SOUTH KOREA

The following information is taken from the main government website http://y2000.nca.or.kr/english. The Office of the Prime Minister established a Year 2000 Conversion Council in April 1998 to oversee preparations. The Prime Minister holds a bi-monthly cabinet meeting specifically to review national Y2K status. Below the Council sits the Ministry of Information & Communication (MIC) which established a Year 2000 Task Force and this has been responsible for implementing the national Action Plan. National deadlines were set for each stage of the process, the deadline for completion being set at August 1999.

Central & Local Government. According to the report on the website, 33 out of 44 central government organisations were identified as having Y2K problems. At the date of the report 11 had completed their work. Local government is noted as being behind schedule.

Finance. The Bank of Korea co-ordinates in this sector. Banks and financial institutions including securities and investment companies conducted successful market tests in March and April 99 and participated in the global payments systems test on 12/13 June, also successfully. A chart on the website indicates that as at the end of June the sector was 99% complete.

Telecommunications. MIC is closely monitoring progress of the 4 major telecommunications companies with monthly reports. The website report notes that the companies are on track to finish by August 99 at a cost of about $160 m. Successful tests were undertaken in May and Korea Telecom, performed successful international tests in May & June with Singapore and Japan. The report adds that contingency plans have already been prepared and will be kept up to date. A chart on the website indicates that at the end of June the sector was 94% complete.

Electricity. The report notes "no problems are expected in the supply of hydro and thermal generated electricity. Transmission and distribution facilities have been included in this assessment. A chart on the website notes that at the end of June the sector was 99% complete.

Nuclear. There are 16 generators producing 41.6% of South Korea's electricity. The report says 2 had earlier been verified bug-free and the others were due to complete their programmes by the end of June. Contingency plans are already in place. A chart on the website indicates that 100% compliance was achieved at the end of June.

Transport. The website report says that a separate task force for aviation operated within the Ministry of Construction & Transport. National ticketing, remote systems and reservations systems are included as well as air traffic control, aeroplanes, airports and rail. According to the report testing and implementation was taking place in June including road traffic systems. A chart on the website indicates that the sector had achieved 98% compliance at the end of June.

Shipping/Ports. The Ministry of Maritime Affairs & Fisheries (MOMAF) is monitoring and checking cruise and commercial vessels, container loading systems and port management systems. A chart on the website indicates that the sector had achieved 83% compliance at the end of June.

Small & Medium Sized Business. There is a task force to support conversion efforts in this sector and since 1998 a total of $50m in government funding has been allocated to this sector in the form of an information campaign and low interest loans. Tax breaks have also been introduced for Y2K. This year the government is providing "field inspections" for 10,000 businesses and technical experts for 2,000 businesses. The progress of 500 selected businesses is being evaluated monthly. The sector is being assisted by big business "61 cooperative groups are expected to help their affiliate businesses by September". However the report notes that the sector is behind schedule.

Finally the website report gives an indication of South Korea's plans for the rest of 1999. This includes on-going "field inspection and status evaluation" by the government to check national progress, concentrating on any sectors which are behind. Contingency plans will be co-ordinated by the government. In conclusion the website states that South Korea is expecting no more than minor disruption and inconvenience as a result of Year 2000 issues.

-- Old Git (anon@spamproblems.com), September 09, 1999

Answers

Old Git:

Do you suppose that North Korea will launch any nuclear missiles towards South Korea?

I can't imagine they would want to despoil good soil, but who knows their evil intentions?

-- Randolph (dinosaur@williams-net.com), September 10, 1999.