The Internet has grown exponentially in the last years. More and more people are now connected and have access to the internet. Considering that people now rely on the internet to perform their daily tasks and even interact with their peers, it is now a must to have Internet access wherever you go.

But not all places have the same Internet speed. The internet speed differs in many areas because of a lot of factors. It can be the infrastructure of the service provider or even how you set it up in your home.

You would think that the US has the fastest Internet Connection on the globe as it is considered a first world country and has the means to create a better infrastructure for this. However, the country with the fastest connection is found on the other side of the globe, South Korea. Having a speed of 39.41mbps, it is considered as the country with the highest internet speed. And they are still on the quest for more!

Here is the list of the countries with the fastest Internet speed in the world.

1. South Korea

Apart from having the fastest speed, the country holds the most wifi spots. If you always want to stay connected, then South Korea might be the best country to live in.

2. Latvia

The main users of internet in Latvia are from ages 16-24. Given that number, you can easily assess that most users are the millennials and are always using social networking sites and other modern apps.

3. Lithuania

They have fast internet, that's a given. However, the recent study shows that a lot of internet users in Lithuania are experiencing security problems last year.

4. Aland Islands

Not only a place worth to visit because of its great landscape, it's a perfect spot if you are looking for a speedy internet connection.

5. Romania

This might come as a surprise but Romania is a hot spot for companies that would like to set up their web host. Thanks to the fast internet speed for that.

If you are still interested to know some of the countries that have the fastest internet speed, then you can find them here. At least you will know what to expect if you are about to visit these places.

The Netherlands, the Republic of Moldova, Sweden, Portugal, Iceland, Japan, Belgium, Switzerland, Andorra, Singapore, Bulgaria, Germany, Estonia, Denmark, Hungary,

Internet speed in these countries is between 13 mbps to 39 mbps. It just shows that the internet speed does not depend on the economic status of the country. Every year, the speed increases roughly around 10% which just shows the hunger for speed of the global users. With the fast-paced lifestyle we have now, the internet would also need to keep up. Do you think it will?

In the previous article (part 1) we looked at the theory of how the Korean hierarchy works. This system applies throughout all of Korea, not just in Seoul. It also applies to any business, school or private hagwon throughout South Korea. The chain of command is very important if you want to get along with your co-workers, bosses and the top guys who hired you so you can sign on a second year or have a good reference letter to pass on to employers back home when you leave South Korea.

Example #1

Say SMOE asks you during an interview for recommendations for next year’s English program, you may haphazardly mention something about your school that accuses your school in some indirect way of doing something that SMOE doesn’t agree with. The SMOE representative you’re talking to will ask you a few more questions and likely use that information against the principal and vice principals at your work in the future when they do reviews for your school.

It’s not really your fault since you didn’t have any bad intentions. In this instance you have broken the chain of command. If your school finds out through you or anyone else that you mentioned things about it at a meeting that either weren’t your place to disclose or didn’t need to be brought up they will resent you for it. They’ll see you as a tale-bearer who could cause problems later on. I’m not suggesting that this simple mistake (hopefully) could get you deported, but it does set the odds against you, so be careful what you say in your interaction with SMOE or recruiters when you’re talking about someone else who is above you.

Example #2

Now let’s say you’re sick and you can’t come to work for 4 days. The first person who will find out about this the English co-teacher who is in charge of you. Everyone has one, this is the person who gets the emails from SMOE and passes them on to you.

Keep in mind that the English co-teacher sitting next to you is going to be aware of your 3 or 4 days of sickness and they’re going to talk to the head teacher and the vice-principal. Are they going to talk to the principal? No. Will the principal know about it? Maybe. Will the principal get involved? Probably not, aside from asking you how you are doing.

This is the way it should be. The vice-principal doesn’t want to look bad by getting the principal involved. Just like your principal doesn’t want to get SMOE involved because it makes them look bad (not doing a good job) and jeopardizes their end of year promotion. Bosses typically promote people under them and if they don’t the usually play a role in providing feedback to those who do the promoting.

Conclusion

Never jump more than one level in the chain of authority. If you have a problem with a co-teacher, go see him or her and try to fix the problem with them first. Don’t go talking about your co-workers or co-teachers to other employees at your school. Likewise if you have a problem with the vice-principal’s rules regarding what you are allowed to do at your school, don’t go complaining to the principal, or worse yet to someone lower in the Korean hierarchy like the head teacher.

