Korean Job Discussion Forums

[SgtPepper]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-16713919

It seems the Korean government are having a problem identifying South Korea's defining characteristics. What do you reckon, what's iconic South Korea to you?

[BriTunes]

"A little cleaner than China, way dirtier than Japan."

[happiness]

let the people decide? on what? how they look to foriegners. everyone here knows they dont care unless a foriegner says something negative...then they get all in a huff, but then it dies back down.


ive been here for years, and i think they found it: market themselves to southeast asian countries as a market to look up to (Japan never really exported cultural properties, they have a lucrative market), and to the quaintness of the "old asia" to the japanese, keep selling their music and tv shows at reduced rates (supported by the K-govt) to get them on other countries channels, and take what profit you can.

Ive talked to 1000 people and I still dont know what Korea is about. I know what they want to become, but thats not what this convo is, its about what they can market...

[Squire]

It's hard to see how they can beat China and Japan at anything that will attract tourists. I like the outdoors in Korea but from what I've seen of China it can't compete on that front. Food? No. Historical attractions? I really liked Gyeongbokgung but it's not the Forbidden City. I suppose there is nothing like the DMZ anywhere in Asia, or the world for that matter.

It seems like the biggest problem is there is nothing iconic in South Korea that resonates with people in the same way as the Great Wall, Big Ben, the Eiffel Tower, St Basil's Cathedral etc. Now I think of it I don't think Japan has anything like that either, so perhaps Seoul can simply market itself as a cheaper Tokyo. But it's still very difficult to see why anyone would choose Seoul over Beijing, Hong Kong, Tokyo or the SE Asian countries in general.

[blurredphoto]

Is it possible for a government to market a nation?

When i think of my perceptions of France and Japan (the other two countries compared in the article), they have come from films, television, literature, and family members that traveled their and brought their impressions back. In other words, the national "brand" was established by people who spent time in the country and liked it enough to try and impress upon others the wonders of the country.

I'm skeptical about the idea that a well funded government campaign could garner the same results as a more organically built brand.

I'm not so sure that folks living in Korea are the best at identifying what makes this place special and unique.

All of my friends and family who have visited have all been surprised by the following:
1. Convenience of lifestyle (efficient subway system/buses, number of convenience stores, etc)
2. Vibrant restaurant/nightlife culture. Remember your first time at Gangnam station or walking around lost in Hongdae?
3. Polite/Curt/Passionate/No nonsense people. Koreans are a unique people definitely operate on a different wavelength than any other country's people

[english puppet]

[Squire]

Now I think of it the fact that places like China, Japan, Russia, the US, Britain, Scandinavia and the big western European countries have all been world powers at some point really eclipses anything South Korea could do now to put themselves out there. A history of being invaded isn't quite the same as the history of empire places like Turkey, Italy or Mongolia can claim. There's nothing like being spread across half of the world to develop awareness of your own culture

[fermentation]

[Dave Chance]

South Korea's government has been trying to change the country's international image - or rather its lack of one - for years.

And even those involved - like Peter Kim, brand manager for the Seoul government - admit it has been a tough sell.

"We're among the world's 13 largest economies," he said. "But we still don't have our own unique brand."

Maybe because you aren't unique.

Essentially, throw influences from China (Joseon's master), Japan and the US (the 20th-21st c. masters) into a blender and you get Korea.

The master leads, and the servant follows, simple as that, really.

[atwood]

I agree with the above poster that the problem is that there's very little that's unique about Korea. I just got back from Cambodia and Angkor Wat etc. and Korea has nothing comparable.

Maybe they can build the world's best/largest duty free shop.

[eslwriter]

With a teacher churn rate that numbers in the thousands per year, I guess there are a few common themes that ex-expats across North America and Europe discuss when they go back home:

Korea, a place where people will do ANYTHING to make money.

Korea, the Mexico of NE Asia.

Korea, where the value of education is inversely proportionate to the quality of the educational system.

Korea, it's not if you will be ripped off, it's how much you will be burned.

Korea does have an international image. It's just not the one which attracts a lot of tourism (except for the booze, broads and betting that draws Chinese/Japanese tourists) or warm and fuzzy mental impressions, like the Eiffel Tower.

[adzee1]

[Weigookin74]

One idea I have is that regionally Korea has some potentially beautiful scenery. Some countries have more and more dramatic spots to be sure. Korea needs to work on sprucing up its country buildings and not piling junk everywhere. There are starting to be more modern style homes built out in the countryside. Whenever I have posted pictures of country scenery in autumn on my facebook, many people have complimented them and admired the scenery. People from back home who have seen pictures I took commented on the pretty scenery. I think some of these country towns should increase attractions by having things for mountain biking (MTB) and canoeing and kayaking. Instead of stressing just some aspect of traditional culture and having the peddle ducks in rivers and lakes, embracing the modern may help too.

There is a potential to attract more regional tourism for country scenery if they would clean up the countryside more, increase the use of English, embrace modern things (MTB, Canoeing, Kayaking, etc), and shift their holidays around.

Shifting holidays around would be geared to the internal domestic Korean market. Who in the heck wants to take their vacation when the weather is miserable in August? Muggy and rainy. Keep the schools open and run the vacation from late September to late October instead. Get the Chaebols to give two weeks vacation the last week of September and the first week of October. If Chuseok falls during this time compensate them by giving them a couple of extra days off at the end. This is the time that Korea is at it's best. Many more people would stay in the country and explore it. Domestic tourism and won spent would increase. Also adopt daylight savings time to give and extra hour of daylight in the evening.

It is my autumn pictures of Korea that get lots of notice and attention from people. It might make people want to come here more. It's warm in the afternoons, dry air, and very scenic through this time.

The traditional aspects that people market can be important but after a day of this, most foriegn tourists get bored of it. They know of Seoul and it's increasing moderitity but the nature side of the country in autumn is underplayed and has much better potential. I see many progressive Koreans going on MTB rides through the countryside on the weekends in autumn.

[Weigookin74]

[Weigookin74]