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December 10, 1977, the Korea Telecommunications Research Institute (KTRI) was founded in affiliation with
the Institute of Science and Technology Information as a research organization specializing in telecommunications.
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(Left) On December 30, 1976, the Korean government inaugurated the Korea Electric Research and Testing Institute (KERTI).
(Right) Signboard-hanging ceremony for KERTI’s testing division (Shindang-dong in Seoul).
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On December 30, 1976, the Korea Institute of Electronic Technology (KIET) was founded in Gumi, Gyeongsangbuk-do,
to lead the development of electric and electronic technology, particularly semiconductors.
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KIET’s main duties included specialized research in electronics, including semiconductors and computers.
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On January 20, 1981, KTRI and KERTI were merged into the Korea Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (KETRI).
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On July 26, 1982, the electronic telephone exchanger (TDX-1X) initiated field testing for subscribers to 362 lines.
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On October 29, 1982, a ceremony was held to celebrate the completion of ultrahigh-voltage and high-power research facilities.
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Having successfully developed a 32K ROM, KIET began full operation of semiconductor manufacturing facilities in November 1982.
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On May 24, 1983, KETRI’s building completion ceremony was held.
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In March 1983, KIET developed Korea’s first 8-bit personal computers for educational purposes and distributed them to educational institutions nationwide.
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(Left) Having successfully developed 8-bit computers, KIET developed UNIX-based 16-bit computers in March 1984.
(Right) KIET later developed more advanced 32-bit computers, which were commercialized with the model name, “SSM-32.”