South Korea – The Journey Begins

Lately, I begin to take notice of South Korea.
I am probable the “late ones” to notice & embrace South Korea culture.
I believe many have watch “Winter Sonata” like ages ago

while I just finish my first Korea TV Series “Full House” which was produce way back on 2004.

What got me interested isn’t about the pretty & talented actress “Song Hye Kyo” from Full House
or the amazing success of the “Tai Cheong Kam” (Jewel in the Palace) TV Series
that had virtually every Korean food-stall sticking her picture on it.

What got me interested is it’s growth in leaps and bounds in it’s economy, sports & culture.
(there’s more of course, like it’s democratic system, R&D, etc… but the above is what I notice most)

With the exception of Japan (which everybody knows is 2nd economically only to US)
and the amazing growth of China,
South Korea is rank # 3 with the most Global Companies in the Asia Region
and Rank # 8 Globally…. base on Fortune Global 500 year 2009.

In terms of productivity and standard of living per capita (GDP PPP),
World Bank rank South Korea # 24 out of 166 countries with $27,939.
Below only to Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia & Japan in the Asia region.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_GDP_%28PPP%29_per_capita

From a Consumer perspective….
Realize the increase in South Korea products, compare to 10 years back?
It use to be just about the “Toyata’s & Honda’s” or the “Nationals & Panasonics”.

Hyundai Cars is now a real alternative to the Japanese Models.
It is even more obvious when it comes to Electronics.
Samsung is like everywhere. LG is getting really aggressive as well.
And it’s not like they produce cheap imitates.

Samsung launch one of the first LED TV.
LG have that “touch on-off power button” on their LCD TV. Unnecessary but cool nether less
I recently shop for a “Washing Machine cum Dryer All-in-One” and besides the much more expensive European brands… only Samsung & LG provide more affordable alternative.
Panasonic… watch out!

In terms of Touch-Screen base Smart Phones (I am looking for one too)…
besides the famous iPhone, arguable only Samsung and HTC (Taiwan) have strong presence in Msia.

Next… I notice S.Korea thru Sports.
Badminton… S.Korea was like the supporting actress in a movie.
The lead role has always been China, Indonesia or Malaysia which the audience pays attention to for the final match-up. Then came 2008 Thomas Cup….
Only because of mighty China that stopped S.Korea from winning the Title in the Final match-up

Everybody remembers “World Cup 2002” where S.Korea played in the Third Place match-up.
Ok… they suck during 2006 but still, quite an accomplishment.

How about E-Sports…. Don’t call it “Computer Games”. Some Koreans will be offended.
Where else can one earn hundred thousand of dollars thru competitive on-line gaming
and have “loud cheering” fans similar to football stars of England.
Having one of the highest broadband penetration rates in the World and having
created a unique “E-Sport” industry…. it is no wonder the breeding ground for E-Sports is in S.Korea.

I have this idea that if a country could “export culture” it is one step above the rest.
Just like the concept of creating a “culture brand” in Products.

Getting consumer to buy a particular brand product is one thing
but building a positive culture mindset on your product is another.

Take Apple for example.
I feel Macs are like handicap PC being dress up real good.
No software app for this, no options for that…. but damn! it look good.

iPhone doesn’t do video conferencing and have no flash.
Only recently it “learnt” how to do MMS and Video Capture.
It’s just like dating a gorgeous lady with no brains. Nice to “Touch” but no substance.
Still…….I secretly envy and want an Apple.

It’s just like I will think of Nike when it comes to sports apparel or
BMW when it comes to luxury cars.

It works negatively too of course…
Just like if it’s about bad quality “power-window”…. I think of Proton.

Now, let’s put it in a “Country” context.
When I think of

Quality Cars….. made in Japan.
Quality engineering….. made in Germany.
High Fashion… Design in Italy
Cheap quality …. Made in China

Another example is “Westernization” thru the likes of MTV to create like-minded consumers to be more “comfortable” and in-tune to western products and media consumption hence benefiting western industries overall.

Hence, a country that manages to “brand” it-self (positively) and build a strong culture following among global citizen benefits tremendously.

And I feel S.Korea manage to do just that with their rising popular TV Series and K-Pop Culture.
Because of “Tai Cheong Kam”…. I sub-consciously now like Korea Food.
Because of “KBS World” promoting S.Korea electronics R&D effort… I now like Samsung.
Because of early adoption of HD MTV in YouTube…. I just can’t resist being a korean girl group fan.

Now, base on all this analysis on S.Korea….. Is it really that fantastic?
Ahh……. one can really only know if one experienced himself.

Which is what I intend to do.