Data-driven research insights into Korean consumer behavior, cultural trends, and market dynamics.
Autumn in Korea is a season where tradition meets emotion through vibrant festivals.
K-pop Demon Hunters turned everyday Korean life into a global attraction.
Capturing the real voice of the user is only half the battle. The other half is getting an automatic-speech-recognition (ASR) system that won’t leave you cleaning up a transcription disaster just when the analysis clock starts ticking. We put two of Korea’s most popular ASR tools head-to-head so you don’t have to.🧪 Research Setup🔍 Evaluation Criteria1. Context integrity – Does the conversation flow naturally?2. Sentence completeness – Are utterances grouped into full sentences?3. Noise & typos
Cultural insight that shapes success in Korea.Why Global Campaigns Often Miss the MarkMany global brands assume localization is just about translating content and switching imagery.But in Korea — a hyper-connected, rapidly shifting cultural landscape — this approach often fails.It’s not about what you say.It’s about whether what you say feels right in the eyes of Korean consumers.What Is “Delta Culture”?At DELTA CODE, we define delta culture as the subtle cultural shift between what brands think
Recently, we conducted a consumer focus group discussion and utilized EDA (Electrodermal Activity) devices to delve deeper into emotional responses from consumers. The goal was to explore the differences in emotional reactions between Brand A users and users of competitor brands. Specifically, we hypothesized that Brand A users would show more active emotional responses than competitor brand users. However, an unexpected yet intriguing outcome emerged.Insights from EDA DataDuring the focus group
The dining-out market is growing rapidly due to changes in consumer lifestyle patterns and the increase in single-person households. Franchise restaurants are at the forefront of this growth, offering standardized quality and convenience. Operated under a unified brand system managed and supported by headquarters, they provide consumers with diverse choices and investors with stable returns.Structure and Current Status of Korean FranchisesAs of 2022, the number of franchise outlets in South Kore
What Are Unmanned Stores?Unmanned stores are a type of retail operation that combines digital technology and automated systems to reduce labor costs and maximize efficiency. While the absence of staff makes these stores vulnerable to theft, surveillance via CCTV and the integration of artificial intelligence and automated payment systems help simplify the purchasing process. Up until the 2000s, unmanned retail primarily meant ATMs or vending machines, but with the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, thes
Exam periods are one of the most crucial times for students. During this time, maintaining peak physical and mental focus is essential to maximize academic performance. A balanced diet plays a significant role in achieving this goal. In particular, foods high in saturated fat can negatively impact concentration and should be avoided. According to a study conducted by Ohio State University, individuals who consumed foods rich in saturated fats scored an average of 11% lower on concentration tests
The Two Main Paths of University Admission in Korea - Early Admission and Regular AdmissionUniversity admissions in Korea are largely divided into two main pathways: 'Early Admission' (수시) and 'Regular Admission' (정시). These two pathways evaluate applicants based on different criteria and approaches. Early Admission uses student records, academic performance, and essay exams to assess applicants on a range of factors, while Regular Admission selects students based on their scores on the College
The impact of climate change on our lives is not limited to changes in the weather. This year, South Korea experienced its longest and hottest summer on record, with the number of heatwave days reaching 30.1 days by September 2024—nearly three times the average of 11.0 days, and second only to the record set in 2018 at 31.0 days—emphasizing the growing intensity of climate change. As summers grow longer and hotter, people’s fashion preferences are also undergoing significant shifts. In this arti
While companies like Nvidia have long dominated this space, a new contender from South Korea is making waves and could soon redefine the landscape of AI chip manufacturing. Enter Rebellions, a Seoul-based startup with ambitions as bold as its name. Founded in 2020 by a team of five visionary engineers, Rebellions has quickly emerged as a beacon of innovation in Korea’s tech ecosystem. Their flagship product, the ATOM chip, is set to be the first AI chip developed by a Korean startup to enter mas
