation.

Chief of Far East Office, and his deputy.' far, kichard R. Ries. to discuss

the impact of the US/japan Cooperation in Science Program on standards,

quality control, and inspection procedures in Japan. The US Embassy

staff also assisted in obtaining at short notice appointments with

responsible government officials to give insight into regulatory control

in Japan of inspection and testing procedures for expert goods. The

acceptance of Japanese products abroad is known to have depended on

effective government-industry collaboration in quality control.

In particular, a visit was made to the Ministry of International

Trade^n^JCndu^r^ where we were received by the Chief of the Section for

Inspection and Industrial Design, Mr. Iwaki Iwashiro and arrangements

were made for further visits to illustrate Japanese inspection systems.

The evening was spent with Dr. P. J. Frank . generalElectric^

scientific representative in the Far East, for us to obtain an impression

of the extent of difficulties in maintenance and servicing complex American

scientific equipment in the field.

Tuesday, October 3

A thorough inspection was made of production and testing at Nippon

Kogaku KK. manufacturers of the renowned range of Nikon Cameras anU

optical instruments. Accompanied by Mr. Masanao Morimura of the National

Research Laboratory of Metrology we were guided throughout by Mr. K'e'izo

Shiomi . Manager of the Nikon Research Laboratory.

13

We visited the in the Prime Minister's

Office of Science and technology, the director General of the Agency,

Dr. Y. Tomonaga. is well known to us as former Director of the National

Resear^ Interesting discussions were' held with

Dr. Kumiami Umerzawa. Director of the Agency's Planning Bureau.

Wednesday, October 4

Further informative discussions at the US Embassy were followed by

a visit to the office of the Japan Machinery and Metals Inspection

where President Isamu Hishinuma was the principal host. This

was followed by a visit to the Setagaya Laboratory of JMMI where most of

the discussions were held with Director' Hldeo Goto and the Acting Head of

the Measuring Instrument Testing Section, Mr. Masato Kawarai . Advanced

techniques were used to excellent effect* Collaboration with industry

worked smoothly.

At Tokyo University a visit to Professor Shizuo Fuiiwara,. a wellknown nuc iear chemi st , proved to be not directly relevant to our Korean

mission.

Thursday, October 5

A visit was made to Tonuku University. Sendai Institute of Scientific

Measurement where Professor Tadatoski BiTxT is director of a fundamental

research institute in metrology without regulatory or direct teaching responsibilities and without accepting contract research from industry.

Dr. Hibi and his staff were very helpful and would welcome cooperation

with Korean specialists in metrology.

An extensive tour was made of the Sanjo Works of Shimadzu Seisakusho

Lid, We were accompanied by Professor Keinosuke Kobayashi of Kyoto Univerand guided by the Manager of the Scientific Instrument Works far.

Shichibei Kozawa and the Sub Chief of the Engineering Section Mr. Masaya

Iwanoga

.

Shimadzu manufactures a very large range of scientific instruments for research, industrial, and medical applications. It exports many

of its products and also has concluded technical cooperation agreements

with foreign companies to permit manufacture of their products in Japan.

An opportunity arose for a comparative discussion of the situation in the

U.S., Japan, and Korea.

Friday, October 6

We visited Professor T. Horie at Osaka^^^versit^, a renowned physical

chemist, who formerly taught at SeoulNational University as Associate

Professor. His experiences and impressions are probably somewhat outdated. Our discussions with Professor Syuzo Seke were more profitable

but only from a purely scientific viewpoint.

14

We visited Professor Keinosuke Kobayashi of the

^^iga^Jisiagoh at In addition to presenting a lecture about our research,

-^" had interesting disoussions with Professors Kobayashi and Yasunori Nishi.lima of Kyoto and Professor Himvukl

Tadokoro

.

Department of Polymer Science, Osaka University, who came from

Osaka to see us. Professor Kobayashi and his postdoctoral student Dr.

Toshio Nagasawa are continuing their work on the effects of point defects

(induced by electron irradiation) on the crystals of polyethylene.

Saturday, October 7

We visited ^DgffiDencM Cooperative Industrial Park situated in Kusei,

a district of S. Kyoto. Mr. Toshio Chyo. President of a member firm, the

was our principal host. The range of balances

and differential thermo-gravimetric instruments range from among the

worlds most precise to diverse equipments used for routine testing. The

company has considerable experience in the Korean market and has received

contracts under a system of Japanese aid with preference for Japanese products.

Also visited were the specializing in injection moulding, the Torii W4Mi^=^ch^^==C omuany (textile

machinery), the YMoashir^^omgan^ (metal sheet press and welding), the

^gaw^Comggi^ (truck bodieslTthe (electrical measuring

instruments), and an example of Japanese cottage industries. Finally,

a discussion took place with a representative of ^^agmotoM^^act^i^

a major supplier also to Korea of chemical analysis instruments

for product characterization.

5.3 Interviews in Korea

Sunday, October 8

At Kimpo Airport we were met by AID USQM/K and Korean Government

officials, including the Director, Mr. Bom Soon Lee, of the -National

Industrial Research Institute (NIRI) of the Ministry of Connnerce and

Industry (MCI). Of that Institute we also met Mr. Young Gu Ha and Mr.

Nam C. Paik who were to become our guides on most of our tours and visits

in Korea. Mr. Niels C. Beck. Industrial Advisor USQM/K, assisted by

Mr. Woo Taik Moon, accompanied us to our quarters, gave us orientation

instructions and background reading material that proved most helpful

and included; "End-of-Tour Report11 U-513, “Korea Export Program'1 IMD-1,

“This is Industry in Korea” IED-1, and "Inspection of Export Products in

Korea", all by Niels C. Beck. He also explained some of the implications

of the Cabinet’s recent reshuffle as it affected our mission.

