While South Korea is a technology for people and even countries around the world, do you know that there are several inventions and technological initiatives by South Korean inventors that often go un-praised despite their significant impact? Guess the answer, it's YES.

Here are some notable inventions of South Korean origin that many people might not be aware of:

1. 5G

Did you know South Korea was the first country to nationalize the use of 5G and even invent the world's first 5G phone, all in the same year?

So when the rest of the world was still enamored and swept away by the limitless boundaries of 4G, South Korea pulled its cool card and said "Been there, done that".

The first 5G phone was the Samsung Galaxy S10 5G and now even better versions of it have been created by the billion-dollar company. There are currently rumors of 6G circulating already and I'm sure South Korea can't wait to jump on this G-inspired bandwagon.

2. ESports

South Korea became Santa Clause for all gamers around the world by starting the first eSports league in the world and even coining the word "eSports".

According to research, during the major Asian financial crisis in 1997, several people were out of jobs and while searching had to find ways to keep their minds busy. The PC rooms/internet cafes in the country were always packed up, leading to a huge increase in the number of gamers across the country.

Later in December 1997, the first national online gaming league, known as the "Korea Pro Gamers League was formed. However, it wasn't until February 2000 that Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Park Ji-won coined the word "eSports" and inaugurated the Korea e-Sports Association. This changed the world of gaming forever and gave more prestige and opportunities to gamers around the world. So if you're a gamer, you owe South Korea a huge "thank you note".

3. Braille smartwatch

Taking about advancement in technology, the gadget really blew up the industry for its ingenuity. In 2016, a Korean startup company invented the world's first braille smartwatch called the "Dot".

This watch gave the user the opportunity to tell the time with sensors and had more amazing features like Bluetooth, reading text messages, connecting to other electronic devices like your phone, checking caller ID, and it even has an alarm, stopwatch, and timer.

This goes beyond just technology for convenience, and its level of inclusion was something that deserved lots of accolades.

5. Stickers

Since the introduction of stickers followed by memes, the world of texting and chatting has changed forever and guess who we have to thank for that? I'll give you a hint: "South Korea"

South Korean search engine company "Naver" created the messaging app "LINE" and launched it in Japan since Kakao Talk was already dominating the local market. Then the first set of stickers called the "Mogi" or "Line Friends" was introduced. Designed by Kang Byeongmok, they were made up of popular anime emojis with anime-styled art words and texts. Now, all social messaging platforms/apps have adopted the sticker pack, and its creativity has evolved from just emojis to personalized characters.

There are now options to create stickers of yourself or any character you want. Show of hands if you have stickers of yourself. Guilty as charged!

6. The First Internet Refrigerator

In 2000, LG Electronics clicked the upgrade button on kitchen appliances and released the first Internet refrigerator. This gadget allowed users to browse the internet, check for recipes, track food item expiration, and so much more.

Imagine checking your favorite ongoing K-drama series on your refrigerator; it's both cool and futuristic. Since then, many more kitchen and household gadgets have received the internet treatment and become "Smart", we now have more gadgets to share the house wifi with.

South Korea has made significant contributions to the world of invention and technology, with many innovations that remain relatively unknown. These inventions display the country’s commitment to pushing boundaries and improving everyday life. As South Korea continues to invest in research and development, it will undoubtedly produce even more groundbreaking inventions that can shape the future.