Always remember that while these rules are very clean to me at my school, I see them play a role in my Korean friends’ jobs in other companies that are located both inside and outside Seoul.

A local Korean War veteran stopped to help us the last time Mom’s truck broke down. His offer was gratefully accepted as my feet began to burn through my sandals during a 103-degree Texas day. When we returned home, he called.

He had followed our tow truck to the repair shop and wanted to make sure we had enough to cover the bill. We didn’t. He allowed me to clean his house three times to cover the bill. He even came and picked me up.

His generosity and sensitivity were touching. Hearing his story was bittersweet. He had fought in the Korean War and returned to Deep East Texas to build a life with his ‘sweet girl from Iowa’ Darlene who became his bride. The couple raised three children before her passing.

Once we decided that I could share his story over our third lunch-all Mexican food. He would attempt to share about his time in Korea and stop. The memories were too much and they obviously triggered fear.

At 19, he absorbed the hell of war in the uniform of the Unites States Air Force. When he boarded a bus on the West Coast, he left parades and dignitaries behind. There was much fanfare for the returning servicemen-a stark difference to the reception later given to the Vietnam War veterans.

His home, as well as his mind, is filled with remnants of the past. Now alone, he carries on by involving himself in the lives of his three children and grandchildren. His old white Ford truck is still adequate transportation-broken windshield and all.

The nightmares started a few months before he left Inchon, Korea for good. The impact of fighting in the Korean War would be felt by the Air Force Sargeant John D. Williams for years. He caught ‘war fever’ and brought it home to Nacogdoches.

After he kissed the ground along with other war veterans as throngs of people cheered, he collected his $1600 pay and boarded a bus to Deep East Texas. He still remembers an early investment he made in land in the Piney Woods at $64 per acre.

In less than two years of combat, the sights and sounds of Korea changed the 19-year-old serviceman forever. Terrifying nightmares, which began a few months before returning to the U.S., still wake him up occasionally. In medical terms, it’s called PTSD-Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

There was a time when there was no cure, only short-term relief. Today, that might be changing. Some war-stressed veterans, like Mr. Williams, have endured decades without answers, only symptoms. There is no chemical relief from this ailment but that hasn’t stopped thousands from trying to self-medicate. Addictions are common to PTSD sufferers.

Science and psychology are merging in new ways to unlock the places that hold such trauma for these former servicemen. While he has carried the wrath of war fever since his time in Korea, research may spare the next generation of veterans the same fate.

Guided imagery, CBT-cognitive behavioral therapy-and even groundbreaking robot technology that provides anonymous assessments to possible sufferers of PTSD are making inroads to treatment that work. Going back in a controlled, but altered state, may retrieve better answers and resolution from the jagged experiences.

The Korean War was between North and South Korea. It began on June 25, 1950, when North Korea invaded South Korea following a series of clashes along the border. It ended July 27,1953. Regarding the current state of affairs between the U.S. and North Korea, Williams believes, “Fooling with Kim Jong-Un is dangerous. He’s lied too many times.”

On paper and in history, the Korean War was seen as neither a victory or a defeat. A cease fire and peace treaty was written between them instead. The battles went on for 3 long years. On July 27, 1953 the two sides signed an armistice and a new border was established on a few miles from the original 1950 border. In my opinion the Korean conflict/war was a success in ways other than the original goals set by the United States.

The war ended in a draw. Both sides agreed to a cease fire and signed an armistice. The Korean War did not end in a total victory for the United States or anyone else. Instead, both sides settled for an uneasy peace that still exists to this day at the time of the writing of this article 12-24-15.

Did the United States experience their first defeat? The answer to that question may be more in the minds of people who study what actually happened and what is happening today. The way I see it, the end result has been a victory when you compare what is happening today in South Korea to what was happening before the attack, before one of the bloodiest wars our world ever saw, and in comparison to North Korea today.

Why did the United States enter this war? Many people felt and might even still feel today that the United States did not belong there. I have heard this myself even in this year of 2015. People grumble saying, “we did not belong in Korea.”

I strongly disagree. My own father was one who fought in Korea from 1950 to 1953. He was just a young boy age 16 entering the military at Fort Knox, Kentucky Army base for a military career. He got sent directly into a violent and horrific bloody conflict during some of the roughest weather anyone could ever imagine. He spent much of his time there in battles in tanks. Short recreation breaks were spent in Japan.

