Cultural Analysis Country Selection: South Korea

Discussion Board One: South Korea

Jason Detwiler

Liberty University

Discussion Board One: South Korea

For the Global Business Cultural Analysis, I have chosen to study South Korea. The nation of South Korea continues to rise as a worthy technological and industrial competitor in East Asia and across the world. Due to their relatively small domestic market, major corporations originating in South Korea see globalization as a necessity. Additionally, their sophisticated pop culture and brand loyalty make South Korean’s valuable and desirable customers themselves. Companies looking to partner with domestic businesses in South Korea who are looking to establish their own footprint in the region will be increasingly looking at how the culture there will impact that decision.

At it’s core, the culture of South Korea is rooted in Confucianism established thousands of years ago. Yet, despite it’s ancient roots the modern South Korean pop culture appears enamored with what the future should look like. One of the goals of the analysis will be to explore the connection between the culture of Korean ancestry and it’s vibrant, futuristic pop culture. The report will also attempt to look at the Korean cultural evolution over the last century and discover in what ways foreign nations have influenced South Korean way of life. Additionally, the difference between rural South Korean culture and urban culture will be investigated.

Another key component of the South Korean way of life is technology. Mobile phones and Internet use are a significant part of the daily lives of almost every citizen. As reported in May of 2012 by Chosun Ilbo, one of the major newspapers in South Korea, an estimated 50% of South Korean mobile users own smart phones. The cultural analysis will specifically inspect how South Korean’s use of these technologies and how incoming businesses might best capitalize on the nation’s constant connectivity.

South Korea not only uses technology, but it is also...