As the South Korea mosquito repellent market surges towards an estimated value of USD 0.28 billion by 2033, with a steady CAGR of 5.54%, the industry presents a mix of growth opportunities and challenges that require careful navigation. For B2B stakeholders, including manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers, understanding these dynamics is crucial for leveraging market potential while mitigating risks.Growth Drivers: Capitalizing on Rising Health Awareness and UrbanizationOne of the primary cata
Sailing in Korea is a key activity that has caused a surge in its boating industry. With sailing in the Paris Olympics 2024 games, it captures the spirit of innovation and enthusiasm in the nation's marine activities sector. This fervor not only highlights Korea’s natural maritime advantages but also aligns with its ambitious economic strategies in boosting the leisure and sports marine industry.Korea's geographical tapestry, with its extensive coastlines and numerous islands, serves as an idyll
Kakao Talk reigns supreme as the go-to messaging and emoticon app boasting an impressive penetration rate of nearly 97% among mobile users, in South Korea. This dominance has given rise to a unique digital phenomenon: the emoticon market. Since their introduction in 2011, KakaoTalk emoticons have transformed from simple digital stickers into a thriving business and cultural staple, reflecting Korea’s innovative approach to digital communication and marketing.The Rise of the Emoticon EconomyKakao
The Korean lottery market has experienced significant shifts, reflecting broader economic trends and consumer behaviors. Businesses can glean valuable insights from these trends to better understand and engage with their target audiences. This article explores how recent data on lottery participation can inform business strategies and drive growth.Understanding Consumer BehaviorMore than one in ten households in Korea participated in lottery activities during the first quarter of this year, the
Cricket, a sport traditionally associated with countries like India, Australia, and the UK, is witnessing a gradual increase in popularity in the South Korean market. This trend is bolstered by significant upcoming events such as the T20 World Cup 2024 and the inclusion of cricket in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. These developments present exciting opportunities for companies aiming to capitalize on this growing interest in cricket within Korea.Cricket's Resurgence and Global EventsCricket
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies has transformed various industries, with NVIDIA emerging as a leading player in this dynamic landscape in Korea. Recently, NVIDIA's market capitalization surpassed Microsoft, making it the world's most valuable company. This milestone reflects NVIDIA's strategic positioning in the AI and semiconductor sectors, driven by its powerful GPUs and innovative AI solutions.NVIDIA's AscendancyNVIDIA's growth trajectory is closely linked t
In a groundbreaking shift in marketing strategies, South Korean fashion giants are turning the spotlight from celebrities and influencers to their very own employees, using employee-influencer campaigns on YouTube to transform the industry and drive sales and subscriber counts to unprecedented heights. This innovative approach leverages the authenticity and relatability of employee influencers to connect more deeply with audiences. By featuring employees in YouTube campaigns, these brands are no
SPOTV, established in 2010, has rapidly evolved from a new player in South Korea's sports broadcasting landscape to a formidable presence in the Asian market. This transformation is a testament to SPOTV's strategic expansion and deep understanding of its audience's preferences. Initially following the paths of established networks like KBS N Sports and MBC Sports+, SPOTV carved its niche by securing broadcasting rights for a diverse range of sports. This not only includes popular leagues like th
Marketing Mix Modeling (MMM) is a powerful technique that helps businesses optimize their marketing efforts by quantifying the impact of different marketing channels. This blog delves into the intricacies of MMM, with a particular focus on how tools like Google Analytics and Meta (formerly Facebook) can enhance this process. We will also explore regressional analysis and other methods, supported by real company examples to provide practical insights.Understanding Marketing Mix ModelingMarketing
Website cookies have become an essential tool for businesses seeking to enhance their online presence and in gaining customer insights. In South Korea, where digital engagement is high, the strategic use of cookies can significantly benefit companies by providing valuable insights into customer behavior. This blog explores why companies use cookies and how they can offer deep insights into their customers.Why Companies Use Website Cookies1. Enhancing User Experience: One of the primary reasons c
