Korean Job Discussion Forums

[dairyairy]

First they targeted large stores like EMart, LotteMart, Homeplus, and Costco that did nothing wrong other than deliver quality products and services to customers. Now, they've declared war on restaurant chains that have done nothing wrong other than be popular, especially with younger people.
Don't worry, you'll be able to get plenty of recycled leftovers and beef from Australia that is resold as Korean. You know, all the typical service available in small Korean restaurants.

http://koreajoongangdaily.joinsmsn.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2972214&cloc=joongangdaily|home|top

[atwood]

I fully support the policy of supporting small and mid-sized businesses, but this is going about that bassackwards. Help small businesses develop new products, give such business owners training, make affordable financing available, etc.

Small companies can compete--look at Kuksu Namu, a new chain that opens small restaurants that offer quality food in clean settings.

[War Eagle]

The way I read this is that this is being done to lessen the control of the conglomerates in Korea over an industry that is being deemed more suitable to small business.

I am all for regulations that restrict the growth of these guys. If not in place, they will soon control Korea even more so than they do today. A government being controlled by big business, instead of the other way around, is never a good thing.

[FDNY]

THESE NEW LAWS ARE CRAP

The only people who should be deciding what is what in these circumstances are consumers. If you don't like it, then go to North Korea comrade.

[War Eagle]

[atwood]

[War Eagle]

[nicwr2002]

I like this actually. I'm tired of seeing a Hodudalk chicken place every block. My favorite family run samgyeopsal place was bought out by some chain restaurant as well. I guess that was the owner's fault who knows. I remember my father saying that when he would travel down the interstate, in America, you could always find those unique restaurants in each city. However, nowadays there's a McDonald's, Wendy's or some other chain store.

In another thread people were complaining about how owner's of buildings and property won't open anything risky and instead open a coffee shop. Maybe this will get people to open up a variety of places instead of that coffee shop.

[le-paul]

i wish this had been done in england 20/30years back to preserve some of the spirit of small towns and villages. i dont remember last time i saw a toy shop that wasnt called argos..

[Airborne9]

[Swampfox10mm]

So this only benefits big "outside" companies, but not TGIFriday's, Outback, etc?

Color me confused?

[Waygeek]

[FDNY]

You people seem to think big business and multinational corporations are some evil manifestations of uncontrolled greed, manipulation and the ultimate downfall of everything we hold dear and close to our hearts. ABSOLUTE RUBBISH! The biggest corporations on the planet could be eradicated in a matter of months very easily. How? DON'T BUY THEIR STUFF! But low and behold people would rather shop at large, innovative, comfortable, cheap stores with a large selection of both domestic and international goods. So, the only reason these corporations are flourishing is because the MAJORITY of consumers want them. So myself, and the rest of the majority, would be grateful if the government didn't pass laws to protect the myopic, selfish and backwards few who pine for OBSOLETE and INEFFICIENT business models.

[atwood]

[Steelrails]

I eat at mom and pop restaurants for quality, and I eat at McDonald's because I want McDonald's. Business models have nothing to do with it, taste does.

There's times for protectionism, I'm not sure restaurants are one of them. Food is one of those things that people will pay a little more for it tastes better.

To sorta go with what atwood is saying, there are better ways to help small restaurants compete. Another idea would be to offer tax credits or subsidies to small restaurants to remodel and put on a cleaner look with a new sign.

In my town, the most popular spot is a locally owned and operated. The guy took a fairly standard Korean BBQ joint, remodeled it so that it was all table seating, put a couple of TVs up that always have the baseball game on, and decided to openly market the fact that he was selling Australian beef, but it costs half as much as everywhere else. His marinades are great and he provides that thing restaurants need- atmosphere. Whistle blows and guys pour in to watch the game and eat, and families come in for an affordable beef dinner. Chain restaurant down the block? Closed down. If restaurants fail it's because their food or atmosphere or both suck. It's seldom if ever because a TGIFriday's opened next door.

However I will say that when it comes to these topics, sometimes Dave's posters have a tendency to project their own desires or the products that they wish were available onto the issue and don't have the interests of the Korean people at heart.