15

Monday, October 9

A national holiday to celebrate the anniversary of the Korean Alphabet (Hangul) Proclamation.

The NBS team had is first day of relative rest, reading, writing,

and becoming oriented.

Tuesday, October 10

After an official welcome to the Republic of Korea by the Vice

^^sJ^^or^^^^rce^and^J^^si^, Mr. Chul Soong Lee, we visited the

gua^^^o^rol^Section headed by our host Mr. Chong Hak Kim . His Section, formerly the Export Inspection Section, is located in the First

Industry Bureau of MCI and administers the new (October 1, 1967) Quality

Control Law, giving protection to domestic consumers. Mr. Kim explained:

(i) the division into seven industrial fields, the systems of

labelling, minimum requirements, and factory grading;

(ii) the parts played by the 17 semi-private quality control

inspection stations and by NIRI;

(iii) the relationship to the KS (Korean Standard) system.

A courtesy call followed on Minister Kee Hyong Kim of the Ministry

of Science and Technology (MOST). Dr. Kim formerly at Pennsylvania State

University is holder of many patents and a distinguished ceramist with

many attractive ideas on future progress and prospects for science and

technology in the ROK.

At the US Embassy we met Mr. G. E. Robert Meyer, Commercial Attach^,

and Mr. Bradford Wa Miller. Jr.. Commercial Officer, chiefly to discuss

an agenda item for the visit at the end of the month of the US Secretary

of Commerce, Mr. Alexander B. Trowbridge . Wednesday, October 11

Director Bom Soon Lee of NIRI and his staff prepared a special welcome for us. After a general discussion of NIRI and the hoped-for "sister

relationship” with NBS, a luncheon was given by the division chiefs led

by the Director himself. Mr. W. D. Hvun is Chief of the First Division,

Sin Sut Oh. Chief of the Second Division, and Sang Sup Lee. Chief of the

Industrial Export Division. We started on thorough tours of the entire

Institute. Mr. D. S. Augustin Kim. Section Chief of Inorganic Chemistry,

and Mr. Jung Ik Raw. Chief of the Textile Section (who had been an NBS

16

visiting scientist from. June -December 1965) first showed us their laboratories. The library was visited next and the testing and analysis center,

the strength of which gives NXRI the reputation it enjoys in the ROK.

Thursday, October 12

A meeting with the USCM Deputy Director, Mr, Roger Ernst , proved to

be helpful. His sincere welcome and thoughtful briefing revealed a deep

regard for ROK and a practical approach to the real problems the nation

has to face.

The remainder ')of the day was devoted to further inspection of the

NIRI facilities and to study of the applied research programs, which are

closely linked to pressing problems of ROK industry. The Mechanical

Engineering Section is headed by Mr„ Duck Kvu Yoon and the Ceramics

Section by Mr. Yong Wan Park. The KBS team was not really competent to

assess the work of the Food Technology Section. The Export Inspection

Division, and the Administration Section led by Mr. Oh Soo Kwon. are

mostly clerical groups,

Friday, October 13

In view of the great importance of electrical standards in the

national measurement system of an advancing industrial nation a visit was

made to the Electrical and Communications Laboratory of the Ministry of

£CTnmuni£a^bi£ns (MOC). accompanied by Mr. Albert A. kicolay f Chief of the

Communications Branch, USQM/K. Although legally that Laboratory presently has the responsibility of promulgating electrical standards in

Korea in conformity with the International System, this duty is not

adequately carried out and is probably not appropriate for a laboratory

oriented almost entirely towards communications.

A visit was also made to both the headquarters and the magnificent

building site of the KoreaDisInjjUte^^^ (KIST).

We were received by the President. "DrV Hyung Sun Choi. General Fong Kvun

Shin . Vice President, and Mr, Donald D. Evans. Battell^Memorial^Insti^

(EMI) advisor. The plans for KIST were explained and well illustrated by

a lively discussion group on problems in the food industry, attended for

example by Mr. Yong Sung Kim. President of the Korea Flour Mills Association, Main buildings will be completed by the end of 1968. A trust fund

eventually of almost US$M4 is expected to earn 30% interest. The staff

numbers presently more than 100 to be raised to about 250 in a year and

will include about 25 at "principal investigator" level. Sixteen major

surveys about industrial needs are presently being compiled. Symposia,

thesis research on part-time basis, and sabbatical leave at least every

three years are special features. The general conditions of employment

should attract back to Korea nationals of that country who in the US or

other countries have achieved a high standard of scholarship in the

17

sciences. President Johnson 1 s gift of NBS standards is net matched by

plans to provide a universal calibration service for members of the

public demonstrating a need. Individual arrangements, of course, could

be made for appropriate fees. In general, however, KIST is planning only

to establish a system for acceptance of larger research contracts than

would normally be involved in individual calibration services. To date

two such large contracts are under way, both sponsored by the RQK government —one for long-range supply and demand for energy, the other for

study of long-term scientific and technological development in Korea.

Monday, October 16

The first morning visit was to the S^^^ioSliBureauo^Standards

in MCI and under its new Director, Mr. Young' Bae' Kim, wko is an' economist

by training. He gave an excellent account of his Bureau which with the

help of a system of Government -appointed committees establishes standard

specifications, especially those leading to the KS (Korean Standard)

marking. Throughout our stay in Korea we were impressed by the will of

manufacturers and government to collaborate constime tively to achieve

realistic specifications that would reassure consumers and raise the

reputation of Korean industrial products. For this purpose many foreign

specifications especially those from the US, Japan, Britain, and Germany

are copied with minor amendments. A system for gradual tightening of

specifications is in effect. The Government -appointed technical standards committees have wide representation but, as everywhere, there are

problems in obtaining responsible consumer opinions.