One of his greatest memories of course was the time he was wounded trying to save another fellow soldier and did save him. He would say over and over again as if elated: “they covered me up for dead, but I was still alive.”

This was a technique done by his fellow soldiers by moving the tank over his wounded body to hide him from the enemy as he was then pulled up into the tank to wait for the M.A.S.H. units.

He was taken to a hospital in Japan where they placed a steel plate in his chest that he had no idea even existed until he found out he had lung cancer later in life at age 56. He died of lung cancer.

The specialists said “we want to know more about this steel plate we found on x-ray in your chest.” Dad did not even know he had a steel plate. It had to have been placed there while in the Korean War at the hospital in Japan. He received a chest wound. Just think of that, and I do very often now, only 16 years old laying now under an Army tank, not knowing if he would survive or not.

I still strongly disagree. Dad came out of it alive, was wounded once, received a purple heart for his bravery and was one of those who returned to the United States, got a job and tried to “forget” he was ever there, but never did forget it. He watched every war movie he could find and never missed an episode of “The Big Picture.”

I was born in 1956 and I remember much of his early life after that war. He would wake up in the middle of the night “reciting orders” over and over again, sometimes screaming and crying. He suffered from the memories of that war, but never once said he was sorry he went. He said the worst part of it all to him was to see the suffering little children. Many of the fatalities of that war were innocent civilians.

Why was the United States in Korea 1950 to 1953?

The United States responded to South Korea’s defense after North Korea invaded. The original goals were to restore the international border along the 38th Parallel and to eject North Korean forces from South Korea territories. Everyone actually thought the conflict was over until the Chinese entered into the picture.

United States leaders also wanted to show North Korea that this kind of aggression would not be tolerated. To this day, year of 2015, North Korea still shows hostility toward South Korea. There has been no more conflict equal to what was in the 1950’s. For this reason among other reasons, I think the decision to enter the conflict ended in more of a victory than a defeat. It seems evident to me that all who entered that conflict in opposition of communism did put a lid on the horrific aggression toward innocent people.

Additional reasons I see this as being a victory for the United States:

When you compare the economy of North Korea to the economy of South Korea today we find the war allowed for a rebirth of South Korea. Since the end of the 1950’s conflict/war and cessation of extreme hostilities South Korea has grown into a vibrant and powerful republic.

People all over the world now benefit from South Korea’s economic success. The capital of South Korea, Seoul, has become an international center of commerce and industry. Today, South Koreans enjoy one of the highest standards of living in the world.

None of the above would have happened had the communists been successful in their invasion of the South.

By contrast, North Korea is one of the best examples of communism’s failure. The United Nations reports that the North Korean economy is ranked much lower than South Korea in the world. North Koreans suffer much more from starvation and malnutrition.

Meanwhile, the South Koreans are thriving. Businesses like Daewoo, Hyundai, LG, Samsung, Kia Automotives are some of the largest business conglomerates in the world and have become household names in U.S. family rooms, garages and offices.

Everyday, I see more and more Kia automobiles on the roads. I have considered purchasing a Kia Soul automobile now for years and probably will eventually buy one if I need another vehicle. My old chevy still runs! But when I have need of a new automobile, I am always looking toward the Kia as purchasing one. At first, I had no idea, Kia was actually based out South Korea.

Without the United States and these other nations who joined in to fight against the communist aggression in the 1950’s, none of the things for South Korea would be in existence today. We today would not be enjoying the economic growth in South Korea. It is a good thing also the President stopped the atomic bombing efforts as well, as it would have taken over 100 years for any kind of civilization to be in that area again.

As recorded in our history, there were mistakes made as there are in any kind of war, many innocent people were killed, but the positive outcomes of this war still tells me it was definitely a victory, not a defeat, for the United States in terms of “long term events.”

Nestled between the nations of China and Japan is the lesser-known country of South Korea. Although sometimes overlooked as a destination spot in the region, this area of ​​Southeast Asia is a wonderful place to visit.

Founded in 1948 when it separated from its sister nation, North Korea, the Republic of Korea became a democratic state at the end of World War II. In 1950, the North invaded the South, causing the Korean War until the two sides signed an armistice in 1953. Both the North and the South have similar, long-standing traditions, but South Korea has become a modern, global economic leader that Western culture has heavily influenced over the last half-century.

