Korean Job Discussion Forums

[binderman278]

I want to buy a decent size TV... maybe a 32 inch high-def TV when I get there. How do the prices compare to the United States? Or any other ideas. Thanks.

[eamo]

It varies.....but mostly, yes. Korea is more expensive than the US. Especially for high-end stuff where the difference can be over 30% more in Korea.

Also, you don't really get good sales in Korean electronics stores. They never cut the prices of the old stock they want to move like they do in the west. They'll just keep it at full price until they take it off the shelves and replace it with the new model.

The US is an extremely competitive marketplace. Korea doesn't seem to be.

For a 32'' TV you'll find that Samsung and LG are much more expensive in Korea.............but if you don't mind getting a no-name Chinese brand then you can save a lot of money.

[uklathemock]

[oskinny1]

Go here to check for prices. When you see the small tv with "LCD" on it scroll over and select size and HD. Maybe a coworker can order it if you give them the cash.

[Sody]

WAY more expensive. Buy all your electronics in the US. Even Korean cars are more expensive in Korea than in the US.

[binderman278]

Wow okay thats good to know. Thats kind of ridiculous. Dang 30%? I guess I will just have to settle for an off brand television while I am there.

[optik404]

everything is cheaper in the States

[CeleryMan]

Kimchee is more expensive in Korea, end of discussion.

[stevieg4ever]

America embrasses a purer form of laissez-faire capitalism which makes the market more competitive giving the consumer greater choice and freedom.

In Korea it is basically the diametric opposite. The Korean companies have basicaly carte blanche rule over the domestic market allowing them to take any measures necessary to out muscle foreign competitors (not taking into account the restrictions, tarrifs and taxes levied placed on imported goods from outside of Korea morepver government assistance). Its the fundamentals of a protectionist economy versus those of a Laissez-faire one which is why things cost more in Korea as you have alluded to.

Basically Korea's high-tax barriers keep foreign competitors out of the domestic market, which in turn provides the perfect growing conditions of limited competition and a loyal domestic market fuelled by nationalism.

[carleverson]

It's more expensive in Korea.

[sesyeux]

so it's about the same as england then, so it's all good!

[Slowmotion]

[jvalmer]

Electronics in Korea are usually more expensive. But, in cases when buying things like a laptop or digital camera, the seller often throws more extra stuff in, like a memory card, or a case, which in Canada they don't.

[Wishmaster]

There is no competition in Korea. That is why the prices for things are completely ridiculous. Nobody to challenge the Korean companies, so they fleece the unsuspecting rubes(their fellow brethren) and gouge the crap out of them. And Koreans have this stupidly ridiculous notion that the more you pay for something, the better it is supposed to be . Dumb, dumb, dumb.

[madoka]