In honor of the upcoming Labor Day in South Korea (in Korean - 근로자의 날) and globally, we wanted to signify the hard work of each employee by breaking down ad spending trends from 2021 to 2023 across key sectors.Sector-Wise Ad Spending Analysis1. InsuranceLeading the ad spend over the past three years is the insurance sector, with a substantial $985 million. This indicates a highly competitive market where companies are intensively targeting consumers through diverse media channels, likely focusin
The Korean stock market is witnessing a transformative era as the entertainment sector emerges as its new savior, paralleling the explosive growth once seen in the secondary battery sector. As K-pop continues to captivate global audiences, investors are increasingly turning their focus towards entertainment companies like HYBE, JYP, SM, and YG Entertainment, recognizing them as pivotal players in the market's structural growth.A Surge in Market CapitalizationThis year alone, the combined market
Hey, have you ever wondered what makes South Korean luxury shoppers click? Well, recent insights into the most buzzing luxury transaction platforms as of September 2023 tell us quite a bit about where the action is. Leading the pack, we have Balaan with a cool 2.92 million users under its belt. Not far behind, Trenbe is doing its thing with 2.6 million users, and then there's Must'it, holding its own with 1.42 million. Pretty impressive, right? Let's dive into what this all means for the folks w
In the dynamic landscape of global environmental standards, South Korea emerges as a compelling theater for the air pollution control industry. As nations grapple with the dual challenges of industrial growth and environmental sustainability, South Korea presents a unique blend of regulatory stringency and market potential that is attracting international attention.South Korea's commitment to reducing air pollution is not just a policy stance but a burgeoning industry ripe with opportunities. Th
As the calendar turned its final page on 2023, the South Korean box office celebrated a year of extraordinary cinematic accomplishments. The silver screen was adorned with tales that not only captured our imaginations but also left an indelible mark on the box office charts. Let's embark on a journey through the top 10 movies of the year before delving into the insightful exploration of their triumphs.Top 10 Movies of 2023 (by box office sales)1. '12.12: The Day' : $86,191,9872. 'The Roundup : N
In the ever-evolving landscape of the global mobile app market, South Korea has emerged as a powerhouse, securing the fourth spot in the rankings. The 2024 Mobile Status Report from Data.ai, a leading app market analysis platform, paints a vivid picture of South Korea's impressive strides in this dynamic industry.Consumer Spending Hits Record High:Last year witnessed an extraordinary surge in consumer spending within the South Korean mobile app market, reaching an astonishing $7.86 billion (10.3
In the dynamic landscape of South Korea's corporate sphere, a select group of conglomerates stands out as titans, driving innovation, economic growth, and global influence. As we step into the first quarter of 2024, lets rewind a year (Q1 2023) and explore the top 10 companies by revenue, each making significant contributions to the nation's economic prowess.1. Samsung: A Technological MarvelRevenue: $241.6 Billion (Q1 2023)At the zenith of the list, Samsung reigns supreme, a colossus in the tec
In the ever-evolving landscape of wealth accumulation, Korea has seen a remarkable shift in the definition of affluence over the past decade. According to the latest findings from the Hana Institute of Finance, the benchmark for being deemed 'rich' in Korea has surged from 11.4 billion won ($8.7 million) in 2012 to 18.7 billion won in 2021. As we delve into the key takeaways from the 'Korean Wealth Report,' it becomes evident that the dynamics of wealth creation and management in Korea are under
In the dynamic landscape of South Korea's smartphone market, one brand stands tall, casting its technological prowess over 84% of the devices sold in the third quarter of 2023. Samsung, the juggernaut of innovation, has not only solidified its reign domestically but has also etched its mark globally, according to market data released by Counterpoint.The Numbers Game:The statistics are staggering. Eight out of every ten smartphones in South Korea bear the Samsung insignia, leaving Apple trailing
In the harmonious realm of South Korean music streaming, a seismic shift is underway. As we bid adieu to 2023, the once-unchallenged reign of ‘Melon’ has encountered a formidable contender — none other than the global giant, ‘YouTube Music.’ The stage is set, and the melody of change is echoing through the digital corridors of Korean music culture.A Symphony of NumbersLet's dive into the crescendo of statistics. Melon, a stalwart in the South Korean music streaming scene, has seen a modest rise
