Korean Job Discussion Forums

[ruffie]

In the span of two days the old cell phone place around the corner from my workplace went caput and a shiny new 7 11 store took its place. Having enjoyed the 7 11's in Taiwan - hot dogs, slushies, sandwiches, western ice cream, and tons of other western goods, I decided to check it out.

Raymyon and Triangle Gimbop. Oh, and hangover drinks with that lecherous adashi on the label. That's it. Not one single product from the 7 11 universe. The only thing 7 11 about the store is the signage.

http://www.7-eleven.com/products/index.asp

Now before you jump on me, I know Koreans only like korean stuff ( don't tell me slurpies, coca cola slushies and other sugary fatty delights wouldn't be a hit with the kids here) but this is a famous international franchise. Wouldn't you want to carry at least one item identified with the brand? Wouldn't the franchise owners be obligated to carry some of the products? At least one? I don't get it. The franchise is probably more expensive that an LG 25 or Family Mart, so why bother?

It just bugs me. I know the regional convenience stores cater to their customers quite well. As they should. Noodles, smokes, fake eyelashes, condoms, energy drink and you're off and Pighting! But why buy an international brand and fill it completely with local products?

It's in a hagwon heavy area, so at least a hundred foreigners walk by that store every day. Thousands of kids who haven't had anything to eat since mom hauled her martyred rump out of bed 9 hours earlier, scooped rice out the pre-programed rice cooker, dumped it on a plate with pre-packaged gochujang covered grass and called it breakfast. The store is across from a busy Dunkin Donuts where you often have a long wait, but nope, none of the 7 11 GINSENG INFUSED COFFEE that could steal away some of that traffic. They could sell some of that stuff if they had the foresight, but that's a whole different story. I'm sure the 7 11's in the new Hubtastic Incheon International Happy Foreigner Smile City of the Ubiquitous Future will only have Raymyon and Triangle gimbop too. Oh yeah, and this crap.




I'm in Ulsan. Are the 7 11's in Seoul any different?

[seoulsucker]

[brento1138]

I guess it just shows you that Koreans really do like all things Korean. Many restaurants including McDonalds are finding that the western brand name carbon copies can't survive here very well. Look at Wal Mart for example, it was too little too late. They have to adapt to what Koreans want to survive.

Look at Pizza Hut. They've done well in adapting their menu to Korean tastes, although they suffer since their prices are a bit too high. Costco carries tons of useless (well, to us anyhow) Mandu and Ramyon and a whole other slew of Korean stuff we don't need to go there for (since you can find it elsewhere).

I wish 7-11 would carry more western items, especially slushies, but... we live in a country like none other. Korea. After 2 years and a bit, I still find myself wondering about it.

[Qinella]

Yeah I feel you man. The 7-11s in the US have an assortment of original products which, while technically disgusting lab creations, are great if you need a quick snack or are drunk.

I understand the idea that you have to customize a store to satisfy local tastes, but I think some things are universally enjoyed. For example, people all around the world like to drink Coca-Cola and eat regular McDonald's cheeseburgers. It wouldn't hurt for 7-11 to introduce some regular items. The way the stores are stocked, though, it makes me think that 7-11 doesn't actually have anything to do with what's stocked, but instead a Korean with the sell-the-exact-same-thing-as-everyone-else-on-the-block mentality just bought the rights to the name and signage.

Oh, but I did get some kind of bizarre croissant sandwich creation in a 7-11 last week and it was delightful, so there is hope yet.

[BigBuds]

[Tiberious aka Sparkles]

[BigBuds]

[oneofthesarahs]

While you're french kissing grandma for a Quarter Pounder, I'd do just about anything for a slushie. Oh man.

[Young FRANKenstein]

[billybrobby]

You know, 7 Eleven is currently a Japanese corporation. I'm not sure if that has anything to do with it.

[hairy sue]

[oneofthesarahs]

[yingwenlaoshi]

Yeah, I used to pay my bills at 7-11 in Taiwan. They had some decent microwavable dinners, hot dogs, etc. Other than that, not all that appealing. Chips were still shhit. Maybe worse than Korea.

I used to get slushies at roadside stands (one if particular) in Taiwan with cute girls. Awesome and cheap. Mango, Orange, Lemon... You name it. And good coffee at the same place.

[hairy sue]

Last time I was in Taiwan, they were selling Ultraman action figures at the 7-11s there, and don't underestimate those tea eggs my friend - those things were awesome.

[yingwenlaoshi]