While Google is rapidly advancing with its development of the Android , SK Telecom has joined seven other companies that have recently joined the LiMo Foundation with Linux Mobile.  Other notables among the new members are Mozilla and Verizon Wireless who is one of the most notable absentees on Google’s Open Handset Alliance.

Google has been making headlines by finally defining their team of judges for Android, and has generally been more publicized. US carriers AT&T and Verizon Wireless had not joined, and while AT&T seems to be showing preference for Android, Verizon has now joined LiMo.

On the Korean front SK Telecom has joined with their competitor KTF in the LiMo Foundation, as well as Korean handset producers LG Electronics and Samsung Electronics. LG and Samsung are also part of Android, therefore giving them and interesting position in the evolution of the industry. Another interesting position is that of LG Telecom who have recently expressed interest in Android but have yet to decide, and with their affiliate LG Electronics being on both sides it will be an interesting choice.

Today I came upon the news that Microsoft is to invest $147 million in South Korea over the next 5 years, they also announced earlier that they would make a strategic alliance with Hyundai Motors that involves an investment of $113 million dollars while Hyundai will provide $166 million dollars.

The plan was unveiled by Bill Gates during his talks with President Lee Myung Bak and he described Korea as a crucial business partner. This investment also involves the creation of a game development center that looks to take advantage of Korea’s massive gaming industry and quite probably in online gaming areas. On Hyundai’s side the investment is, in part, to develop a new in-vehicle music and entertainment system. The plan is an interesting example in foreign companies looking more and more towards Korea in some areas such as I have mentioned before in this blog.