Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Weigookin74]

Do western companies have to partner with a Korean one when being in this market? Is it some type of legal requirement? For example you see "Lay's" chips in many countries and it's the same in many different countries except a subsiduary company based in that country. But, the lays are owned by lays and the chips are made the same and taste the same. I tried Lay's from France, from Canada, from the USA. They were all nearly the same except for some country specific flavors in addition to standard flavors like Barbeque, Sour Cream and Onion, etc.

But, here there's Lay's and the company doesn't even operate or make them here. On the bag, it says "Made by Lotte". They taste different and none of the flavors are the same. Same for other products here. Bought a bottle of Evian because I like the unique taste. Lately the taste isn't quite the same as before and I see on the side of the bottle, "lottechilsung". (Though, in English, it still does say: "Naturally pure from the French Alps."

Then, I went to Starbucks recently and see that it's listed as being another division of the company the owns E Mart, Shinsegye, etc.
Then a Korean told me one of the sons of LG or Samsung (can't remember which now) owns the rights to TGI Fridays in Korea.

Tesco operated here but called themselves TESCO SAMSUNG HOME PLUS. I think I've heard Tesco has taken it over nowadays. (It's prob one of the rare truly pure western companies along with Costco to actually operate here.)

Anyways, if these comapnies operate freely in every other country, what's the deal with Korea? Is it some kind of legal requirement or something? They sell their name and let the Koreans do it. I'm sure they'd make more money if they either did it themselves or franchised some of these businesses out to local owners. (To my knowledge, SUBWAY is one of those rare foriegn businesses that franchise out to local small businessmen. As a result, it doesn't seem to have much of a presence compared to those who get in bed with the chaebols here. I know many Koreans who claim to love Subway, though it's presence is small.)

Not really mad or anything. Just curious. Not sure if it's a law, xenophobia (which would have been stronger years ago and drove out Wal Mart), power of the chaebols here, or just some kind of laziness on the part of big companies nowadays? Though it seems these global companies operate freely in just about every other country except this one.

[jvalmer]

[optik404]

Them Korean Doritos are terrible.

[mr_thehorse]

[Who's Your Daddy?]

Is Korean Budweiser the same as the US?

I've often wondered why Crest and Colgate aren't here?

[Mr. BlackCat]

It's the same with many beers like Hoegaarden and Tsingtao. But I'm not sure of the actual law or practice.

It is funny how Walmart came here, 'failed', and then a new superstore exactly like Walmart called Emart opened up, often in the old Walmart stores. Or look at Payless. They came here a few years ago and suddenly are now only available in some Emarts, all in Korean sizes (6-9 for men) and Korean styles. For decades Coke was allowed to be sold here because there was no Korean version, but Sprite, a Coca Cola product, was not because there was cider. Even now with the FTA, many stores still won't stock the stuff.

Like I said, I don't know the exact policies but Korea does have a long history of protectionism. It did wonders to boost their economy in the 70s, 80s and 90s, but it does seem to be coming to a head now that they're an economic power.

Edit: Just read on my gatorade bottle that it's produced by Lottechilsung. I don't really know how this stuff works, though.

[Weigookin74]

[Hokie21]