South Korea is home to roughly 48 million people of who about 12 million live in and around the capital and largest city of Seoul. The land area is 38,463 square miles, slightly larger than the state of Indiana. The climate of the region is very mild year-round and residents enjoy all four seasons. The landscape of Korea is mostly mountainous and covered with lush forests in the rural areas, but you can also find rice fields, the country? S staple crop, in many of the valleys.

Top Attractions

Many attractions in the country are sure to lure a variety of travelers. One of the most famous is Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul. While the location of the palace is over 600 years old, the actual buildings had been rebuilt a number of times due to invasions and hostile takeovers. The present buildings house both the National Museum of Korea and the National Folk Museum. Once home to kings and rulers, the palace is rich with history, cultural artifacts and architecture, and enjoys a large number of visitors annually.

Those fascinated by the history and culture of the country should also check out the Korean Folk Village located near Seoul. See what life was like for Koreans during the Chosun period (from the 1700s up until 1910) in this 243-acre village. Observe and interact with residents as you encounter them in traditional Korean dress, but do not be fooled. These people are not hired actors. Many of the residents of the village actually live there! Enjoy music, shows, and authentic foods from a long lost but not forgotten chapter in Korean history.

The most popular attraction in South Korea is the Demilitarized Zone, or DMZ, in Panmunjom. Set at the 38th parallel, this area is where the democratic South borders the communist North. Here you will witness propaganda from both sides of the border. See what the North wants visitors to see as a stable, booming economy, complete with elaborate buildings and highways, but in actuality is a sluggish, repressed society, as shown by the South. Many South Koreans have family and friends still living in the North that they have had no contact with for over fifty years. Travel and communication between sides is prohibited and the hope is that, one day, an end to dictatorial rule will open up the border once again.

On South Koreas west coast, in the city of Incheon, you can visit the Incheon Landing Operation Memorial Hall. This site is a memorial to General Douglas MacArthurs combat operation that led to the liberation of Seoul during the Korean War. There are also a variety of amusements and maritime attractions in the vicinity for visitors to enjoy.

Some festivals that visitors should consider in their itinerary include the Chunhyang Festival, the Nankye Traditional Music Festival, and the celebration of Buddhas birthday. The Chunhyang Festival occurs annually in Namwon. Chunyang is the Korean equivalent of the story of Romeo and Juliet. Many visitors come to this festival in the beginning of May to experience Korean dance, music, and parades. The Miss Chunyang Pageant is held on the last day of the festival. The Nankye Traditional Music Festival is a celebration of Nankye, a Korean composer who is said to have created Chosun Dynasty Korean Music. This type of music is a beautiful ensemble of strings, winds and percussion that produce a sound unique to Korean culture. This event is held annually in Yongdong in September. The celebration of Buddhas birthday is held in May all over the country. Many Buddhist ideals hold festivals and parades on this holiday that is celebrated by many Koreans, regardless of faith.

Culinary Delights

While traveling in South Korea, visitors can enjoy a variety of culinary delights. Most dishes are spicier than most Western palates are used to, however. The favorite of most travelers is pulgogi. This is a traditional Korean dish that consist of marinated slices of beef with rice and vegetables that is then wrapped in a leaf of lettuce. Along with rice, another staple food of Korean culture is kimchi. This side dish is typically served with every meal. Kimchi is a mix of fermented vegetables, usually cabbage, and is especially hot and spicy. Since it is ateen regularly, there are many variations of kimchi to choose from. For those less adventuresome, many Western restaurants have made their way to Seoul and surrounding cities, so those who want to experience the culture but can not handle spicy foods, there's typically a McDonalds or a KFC around the corner.

Please visit http://www.south-korean-culture.com to discover Korean Culture.

Various laboratories and institutes detected a powerful seismic signal and concluded that North Korea had tested a more powerful nuclear device. This was the 6th nuclear bomb test by the communist regime and indicated that the North was developing its nuclear weapons technology at a fast pace. The official North Korean news agency has now claimed that a Hydrogen Bomb, which could be attached to an ICBM had been successfully tested. This has alarmed both Japan and South Korea, as well as the United States. The two allies, China and Russia, condemned the tests but called for a “peaceful” solution. They have not specified what that peaceful solution is supposed to be and how will it be achieved.

The fact is that the purported H- bomb test by the North, does not change the political scenario as the US will find its hands tied and an attack on the North would bring terrible retaliation on the South, which could well lead to a great calamity on the Korean Peninsula.