Next we talked with General J. S. Ho of the Korea^Standard^Ass^iation who explained the intermediary position which the KSA occupies between the NBS (ROK) ion the one hand, and producers, consumers, etc. on

the other. KSA is an essentially private organization approved and

recognized by MCI and has the additional purpose of improving productivity

in industry by better production control, KSA also publishes a monthly

journal. With USQM/K help an English translation of Korean standard

specifications has just been completed.

In the afternoon an inspection was made of the B^eauofWeights^md

Measures in MCI, administering the Law of Weights and Measures which does

not include electrical standards or standards of radioactivity. In the

absence in Paris of the Director Ja K. Lee, we were received by the chiefs

of the two principal divisions: Certification, Mr. C.K. Kim and General

Affairs, Mr. H. J. Cho . The facilities of the Bureau are not commensurate

with the needs of an industrial economy of a rapidly progressing nation.

The national kilogram and meter bar are kept in the vaults of the gankgf

Korea.

IB

The Patent Bureau is headed by Director Choon Hang Chun who appeared

well informed about patent practices in the US and elsehwere. His own

organization administers patents and trademarks , but the NBS team was not

qualified to assess its effectiveness. As yet no appreciable help can be

given to Koreans for obtaining patent protection abroad. This appears to

us an important service to be given to a people on whose inventiveness

their future prosperity depends.

A busy day was concluded at the Korea Trade Promotion Corporation

(KOTRA) where we were received by Mr. Dok Yong Chun. Section Chief in the

Business Service Department. KOTRA is the "show window” of the fast expanding Korean industry aimed especially at foreign buyers. Its bimonthly

”Korea Trade” journal is attractively produced and distributed through

eleven ”Trade Centers” in the US, Japan, Germany, Hong Kong, Vietnam,

Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore. There are twelve smaller KOTRA

offices and five ” correspondents” strategically located throughout the

non-communist world.

Tuesday, October 17

Our first visit to a Korean factory took us to Cho-Il Rubber Industrial^C^^an^Ltd^ at Youngdongpo near Seoul where Mr. J.-D. Ryu was our

host. Although it is not a large company, it has reached KS quality on

some of its products. Natural rubber in ROK is all imported; domestic

synthetic rubber will become available soon; reclaimed rubber is added in

rather high proportion to lower quality products. Rubber filler dust is a slight problem in some areas. There are many hand (but tool assisted)

operations in rubber boot and shoe production. These are the principal

products of the company. Raincoats, rubber boats and air mattresses

account for most of the remainder.

The United Nations Development Program has clearly made a major contribution to Korean technology by its provision of the ^^S20__F^e__|^st^-

mentsCenter at which we were received by the Director, Mr, Seung Yuo Park.

formerly the Director of NBS(ROK); the Chief Technical Adviser, Colonel

John E. Steel of Britain; and a cosmopolitan supporting staff. It would

be quite wrong, however, not to emphasize the enthusiasm and increasing

competence of the Korean staff who as time goes on will take more and

more initiative and responsibility.

The major aim of the ETC, as we see it, is to provide competence and

training in the correct use, maintenance, servicing, repair, and recalibration of scientific and industrial instruments. Even now FIC is helping

many laboratories in ROK to assure effective use of many pieces of equipment purchased abroad. Yet our tour of many establishments has convinced

us that an urgent need persists. Throughout Korea there are many instruments which are not used at all or not effectively, at times for lack of

a relatively inexpensive replacement part. There is thus not the slightest

doubt that FIC is and will continue to fulfill a critical need.

19

In addition FIC, working with the Korean Measurement Instruments

Industrial Association, hopes to stimulate and give detailed advice on

domestic manufacture of instruments including the development by FIC of

prototypes. This is another set of worthwhile aims, that will bear

fruits in a country in which skill and patience are strongly developed

human characteristics, and in which an electronic industry has taken

firm hold.

A proposal has also been submitted to UNESCO, USCM/K, and the ROK

Government for FIC to provide an interim calibration center based on temporary assistance by the US 8th Army Calibration Facility. FIC must keep

standards for instrument calibration. Under those circumstances FIC

might well offer a reimbursable service to anyone in ROK requesting it and

demonstrating a need. The benefits could be considerable, especially

because it is a widespread misconception that manufacturers settings of

instruments remain accurate and stable without limit of time, storage,

and conditions of use. We have not reviewed in detail FIC’s proposal

for laboratory certification.

At the Koolodo^,^^^^^!^^!^!^^^^!^ we saw in its infancy the

first and ambitious industrial park administered by a non-profit corporation. Eventually it is hoped that it will earn in foreign exports more

than $M20 annually, employ over 10,000 and include more than 50 participating independent factories. The showrooms are finished and attractively

styled. S^^waHaps^^_^dustrialC^pa^ is in production with rubber

shoes and toys; 2omn^Bs ElectricalBs^dustrial(5 C^^a^ with TV and transistor radios; S^^^Elec^rica^Machine^^^dustrial^C^^a^ is said to produce "crystals and industrial jewel bearings", but there was no opportunity

to see the product; is Pro^ucing brass

fittings and faucets and is producing Christmas

lights of which it is by no means the only ROK manufacturer. Most of the

area, however, as yet is undeveloped land, conveniently located near Kimpo

Airport, Seoul, and railroad services.

