KBS World Radio

Infobox Network
name = KBS World Radio

country = KOR
network_type = Radio network
available = International
owner = KBS
key_people =
launch_date = August 15, 1953
past_names = The Voice of Free Korea (1953-1973)
Radio Korea (1973-1994)
Radio Korea International (1994-2004)
website = [http://world.kbs.co.kr world.kbs.co.kr] |

KBS World Radio is the official international broadcasting station of South Korea.

KBS World Radio, the voice of Korea, is the nation's sole foreign language promotional broadcast of Korea for the entire world. Its maiden transmission was aired in a 15-minute English broadcast back in August 15, 1953 under the station name "The Voice of Free Korea". The station was renamed "Radio Korea" in March, 1973. To avoid confusion with a Los Angeles radio station KZAN 1300 AM "Radio Korea" (Now KMPC 1540 AM), the station again renamed 'Radio Korea International', in August 1994. KBS confirmed the renaming was "in a bid to better reflect the station's increasingly globalized mission."

By providing a variety of accurate and up-to-date programs and news on Korea's politics, economy, society, culture and traditions to its audience and netizens, KBS and KBS World Radio seek to strengthen friendly ties and the international understanding of Korea among people in the global community. In addition, it provides a bridge between Korea and the 6 million or so overseas Koreans who are missed by their loved ones back home.

KBS World Radio now broadcasts in Korean, Japanese, French, Russian, Chinese, Spanish, Indonesian, Arabic and German as well, for a total of 11 languages.

Current broadcasts

KBS World Radio's programs are carefully chosen for the audience - from accurate and up to date news to programs that portray the full spectrum of emotions and instill pride in Koreans all over the world:

*Spearheading efforts for peace and a unified Korean peninsula through in-depth programs that deal with the relationship between the two Koreas.
*Broadening the understanding of Korea through programs that introduce its tradition, culture and natural beauty.
*Publicizing Korea to the world through our music.
*Conveying real experiences in and around the country through interviews with foreign visitors to Korea.
*Initiating active participation with the audience to achieve an interactive program model.

In order to provide the best possible reception to its audience, KBS World Radio transmits directly from domestic facilities, as well as by means of program exchange with Canada and the UK and through relays to Europe, the Americas, Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

KBS World Radio also concluded program exchange agreements in April, 1990 with RCI (Radio Canada International) and with the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) in May, 1995 in order to provide clear and reliable reception to its audience in both the Americas and Europe.

In addition, to expand its broadcasting capacity, it has leased facilities in Rampisham, England in June, 2003, which commenced relay transmission of its Arabic broadcasting to improve Korea's relations with the Middle East and with countries in northern Africa.

To overcome the limitations of short-wave transmission and as preparation for the digital age, it started operating its website in November, 1997.

See also

* KBS, the South Korea's premier public broadcaster

External links

* [http://world.kbs.co.kr/ KBS World Radio]