Korean semiconductor companies are leading the race for 50-nano DRAM chips by beginning mass production.

Samsung Electronics has begun making 56-nano DRam chips this month, while Hynix will produce 54-nano DRAMs from next month.

Korean chipmakers have a technological advantage over foreign rivals in manufacturing ultra-small semiconductor chips, which boast larger storage capacity and faster processing speed.

Samsung and Hynix were the only chipmakers in the world last year to mass-produce 60-nano DRAM chips.