In the afternoon we visited four of the 17 independent Testing

Institutes:

1) The Korea Metal Inspection and Testing Institute . Non-destructive

testing equipment did not include radiographic but only ultrasonic apparatus which, used by itself, is generally inadequate,

2) The Korea Electric Machinery. Inspection..Agency. There is no periodic recalibration program for test instruments.

3) The Korea Fabric Testing and Inspection Institute with a former

NIRI employee as Director, kru Young Su YukI

4) The Korea Textile Inspection and Testing Institute (K0TITI).

20

We will here give a few details of KOTITI partly because it is

typical of the responsibilities and emphasis of these Testing Institutes

and partly because it is a fine organization. Due to an administrative

error, we were not expected but were received by Mr. Evum Duck Lee and

Mr. C.K. Kim. We were fortunate in that our visit happened to coincide

with one by Mr. Don Leland of the Quality Assurance Division of the US

Army Procurement Agency. It made us realize how effectively this particular official, and probably many like him, are helping Korean industry

to comprehend details of quality standards and control by constructive

personal cooperation for a more effective process than mere reading of

the texts of specifications. These texts, despite much conscientious

writing, are apt to allow misinterpretations particularly when foreign

language difficulties are involved.

KOTITI provides a good testing service to industry with competent

staff and fairly good, well-maintained equipment, that appears fully used.

The service is also available for applied fiber research by contract.

The Institute carries out standard mandatory fiber tests for standard fees

for domestic and export merchandise. It operates training classes, classifies cottons and is available for arbitration in its field of competence.

Not all branches of ROK industry are so well served by the relevant

inspection institute. The textile fiber industry in its relation to

KOTITI is probably setting a good example to other industries. The full

story of how domestic and export sales are benefitted by KOTITI ’s activities

is, of course, not known to us after one brief visit. It was not surprising, however, that in this field one or two factories we saw had themselves similarly good test equipment and were competing in world markets.

KOTITI in turn had confidence in their in-house inspection procedures.

There was, however, an area of overlap with the Korea Fabric Testing and

Inspection Institute.

Wednesday, October 18

Preparations for our journeys through provincial centers prevented a very full program of visits.

A visit was made, however, to Yonsei University, especially to

Professor Choong -Ryun Chung. Secretary General of the Korean Physical

Society which was inviting us to give several topical lectures and to

attend the semi-annual Physical Society Meeting which was to take place

at Taejon during our stay.

Yonsei has a beautiful campus with modem buildings; is a Presbyterian

Foundation; has had substantial help from the 5th US Air Force and 8th

US Army; has a large Medical Center; and appears to offer good undergraduate science teaching. It hopes soon to start post-graduate teaching

21

in selected departments. One clearly would like to meet more graduates

at critical spots throughout industry and EOK government test and research

laboratories who will carry back messages on the kind of training that

will help Koreans to meet their urgent technological problems.

Thursday, October 19

Accompanied by Mr. Niels C. Beck and his assistant Mr. Woo Taik Moon

from USGM/K, we flew to Taegu, third largest city in ROK and capital of

Kyungsangpukdo, the largest of the eight provinces of ROK. There our

party was joined by Mr. Nam C. Paik and Mr. Young Gu Ha of NIRI who had

travelled by train. Apart from Mr, Beck’s return to Seoul because of

urgent preparations for his transfer to Saigon, the party stayed together

on the six-day journey through southeastern Korea.

At an official welcome by Vice Governor Nam Bong Jin of Kyuongsangpuk

Province, the progressive outlook and increasing industrial importance of

the area became clear. The chief of the J^^strial^Secti^ of the Provincial Government of Kyungpuk, Mr. Joon Hi Lee, explained how industry is

attracted and supported by the new ^ovmcia^^^ustria^^aborato^,

which we visited next. In its development much encouragement and $60,000

worth of US equipment (a universal testing machine) had been given by

USCM/K through the offices of Mr. Niels C. Beck in particular. Gratitude

for his personal services was expressed in a simple ceremony and a

commemorative certificate handed to him by the Vice Governor.

At the Provincial Industrial Laboratory our host was the director,

Mr. Young Ku Han . The Laboratory is well laid out on a good site conveniently located next to major new Government buildings and operates under

a Provincial Government Law passed in 1965. Its relations to NIRI are

tenuous, because it reports through the Governor’s office to the Ministry

of Home Affairs (MOHA). The Laboratory executes tests for local industry;

gives guidance and consultation for fees to local industry on development

of raw materials and of products to KS specifications; runs training programs; and there is some applied research presently chiefly on water quality

and hardness, on local clays and their firing characteristics, and on

dyeing polypropylene textiles. The staff of 40 includes 27 graduate

scientists, the top job of the Institute, that of the director, is presently graded as 3B, the same grade as that of a laboratory chief at NIRI

(see Appendix 3 —Government Employees Salary Scale), The Laboratory has

an effective advisory committee of local industrial leaders and university

professors.

In the afternoon we visited the Che^IlJgole^Jextile^g^^^^ where

we were received by Mr. Hal Sik Son, director and mill superintendent.

The president of the company is one of the leading industrialists of ROK,

22

Mr. Bvung Chul Lee . The Taegu plant, established in 1954, is large

(almost 3,000 employees, more than 20,000 spindles, more than 120 looms),

very modern, and employs up-to-date testing and inspection methods.

Almost all the raw wool is imported from Australia and New Zealand. The

export merchandise is fully competitive on a world market, and largely

accounts for a rapid increase in R0K annual exports of sweaters, $M14 and

of woolen fabric ca. ^3 to the US, Canada, Netherlands, and Sweden.