China

North Korea is at the same stage that China was in the 1960’s. At that time, the dictator Mao Tse Tung ruled China and daily the Chinese media blasted Japan and the USA. The Dragon was also developing its nuclear weaponry and deliver capability feverishly and had vowed to destroy America and arch enemy Japan.

U.S. and the dragon

At that time the USA was embroiled in the Vietnam war and it did nothing about China’s development of nuclear weapons. No American commentator can explain why the U.S.

watched passively when China was testing its Atomic bombs. It had the ability to bomb the Chinese nuclear sites in Sinkiang, yet did nothing. Was it because China is a very big nation and the U.S. was wary of a prolonged war with China?

War option

Trump is breathing fire against the North and has said that ” all options are on the table.” Presumably, one of the options is attacking Kim Jong-un and the American president has said that the military option is “locked and ready.” This is easier said than done as military experts have warned that the U.S. will win the war but the destruction of South Korea and severe damage to Japan could take place. Millions will die and life on the Korean peninsula would simply not exist for decades. The H-bomb test by Kim Jong-un does not change this scenario.The United States will have to think before attacking the North. South Korea will not allow an attack and President Moon has said there won’t be another war on the Korean Peninsula.

In today’s rapidly globalizing world, the topic of free trade has emerged as one of the most controversial issues up for debate. While economic theory predicts that freer trade will inevitably make everyone in society better off, trends in recent decades have shown that the removal of trade barriers not only creates big winners, but also makes many people across the world worse off. In the United States, the struggle between the winners and losers in the globalization game has most recently manifested itself in the debate over the South Korea-US Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA). While it was concluded on April 1, 2007, recent administrations have not submitted the KORUS FTA for congressional review. We will now explore the KORUS FTA and its supposed impact on American exports in order to explain this administrational refusal to submit the agreement to Congress.

The KORUS FTA is the most economically significant bilateral free trade agreement that the United States has concluded since signing the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in 1994. The KORUS FTA will open South Korea – a country that represents America’s seventh-largest trading partner, $82 billion in bilateral trade in 2007, and a growing market of 49 million consumers – to the majority of American goods and services. According to the strictures of the KORUS FTA, Korea and the US will be permitted three years to eliminate tariffs on over 90% of bilateral trade in consumer and industrial products and almost 2/3 of American agricultural exports to Korea will become duty-free immediately. Furthermore, the agreement will address a multitude of non-tariff barriers and increase transparency in the South Korean regulatory process. According to an estimate by the US International Trade Commission, opening the Korean goods market alone will add $10-12 billion to annual US GDP and will lead to an increase in better-paying jobs for American workers (export.com).

Given the potential economic benefits of the KORUS FTA, presidential wariness of seeking congressional approval seems unfounded. However, the agreement does not have unwavering support in the American Congress because of a number of powerful interest groups who oppose the FTA. Most significantly, the American automobile and beef industries along with influential US labor unions staunchly oppose the agreement. US automakers argue that while the American market will open to Korean vehicles, South Korean regulations discriminate against imports of US autos. US automakers sold fewer than 7000 vehicles in South Korea in 2008, a figure that represents less than 1% of the available market. In comparison, South Korean carmakers sold more than 53,000 vehicles in the US in October 2009 alone. According to the AFL-CIO, more than three quarters of the $13.4 billion US trade deficit with South Korea is in autos. This discrepancy has caused figures such as the US Trade Representative Ron Kirk to urge South Korea to “level the playing field” by eliminating tariffs on US automobiles before the agreement will be considered (Bloomberg). American beef exporters, who face similarly damaging tariffs while entering the Korean market, share the grievances of American automakers and US labor unions fear that opening US markets without Korean reciprocation will lead to large job losses in these two industries.

Despite opposition by these powerful groups, many republicans along with certain democrats in Congress are urging the president to resolve existing concerns and quickly approve the KORUS FTA. These men and their supporters insist that the agreement will create thousands of well-paying jobs for Americans and will open the majority of US exporters to a substantial new market (Reuters). They argue that the opportunity presented to US exporters is too great to be ignored and, more recently, that time may be running out. In October 2009, South Korea signed a free-trade pact with the European Union that awaits ratification and the Korean government is currently engaging in negotiations of another free trade agreement with Japan and China. Companies such as Citigroup Inc. and ACE Ltd. fear that the recently signed EU-Korea trade accord may give their competitors the advantage in cracking Korean markets (Bloomberg).

