Photo Archive - ETRI 50th Anniversary

Photo Archive

KOR

Photo Archive

Moments of
History Captured in Photos

In the instant a shutter clicks, the passion, dedication, and perseverance of ETRI researchers are preserved.
From the sweat captured on black-and-white film to the innovations of today’s ultra-high-definition digital world, these images trace ETRI’s 50-year journey. Explore the vivid moments that shaped its history and legacy.

(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).

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.

On February 16, 1977, Inaugural Inspection by Minister of Communications Park Won-geun

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.

On March 31, 1978, Telephone Operator Training Graduation

On October 10, 1978, Commissioned Training for KTRI Staff

In 1979, Korea Institute of Electronics Technology (KIET)

KIET’s main duties included specialized research in electronics, including semiconductors and computers.

On April 13, 1980, Visit by UNDP Experts

On April 22, 1980, International Optical Communications Seminar for Communications Day

On May 7, 1980, The 1st KTRI Sports Day

On June 12, 1980, Construction Site of Building No. 1

On June 18, 1980, Visit by Taiwan's Telecommunications Delegation

On September 27, 1980, 1st Basic Computing Course Graduation

On October 7, 1980, International Data Communication Symposium

On November 1, 1980, KTRI Sports Festival

On January 20, 1981, KTRI and KERTI were merged into the Korea Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (KETRI).

On February 16, 1977, Inaugural Inspection by Minister of Communications Park Won-geun

On April 15, 1982, KIET Semiconductor Technology Workshop

On July 26, 1982, the electronic telephone exchanger (TDX-1X) initiated field testing for subscribers to 362 lines.

On October 29, 1982, a ceremony was held to celebrate the completion of ultrahigh-voltage and high-power research facilities.

Having successfully developed a 32K ROM, KIET began full operation of semiconductor manufacturing facilities in November 1982.

In March 1983, KIET developed Korea’s first 8-bit personal computers for educational purposes and distributed them to educational institutions nationwide.

(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.”

On May 23, 1983, Completion of the Korea Electrotechnology and Telecommunications Research Institute

On May 24, 1983, KETRI’s building completion ceremony was held.

On April 18, 1985, the international ISDN workshop was held at the International Telecommunications Center.

On May 18, 1985, KETRI NET Opening Ceremony

On May 29, 1985, KIET, which had led semiconductor and computer research, was merged into KETRI, opening the era of the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI).

On May 29, 1985, ETRI President Sang-hyeon Gyeong, at a foundation ceremony, proclaimed the era of ETRI as an organization specializing in electronics and telecommunications research.