President Roh Moo-hyun Monday called for an increase of core patents, saying that while South Korea is the fourth largest country in terms of applying for patents, it is weak in receiving patents for core and fundamental technologies.

In a ceremony marking the 38th Invention Day at the COEX Center in southern Seoul, Roh stressed the importance of innovation in science and technology, noting that it is a vital basis for acquiring core patents, and that the development of science and technology is a top priority for his government.