KOREA: Google to set up local R&D center

Google reaffirms its comittment to making inroads in the Korean market

Korea Herald
Wednesday, October 11, 2006

By Kim So-hyun

Internet search engine operator Google Inc. said yesterday that it will set up a research and development center in Korea to hire local employees and develop online services and technology for global markets.

The first foreign investment announced after North Korea's nuclear test will start from a minimum of $10 million for the first two years and "the amount will be significantly increased in the long-term," Google officials said.

"There is no change in our intention to invest in the Korean market despite North Korea's nuclear test," said Alan Eustace, Google's senior vice president of engineering.

"We would have proceeded with the investment even if the nuke test was announced earlier as we're committed to the Korean market which brings us both business potential and an abundance of high-skilled IT human resources."

Google's Korean R&D center is the latest addition to a growing number of global engineering offices, which include the United Kingdom, Israel, Norway, Japan, Switzerland, India, Russia and the Americas.

"Google's R&D center in Korea enables us to recruit local computer scientists to further develop innovative search technologies for Korean users and users around the world," said Eustace.

"Korea is one of the most technologically advanced markets in the world, and we're pleased with the support we received from the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy and Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency to establish our engineering presence."

Google has not yet decided on when to set up the facility but it has already started hiring engineers.

As for possible mergers and acquisitions of Korean IT companies, Eustace said Google would consider direct partnerships first but no detailed plans have been made yet.

Date Posted: 10/11/2006