In sharp contrast our visit to the Hyup-Rip Manufacturing Company

was an unforgettable experience. Suffice it to make two points:

(1) There was a total lack of safety precautions.

(2) Even so, the Company deserves some praise —it is evidently competitive in world markets for umbrella frames which are quite intricate

mechanisms* This firm’s production is so organized that quality control

and inspection are guided by sound statistical practices.

Next we visited the ^^gggukProductivit^^enter with its executive

director, Mr. Yong Soo Ahn as principal host and Mr. Suk Kyu Bae . the

counterpart industrial advisor for USCM/K in Taegu.

Friday, October 20

First we visited the Agricultural Research Station at Taegu directly

responsible to the Agricultural Inspection Agency of the Ministry of

Agriculture and ForStry (MQAF^ of the Federal (RQK) Government. Tnat

Agency has a consultative committee of farmers and university experts

which sets standards of product weight, length, etc., and establishes

samples e.g. of seeds for quality of agricultural raw materials (e.g.

seed grain) and products. They do not do research in crop or livestock development, crop rotation, reforestation, and general dispositions

in land use. These latter functions are mostly covered by the Rural

Devel^ment^Offic^.

To return to the Agricultural Research Station at Taegu, it is one

of seven similar stations in R0K responsible for agricultural districts

corresponding roughly to the provinces. The Taegu Station has 27 subbranches in counties. With these branches it employs 176 persons. The

equipment in the Station is quite impressive and well used in rather

restricted space. Communication with M0AF in Seoul appeared to be direct

and effective.

A lunchtime meeting took place in the Taegu compound of the US 8th

Army at the invitation of Mr. Charles Lutcn a industrial advisor to USQM/K

attached to the Kyungpuk Productivity Center.

23
I
Mr 0 Lunton, with an American colleague, had expended a considerable

effort in helping the to build a reverbatory aluminum melt furnace for foundry use, the' company we had visited that

morning. Mr. Oh Sik Chang. President of the Sun-11 Industrial group had

been our host. Its products have won the KS mark, 'but some would not be

competitive in world markets because of design faults. As regards

safety, production methods are by no means as primitive as at the umbrella

factory visited on the previous day, but still leave room for much improvement. There is administrative talent here and one obtains the impression

that this Company will continue to prosper even after the large-scale production of aluminum in ROK begins under a cooperation and licensing agreement said to be signed with a Japanese group. Under these circumstances,

the value of the cryolite research project at NIRI (Inorganic Chemistry

Section) may be questioned.

In the afternoon a seminar-type discussion took place under the

auspices of the Tae^jCh^^erofC^^erce^md^ndustry. It was attended

by about 30 government officials, laboratory scientists and technicians,

as well as leaders of local industry. The subject was inspection and

quality control. We felt it most important to talk about physical standards, measurement system^, and instrument calibrations, whereas the

audience was more anxious to hear our views on Korean written standard

specifications, and on how standards are established and enforced in the

US. The Koreans appeared unaminous that specifications ought to be

enforced by regulation. We emphasized that additional in-plant inspection

by the manufacturer could not only save governmental laboratory time but

equally unnecessary wastage in production. We may have succeeded also in

convincing the audience that standard reference materials can often save

much time and effort in raw material characterization and production.

Several manufacturers’ representatives expressed a desire that equipment

in the Provincial Laboratory be supplemented so that tests which must now

be sent to NIRI could be performed locally with less delay.

A visit was also made to the Yung Hwa Textile Industrial Company

shown to us by the plant manager, Mr. Chang ::Hee Lee . It is a mediumsized weaving and fishnet manufacturing plant, using only man-made fibers,

almost exclusively nylon. Working conditions are mostly quite good.

There is space for further expansion, and management is confident that

the firm is well able to hold its competitive position.

Monday, October 23

The drive to the port city of Pusan took us past fertilizer (urea)

plants which have transformed productivity of agriculture in ROK, the oil

refinery and the first units of a petrochemical industry at Ulsan.

24

Pusan is the second largest city of RQK. It is the seat of the Provincial Government of Kyongsangnamdo, yet the city itself has considerable

autonomy. Our party was honored by a reception by the (Provincial)

Governor Kae Soon Lee, who summarized the impressive and increasing

industrial importance of: the Province, its striking beauty in its mountains,

coastlines and historic sights, and he referred to the key importance of

Pusan harbor.

Director. Deok Kweon Hwang guided us around his Pusan Kvongnam Indus - trial Research Institute . It has a very similar scope, purpose, competence,

and programs to the Kyungpuk Provincial Industrial Laboratory at Taegu.

The principal differences are 2

1) It is situated in a very crowded area of Pusan but near the

principal Government buildings. Plans exist to expand the Laboratory by

the removal of an entire block of residential property. In this way

the Laboratory will obtain a main road frontage.

2) The City Government of Pusan contributes to the Laboratory

budget. Nevertheless, it principally reports through the Provincial

Governor to the Ministry of Home Affairs. Contact with NIRI is therefore

tenuous.

The ^^^u^Pain^ChemicalC^p^^ was shown to us by its Managing

Director. Mr. Hak Yung Cho . The products are a wide variety of paints,

lacquers, resins, varnishes, and small plastic tiles. Rudimentary test

equipment is operated. Raw materials are mostly imported, their uniformity in quality is left in the hands of suppliers. Some development work

is currently in progress on protective coatings for ships.

We saw next the Pusan Branch of the Central Fisheries Inspection

gjaj^ion shown to us by its chief Mr, Jong Sang Won'. There are 14 similar

fishery inspection institutes and development laboratories all directly

responsible to the ^sherie^Develogmen^^en^ in MOAF. The organizations and line of responsibilities closely resemble those of the

Agricultural Inspection Agency previously described (October 20).