Although riddled with the imperfections inherent to free trade agreements, the KORUS FTA represents an significant opportunity for American exporters. Furthermore, the KORUS FTA is seen as an important way to strengthen American ties to the Asian market, counterbalance South Korea’s growing trade ties with China, and possibly even restore the American position as Korea’s preeminent trade partner. Finally, the agreement will not only boost economic ties between the two nations, but is also strategically important for the US in shaping future Asian policies. Failure could mean a devastating blow to a key American alliance in an increasingly important region. (The Heritage Foundation). If President Obama is able to garner the political capital necessary to push the KORUS FTA through Congress, it has the potential to send American exports to new heights. However, doing so will require strength, persistence, and much compromise.

Franchise Glance

“We consider South Korea as a developed market, meaning it is no different to the UK or the US… Korean consumers are demanding and expect high-performing products.” Hari Nair: Managing Director, Kimberly-Clark’s.

Recently everything seems prefixed with a K: K-Pop, K-food, K-beauty, K-movies; why not go to your local K-culture festival, sure there must be one near you, or coming soon. Korean culture is on fire at the moment and has been warmly received. Domestic franchisors have, quite rightly, been riding this wave and rapidly expanding internationally-China being a Korea franchisors first choice. However for an overseas franchisor looking in, what is this market like?

GDP was US$1.2 trillion in 2013 and predicted to rise as consumer spending and confidence grows through 2014 and 2015. The Hyundai Research Institute latest report predicts Korea will expand by 3.5% in the first half of 2015 and 3.6% in the second half.

Considering Korea’s comparatively slower Asian growth, it remains a good target for franchisors owing to historical years of stable growth, an affluent consumer base and early advancement of the country. The average disposable income per household per month was US$3150 in the second quarter 2014, a rise of 2.8% from the second quarter 2013, with significant rises in bakery, confectioneries & snacks, coffee & tea, and juice & beverages sectors (Statistics Korea).

The demand for foreign brands spans a range of sectors and recently a broader range of channels. 65% of the population is classified as middle-class (OECD) so unlike many other Asian countries there is not the general trend of a new, emerging middle-class. Supported by media and a relatively high degree of travel experience, the Korean consumers are knowledgeable in a developed, globalised market.

Korean consumers have a strong purchase history of foreign brands so as well as valuing money, they have a high understanding of brand philosophy and marketing channels. They will readily try new products and are always seeking new tastes and ways to improve their lifestyle and image.

For a franchisor, the marketing has to be more sophisticated to match the level of the consumer. For example, nearly 80% of the population is online, making it the most connected country on the planet! and they love their credit cards. Annual credit card transactions are over 65% higher than the USA. This combination means a high proportion of online spending and retail ecommerce is predicted to touch $25.3 billion by 2017 (Borderfree). Any marketing strategy has to be multi-channel and use aspects of social media to advertise brands and utilize the technology to offer more efficient shopping channels and delivery.

Korea’s population is ageing and urbanized. The median age in 2012 was 39.1 years and the over 60 group is predicted to account for nearly 25% of the population by 2020 (Statistics Korea). Some franchisors may already target this older market whereas others may be able to easily adapt or extend to target this group. However for the rest of us do not despair, as PwC reminds us, 70% of the population remain within most retailers target demographic of 15-64 years old.

With over 90% of the population living in urban areas, these conurbations are massively populated, wealth dense spaces and retail premises come at a premium. The 4 main population areas: Seoul metro-15 million, Busan metro-4 million, Daegu metro-3 million, and Daejeon metro-2 million.

Key retail players are set to open mega malls outside of the main cities over the coming years but presently Gyeonggi (the area directly surrounding Seoul) and Seoul account for 42% of the total shop space in all Korea (www.kintex.com). Supermarkets and hypermarkets lead retail channels and this lead will increase as it matches the 3 main purchase drivers of choice, convenience and price.

Despite economies of scale enabling big shopping complexes to effectively compete with smaller stores, operators are always seeking to differentiate themselves from each other. Enhancing shoppers experience by offering the latest trend brands are a main way they do this. They are not only looking for exciting overseas tenants, these operators are also willing to take on Master agreements and roll out concepts across their formats.

If this is an entry strategy of interest, bear in mind that these companies are looking for a brand that will drive traffic, so the product or service either has to an established name or have a strong unique factor attached to it. Quirky with long term viability can be good USP and malls, a very effective way to introduce your brand into Korea-mainly as the cost of educating the population will be borne by the mall operators and you can be assured it will be done with a high level of proficiency.