An excellent impression was made on us by the presentation of the

1st Analysis Division Chief of the gus^^sj^^ec^i^^ab^ratories (till

recently the Bureau of Customs), Mr, Choi., Administratively this Laboratory comes under the ^ndstr^B_of

a_^ess Treas^^ and has almost no direct

communication with rat it is concerned not only with fairness of taxation (import duty) on foreign imports but equally with export articles

controlled by law, for example under export quality regulations. The

Laboratory reports to the Customs Collector in parallel with the Import

and Export Bureaus and a bureau concerned with surveillance. The Laboratory is rather well equipped, has a competent staff; and renders a clearcut public service.

25

Tuesday, October 24

It was United Nations Day, a public holiday; but we found Gold-Star

Electronic Company running all departments on a shift basis. Our chief

guide was the General Manager, Mr. Kvung Je Cho . All of ROK is justly

proud of this modern Korean plant, a subsidiary company of Lucky Chemical

(see below). Gold Star started in 195$, now has annual sales of $M15.

Their capacity is:

1 ) 2 ) 3)

4)

a

7)

8 ) and 9)

500 000 radios

40 000 TV sets

50 000 electric clocks

300 000 watthour meters

12 000 motors

20 000 refrigerators

100 000 ..fans

100 000 telephone receivers

70 000 automatic switchboards.

Recently an associated cable company started working with domestic

electrolytic copper as raw material,. Five 50$ owned subsidiaries produce some component parts, others are produced by 18 small and medium

sized companies supplying exclusively to Gold Star.

The Company itself employs 4000 workers, on a 15 acre site with

7 1/2 acres of floor space. Two hundred employees hold university degrees,

many of them are concerned with inspection and testing. The Company in

the field of automatic switchboards works under license from Siemens,

Germany. There were eight resident German engineers who undoubtedly have

a remarkable effect on the quality of workmanship and managerial techniques. Their influence was being felt even outside their assigned area

for cooperation. In particular, we noted that electrical standards in

this Company had international traceability via the German Siemens Company, through the German PTB.

It is our impression that a foreign advisor contract is a sound

method of operation.

The Korean Government has emphasized its flexible and cooperative

attitude, for example, by agreeing to set up facilities for bonded

factories, which would not sell directly to the Korean market.

Gold Star has shown that electronic and small electrical applicances

for domestic use and export can be profitably produced in ROK.

At the parent whose president, Mr, I. H. Koo.

is a member of one o?

S5^^= mos7

s?uccessml industrialist families, we

were guided by the production chief, Mr. Soon Mo Kim, of the Tongnae

plant, which was working on the UN Day. It is a polyvinlychloride plant

26

with an annual capacity of 3000 metric tons, making films, sheet, fishing floats, raincoats, wall and floor tiles, swimming rescue rings,

inflatable toys, vinyl leather, vinyl shoe tops and zippers. It manufactures some of its own plasticizers and is currently expecting delivery

of a new calendering machine. The most notable test technique used was

a radioactive sheet thickness gauge directly controlling roller pressure.

Daehan Chinaware Company Ltd , was shown to us by its President Mr.

Yu Sang Choi. It is an older establishment, which however had to restart

almost from scratch in 1956. Using mostly imported machinery including

three oil-fired tunnel kilns but domestic raw materials (better selection

and characterization of which would prove beneficial), this firm now

exports attractive earthenware to countries in South East Asia and

Panama at an annual rate of $M1 0 There are few test facilities, and

hardly any applied research is being done by the Company. No association with a foreign consultant is presently sought.

Wednesday, October 25

At the joint invitation of the Korean Physical and Chemical Societies,

we gave six hours of seminar talks at the College of Liberal Arts and

Sciences, geo^^a^io^al^^iversii^ (SNU) on the "Present status of the

electrical units, ""the morphology and properties of crystalline synthetic

polymers,” and "crystals, their growth and use in metrology”.

We had a good audience from all the well-known universities in the

Seoul area, but unfortunately no one from NIRI or the Communications

Laboratory attended. Some of our remarks in a sense were especially

adapted to be of interest to them. However we did establish contact

with a number of prominent university professors who entered into

stimulating discussions. For example Professor Hi Gyn Kim of

Heejmversit^ is interested in crystal growth.

Thursday, October 26

Preparations continued for the visit of the U.S. Secretary of

Commerce. NIRI ins submitted a recommendation for the relevant agenda

item to MCI. There is not likely to be much conflict of viewpoint,

except possibly in NIRI's wish to request gifts of surplus NBS equipment.

In general, we explained, there is remarkably little usable equipment

that is discarded by NBS. Outdated equipment requiring repair would add

greatly to their troubles.

Friday, October 27

Attendance at the Korean Physical Society Meeting at the College of

Arts and Sciences, Cheongnam University in Taejon was a privilege and

pleasure. Immediately after arrival by train we presented a modest but

original paper, such as might have been presented at an American Physical

27
' I

V
Society meeting. The paper is to be offered for publication in the Korean

Physical Society Journal. Arrangement s were made with the Editorial

Secretary, Professor Chung Hum Kim, of Korea University, for the manuscript to be forwarded in January 1968 subject to foBS editorial approval.

Dr. Kim is a well-known nuclear physicist formerly of Rochester University,

New York.

A discussion took place also with Professor Yon Duk Kim of Soegang

College in Seoul. Professor Kim is a Berkeley nuclear physicist who is

expanding his activities into the solid state area, because it is easier

under Korean conditions to teach experimental techniques to students in

that field. Professor Kim is nevertheless quite pessimistic about job

opportunities for his graduates. At least he will proceed cautiously in

increasing the number of his students. We accepted his invitation to

visit his College on November 2.