The franchise market in 2013 was estimated at US$89.8 billion with nearly 3,000 franchises. There were 283 retail franchises, 601 service franchises and 2,089 food service franchises (export.gov). Even with recent downgrades of GDP, the franchise industry has displayed respectable growth over recent years with on average 200 new franchises opening annually since 2010.

Koreans are very open to partnering with overseas franchisors, especially with those that have an existing reputation in Korea or core values which reflect their origin country. Koreans aged 55 and over have recently proved themselves to be good franchisees as they have more capital and knowledge, and being a family orientated culture, will pass the business down to their children. The franchise industry regulations ensure business generally runs smoothly and Korea is regarded as a straightforward place to franchise into.

The normal investment range is between US$4,300 and US$8,700 with a 2 year contract period. Such a low average franchise fee can make it more difficult for an overseas franchisor to recruit a multi-unit or bigger partner. There will also be a good deal of negotiation around royalties as they are usually lower for domestic Korean franchises.

Brief breakdown of sectors:

• The Korean food market is expected to be US$53.5 billion in 2013 and account for 25% of total retail sales; a growth of 5.5% from 2012 (JLL).
• The organic food market is anticipated to grow to US$6 billion by 2020 (Organic Trade Association).
• The online channel is forecast to grow at CAGR 11.38%, 2013-2018 (Research and Markets).
• South Koreans spent US$17.9 billion on private tuition in 2012.
• The beauty and personal care retail market posted 5.8% growth year on year to 2013.
• The cosmetic sector was the best performing sector in 2012.
• Korea is the 8th biggest luxury market worth almost US$4.5 billion.
• Households spent 12.4% of total consumption expenditure on eating outside the home (GAIN).
• In 2012, imports of chocolate based confectionary products from the United States were up 12% from the previous year (GAIN).
• Korea has become the largest men’s cosmetics market in the world. The US$635m spend in 2013 was nearly a fifth of the global figure (Euromonitor).

Korean consumer

Koreans are educated, sophisticated, relatively well-off and well informed. With advanced consumers comes a choosy, higher demanding buyer. Strategy and approach should parallel other advanced countries. The consumers are not looking for just a global brand, they are seeking a brand that has a distinct USP and they will pay more for this. That USP can be in reputation, quality, ingredients or innovativeness, but it must stand apart from the crowd in a specific way.

This does not mean all markets are saturated and there is no opportunity for new sectors. As mentioned, there is an ageing population and the affluent 50+ baby boomer generation is far from complete. Other noticeable changes that are opening markets:

• Increase of dual income families.
• Rise in single parent households.
• Increase in single member households.

Korean consumers are very used to being informed across a variety of channels about a product before they purchase it. A 2012 survey by Embrain Trend Monitor found that 79% of customers check user reviews before purchasing and 74% have written evaluations and reviews. Therefore, the more information you can provide across a variety of channels will only be a good thing. The surprise or curiosity advertising strategy will either have to be carefully moulded or have a very solid budget behind it.

Koreans are image conscious in all aspects and they have the experience to understand what lifestyle or status a brand portrays. They closely follow and are influenced by the media and celebrity styles and trends. Although these fads can be short lived, it is good advice to have the ability to quickly adapt and run campaigns or introduce extension products that connect with the latest trends.

Overview of where demand lies and where future demand could lie:

• Due to the wealth of recognised foods, innovative and premium foods will appeal.
• Franchises providing efficiency in shopping and delivery will match consumers convenience needs.
• Koreans are educated and understand the need for their children to be. Within this market exists high demand for vocational and language services.
• An older, fairly affluent demographic presents a growing market for targeted services and products.
• Think of Koreans as discerning consumers. They seek organic, natural, fresh, high quality products.
• Health improving and anti ageing foods and businesses will show high demand.
• Health benefitting herbs will be trend ingredients.
• Koreans prefer food with brighter, more saturated colors (Origin of human colour preference for food).
• Specialty stores stocking a range of niche, higher priced, quality items that tie in with the above are spreading across Korea and cover a range of sectors from beauty to bakeries to grocers.

The bottom line:

A solid market but with competition, and commercial estate can be expensive. This has to be balanced with the sophistication and affluence of the market. It can not be denied that at present there is more of a trend of coming out than into Korea, however, with a developed market that has a proven globalised view, it is an easy country to enter.