By chance we also met with KIST architectural advisor Mr. John C.

Rollow with whom the need for proper housing of the standards presented

by President Lyndon B. Johnson was discussed. The lack of firm plans

for these standards was again evident.

Saturday, October 28

The Korean Physical Society Meeting moved to Taejon College,

another university with a beautiful campus in the outskirts of Taejon,

Provincial Capital of rapidly expanding industrial and cultural activities.

An interesting discussion took place with Dr. Won Chung of KIST, a well-known solid-state physicist of Bell Telephone Laboratory, who

recently returned to RQK and with his physicist wife is looking at the

Korean scene, and has reached views closely similar to our own. He

fully realized the desirability of closely relating research in that

country to immediate and pressing needs.

Dr. Llewellyn A. Sanderman. physicist and USQM/K Scientific Education advisor, delivered a paper on ,l Integrated Course of Physics and

Chemistry”. It was translated into Korean, sentence by sentence, and

outlined current science teaching experiments in the US.

Monday, October 30

The Korea Bearing Industrial Company in Inchon was shown to us by

Mr. Yung Jo IPark director and plant manager. It is run on semi-miilitary

lines, but seems to have an enthusiastic and competent work force. It

is the only ball-bearing company in ROK making a large range of steel

balls, ball bearings, cylindrical and taper roller bearings as well as

single and double thrust bearings.

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f
This manufacturer clearly requires a good gage test laboratory,

which needs to be housed in the constant temperature room to be completed early next year. The set of master gages was purchased from

Japan; is tested for internal consistency several times a year; but has

not been rechecked against the gages of a national metrology laboratory.

As yet, there is no facility within ROK that could be of service to this

Company.

At the Korea^^t^G^s^COTg^j^, Inchon, alternatively named Han

^^g^ssIndust^ialC^^^^, we were led by Mr. Yong Goo Kang, graduate

of Ghio State University. It is an impressive, rapidly expanding plant;

using mostly domestic raw materials; employing 700; producing principally window glass, and soft glass tubes mostly for fluorescent lighting.

Some frosted glass, wire-reinforced glass, and architectural glass "bricks’*

are also produced. The test facilities are good and handled by competent staff. Contact with the NBS Glass Section is sought and will

clearly be of help. NBS standard reference materials are currently used

and many relevant NBS publications are available.

The Hankuk Machine Industrial Company. Inchon, a semidependent ROK

government corporation reporting through MCI to EBB, was shown by the

Technical Director, Mr. Kweng Soo YuckQ We also had a brief interview

with President Rak Eun Chung, who is Chairman of the Board of Trustees

of KIST and thus provides a potentially important link to help KIST in

maintaining contact with industrial needs in addition to those voiced

by contracting sponsor firms.

This Machine Company is a very diversified steel foundry, forging,

rolling and heavy engineering company. It is closely affiliated to some

Japanese firms, especially for the manufacture of diesel engines, and to

DUMAG of Germany for overhead cranes. Its most impressive products

include a 1700 ton press and distillation towers. The laboratory and

test facilities are the best we have visited in the metallurgical field

within ROK. The non-destructive testing facilities, for example, include X-ray inspection facilities that are most competently handled.

Staff is on more modest pay scales than in private industrial companies,,

This was deplored by the Technical Director, because it led to rapid

turnover of apprentice technicians and young engineers. However, so good appeared to be the training here that men leaving the employ of

Hankuk Machine Industrial Company will surely carry into private industry important competences.

Tuesday, October 31

After a second interview with Mr. Roger Ernst. Deputy Director of

USQM/K, we talked to Mr. Pressler. a mineral resources expert of USQM/K

who has clearly done a great deal to support ROK in programs leading to

the discovery and exploitation of natural mineral resources. Outstanding has been the development of tungsten ore, now a very major export.

29

Dr, Hyung Sup Choi , now president of KIST, started in tungsten mining;

later became director of the Government operated Research Institute for

^ni^^andMetel^^^, where an outstanding contraction has teen 'tlie recent development of production of ultra-pure bismuth (99.99$) from

domestic ore, This product sells cn the world market with a quality

bonus.

Joined also by Dr. David Jordt USQM/K advisor, we visited the

Geologioj^^Sygye^ of ROK, where a visiting scientist from the US was

introducing good spectrographic analysis as well as X-ray fluorescent

and diffraction (phase) analysis. There is no doubt that better characterization of ores will continue to improve the ROK position in this

field.

A chance meeting with Mr. Soon Jong Kim of the Tae Hwa Rubber Company. a larger producer than Cho-Il Rubber (October 17), gave us another

opportunity to review quality control techniques in an industry that

relies almost entirely on imported raw materials,

Wednesday, November 1

An encouraging interview took place with Minister Chung Yum Kim the

new head of MCI in the presence of Vice Minister Lee, the heads of NIRI,

NBS (ROK), FIC, KSA, and representatives from the Bureau of Weights and

Measures, as well as the First Industry Bureau of MCI. They listened to

our principal recommendations. While Minister Kim wanted to move to

implementation and while he personally would give his full support, some

of our recommendations would require legislation, a necessarily slow

process. He took a major step toward integration of the responsibility

for national physical standards and a unified national measurement system by placing NBS(ROK) and the Bureau of Weights and Measures under Mr „ Bom Soon Lee . Director of NIRI.

A scheduled interview with the Minister of Science and Technology

had to be abandoned because Minister Kee Evong Kim had a call to the

Prime Minister 1 s Office. Instead, we had a discussion in the Bureau of

International Relations in MOST, which has a government-wide role and'“In a sense was organizationally responsible for our mission.