To conclude: Although potential may not be as great as their Asian neighbours, reduced time and costs from having educated consumers and well versed franchisees are key points.

Franchise Meets reckons: 7/10.

I live in Gyeongju, South Korea. I am an English teacher for a private academy in Korea. In this article I will give you a brief breakdown as to where you can expect to work once you get here in South Korea.

When you are looking for work as an English teacher in Korea, you can either work at a public school (run by the Korean government) or in a private academy (also known as a hagwon). Most often, those working in public schools have got better working environments and more benefits. As a hagwon is a private academy, most employees only work in the afternoon and in to the night. I personally work from 2 pm until 10 pm. It can seem rather tiring, but it does give you the freedom that a public schools’ hour do not (Their employees work from around 8 pm until 5 pm).

General working conditions, for both places of work, are as follows:

– Teaching hours: 120 hours per month.

– Pay: about 2 100 000 Korean Won.

– Paid airfare from your country, and back home after you complete your contract.

– Provided accommodation – be careful with this one! I got a bad deal here.

– Medical insurance – 50 % paid by your school, and 50% paid by you.

– General visa assistance

I will tell you some quick facts about Korea.

– Korea is an interesting country, with a strong mix of western and eastern culture. I live in a town with only 250,000 people (tiny by Korean standards) and there are two McDonald’s in the town, and many other western food outlets. Pizza and pasta are common favorites amongst Korean children.

– Koreans are, in general, friendly to foreigners and are nice to live with. I haven’t had any trouble with any Korean people, and was accommodated when I needed help.

– Gyeongju is also known as Kyongju. It is not a common name, but it can pop up on occasion.

In summary, Korea is an interesting place to work and live. It can and will provide you with many surprising situations. It is a beautiful country and relatively easy to get work here as a teacher (provided you are qualified). I have been here for only three months, but I am loving it, and learning more every day.

One unfamiliar with the Republic of Korea, or South Korea as it is more commonly known, may immediately associate the country with its short yet significant war against its neighbor to the north in the 1950s. More than half a century later, South Korea stands strong as one of the powerful Asian Tigers in the global trade arena, a presidential republic presently ranked among the top ten exporters in the world. With over 300 billion dollars of export revenue recorded in 2009, this tiny country does an enormous business in technology and transportation industries that effect how the world moves and works daily.

The Miracle on the Han River

Once a destitute area held under Japanese imperial rule, then split from North Korea after World War II, South Korea underwent major growth beginning in the 1960s through rapid industrialization and democratization. Through drastic measures that included conservative spending of government budgets, improvement of education, and expansion of agricultural mechanization, South Korea saw an impressive rise in their gross national product over the next thirty years. By 1989, the country prepared to enter the next decade with an impressive GNP of over 200 billion dollars, 68 times the total from the early 1960s!

Today, this complete free democracy is known as one of the top exporters to the United States, particularly in the technology and automotive sectors. If you own a Hyundai Elantra or Accent, you are driving a South Korea import. In fact, you may have a number of items in your home or office that come from this emerging Asian economy.

• Flatscreen Televisions: as the world’s largest manufacturer of LCD, OLED, and plasma screens, South Korea keeps up with the growing global demand for high definition television. The Samsung Group, maker of the popular brand, are based in Seoul.
• Automobiles: Not only is Hyundai the top automaker in South Korea, it is the second largest car manufacturer in Asia, and presently one of the top companies in terms of actual cars sold. Other makes originating from this country include Kia and Daewoo.
• Shipbuilding: The materials needs to build the ships that carry cargo for global trade are made in the ports of this country. South Korea is perhaps the largest provider of the raw steel and other items needed to keep maritime commerce running smoothly.
• Mobile Communication and Electronics: Do you own an LG phone? If so, you own a product from this country’s second-largest telecommunications company. This multi-faceted business also produces popular electronics, including DVD and Blu-Ray players, Flash memory drives, and laptops.

It may surprise you to realize that many household items you feel you cannot do without come not from Japan or China, but this major economic giant. Given their amazing growth over the latter half of the twentieth century, and higher projected numbers in the decades to come, one might expect South Korea to eclipse her neighbors in the IT industry. So long as the global demand for faster and quicker ways of communication remains high, it’s safe to bet the telecom conglomerates of South Korea will emerge to the forefront of new innovations.