Our team leader appeared on the US Army TV network to discuss the

role of physical standards in international commerce.

Thursday, November 2

A visit to Sgg^^CoUeg^ was of great interest. It is a Jesuit

College on a beautiful campus. We visited Professor Yong Duk KinUs

undergraduate physics laboratory, and had a discussion with the Chemistry

*Not to be confused with the institute of Tungsten and Mining in MCI

whose director is Dr. Ung Kee' Kang', a chemical engineer.

30

Department Chairman Professor Sang Up Choi, formerly of Purdue University,

who is on the Board of Trustees of KIST, former Secretary General of the

Korean Chemical Society, and former director of the Atomic Energy

Institute, which we were to visit that afternoon.

After a luncheon given by Vice Minister Lee of MCI, we went out to

the Atomic Energy Research Institute operating under the Office of Atomic

Energy, in MOST. Our principal host was Dr. Chwa Kyung Sung, director of

the Office of Atomic Energy, formerly of NIRI. Time was short and we

pursued only the problem of the various physical standards. Certainly

the scientific competence within the ROK Government in atomic physics

and chemistry is here. There is at the present time no work being

done here on standards of radiation intensity, radioactivity standards,

or standard reference materials.

A related and impressive activity is in the Chemistry Division

headed by Dr. Yon Sun Kim r a distinguished scientist trained at Purdue.

Industry has been surveyed for useful application of radioisotope

techniques. The list of such cases will be considerable when the final

report is published.

The Institute since 1962 operates a TRIGA Mark II reactor. The

annual budget of the Institute is only 0.16, but since 1962 a large

number of samples (4,000) have been irradiated and 25 different radioisotopes have been produced. Neutron diffraction and other research

is on a modest scale. The Institute is divided into the following

divisions: Reactor Physics, Physics, Biology, Health Physics, and

Chemistry.

Another visit to FIC (compare October 17) gave us the opportunity

to have a brief but open discussion with Director S. Y. Park and his

staff. We were presented with an interesting questionnaire sheet. Only

a fraction of the problems could be discussed in the time available,

but there is no doubt that contact and collaboration with NIRI and indeed

with NBS is desired.

The USQM/K directorate gave an evening reception in honor of Mr.

Niels C. Beck upon his postponed but now very imminent departure for

Vietnam. Hope is held out that he will be able to return briefly to ROK

when our report is received, so that he can assist in discussions on

possible implementation.

Friday, November 3

Discussions on a final communique between NIRI and the NBS team took

up much of the day after a morning ceremony at NIRI.

31
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In the afternoon we gave a semi -popular lecture to a US 8th Army

Discussion Group organized by Dr. John L. Bastian. Director of Education,

8th Army HQ*

Saturday, November 4

After signature at NIRI of the joint NIRl/NBS Team agreement (see

Appendix 2), we made ourselves ready for the afternoon flight to Tokyo*

The Kimpo airport ceremony was very cordial. Each of us felt that

future contacts will progressively strengthen our exchanges of knowledge and experience.

32

Appendix 1

Abbreviations Used

AID Agency for International Development

EMI Battelle Memorial Institute

EPB Economic Planning Board

FIC UNESCO Fine Instruments Center

IMSRR Institute for Metrology Standards and Related Research

KIST Korea Institute of Science and Technology

KOTITI Korea Textile Inspection and Testing Institute

KOTRA Korean Trade Promotion Corporation

KPC Korea. Productivity Center

K

S

Korean Standard (specification)

KSA Korean Standards Association

MCI Ministry of Commerce and Industry

MOAF Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry

MOC Ministry of Communications

MOHA Ministry of Home Affairs

MOST Ministry of Science and Technology

NBS U*S. National Bureau of Standards

NBS(ROK) National Bureau of Standards of the Republic of Korea

NIRI National Industrial Research Institute

ROK Republic of Korea

SNU Seoul National University

USOM/K U.S# Operations Mission/Korea

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Appendix 2

Agreement Between the National Bureau of Standards team

and Director Lee Bom Soon of the National Industrial

Research Institute on a Sister Relationship between the

two organizations.

A team of three scientists from the National Bureau of Standards,

U. S. Department of Commerce, is visiting the Republic of Korea at the

invitation of the National Industrial Research Institute, Ministry of

Commerce and Industry, to study standards and quality control practices

in domestic and export industries, and to examine the national measurement system and means by which its availability to Korean technology can

be improved.

As a result of these joint studies a "Sister Relationship" is being

established between the U.S. National Bureau of Standards and the

technical arm of the Korean Ministry of Commerce and Industry — The

National Industrial Research Institute.

The two institutes have agreed to collaborate in support of international programs of standards and measurement practices. They expect

to exchange experiences and publications, and after the team’s report is

available and has been studied, to consider other ways in which the

"sister relationship" can be strengthened.

Dr. Bom Soon Lee

Director,

National Industrial

Research Institute

Ministry of Commerce

and Industry.

Republic of Korea.

Dr. Forest K. Harris

Team Leader

National Bureau of Standards

Department of Commerce

U.S.A.

34

Appendix 3

Government Employees Salary Scale

Grade Example

Approximate

Annual

Salary in $

Research

Differential

(approx.

)

1A NIRI

Director

1600 $440

2A NIRI

Division Chiefs

1200 440

2B 1000 440

3A NIRI

Laboratory Chiefs

800 440

3B 578 440

4B NIRI

University Graduates

396 180

Occasional in-grade steps are a maximum of around $25.00 per annum.

USCOMM-NBS-DC

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