South Korea, long known for its notorious working hours, is undergoing a significant transformation in its work culture. Once hailed for contributing to the country's economic success, lengthy work hours are now giving way to a more balanced approach, with the government and younger generations advocating for shorter workweeks and increased flexibility.Key Takeaways:1. Closing the Gap with OECD Averages: According to a recent Korea Enterprises Federation (KEF) report, the working hours gap betwe
Key Takeaways for Companies Entering the Luxury Goods Space in Korea1. Cultural Alignment: Adapt products and strategies to resonate with Korean cultural preferences.2. K-pop Influence: Collaborate with K-pop stars for heightened brand recognition and emotional connection.3. Immersive Retail: Invest in unique, immersive retail experiences to attract Korean consumers.4. Tech-Savvy Appeal: Integrate tech features to cater to Korea's tech-savvy consumer base.5. Localized Approach: Customize marketi
As demographic challenges loom large, with Korea experiencing the lowest birth rate in the world and an aging population, the conversation around immigration policies has gained unprecedented momentum. A recent report by the National Assembly Research Service sheds light on this pressing issue, urging the need for a unified strategy on immigration. What are the implication for businesses in Korea’s multicultural future? The Numbers Speak: A Growing Foreign PopulationAs of December 2022, foreign
In the bustling landscape of South Korean retail, Costco stands out as a beacon of convenience, variety, and quality. The warehouse giant, since its inception in 1994, has woven itself seamlessly into the fabric of the South Korean market. With a range spanning from home appliances to groceries and everything in between, Costco Korea epitomizes the one-stop shopping experience. As market research experts, it's imperative to delve deeper into this phenomenon and dissect the nuances that define Co
In the bustling landscape of digital innovation, South Korea stands out as a leader in social media usage. Fueled by a tech-savvy populace and advanced internet infrastructure, the country boasts an impressive internet penetration rate of 97.6%, with 50.56 million internet users at the beginning of 2023. The proliferation of social media platforms is striking, with 92% of the population actively engaging online, spending an average of 1 hour and 11 minutes daily across the top 5 social media pla
South Korea and Naver are synonymous with each other. Korea's major search portal, Naver, revolutionized the comics industry via NAVER WEBTOON. It has enabled a platform that puts creators and consumers first - where creators can truly meet their audience. Emergence of Naver WebtoonNaver officially launched their webtoon service in Korea way back in December 2005. Soon thereafter, in 2014, it launched the English global service webtoon, the traditional Chinese line webtoon, and the Thai line web
In today's digital age, advertising has evolved into a dynamic and multifaceted realm, with various platforms vying for attention and engagement. If you're a business looking to tap into the vibrant market of South Korea, understanding the top advertising platforms can be a game-changer. In this report, we'll explore the landscape of advertising in South Korea and shed light on the top platforms that can help you reach your target audience effectively.1. Naver: The Power of Search DominanceWhen
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Glancing at todays mobile app market in Korea (Apple Store Ranking), our research confirms the dominance of Mobile Gaming. 70% of the top ten spots are held by games! This strong preference underscores the growth potential in the gaming sector in South Korea, and the key role #UserExperience plays in this trend.However, it's the #EcommerceApp 푸드팡 that takes the top position, reminding us of the power of online shopping and the importance of smooth user interfaces in this space. MarinDeck and Li
Over the past few years, LinkedIn has seen a steady growth in user base in the Republic of Korea. This upward trajectory is not only reflective of our commitment to connecting professionals globally, but also mirrors the increasing recognition of the power of professional networking among South Korean professionals.In January 2021, we had almost 3 million users in Korea, making up 5.7% of the entire population. Fast forward a year, and we welcomed an additional 200,000 users, pushing our penetra
Highlights: 1. The number of de jure foreigners was 1.302 million persons in 2022, which dropped by 30 thousand persons from 2021. 2. The number of employed foreigners was 843 thousand persons in 2022, which fell by 12 thousand persons from 2021. 3. The employment-population ratio of foreigners stood at 64.8% in 2022, up 0.6%p from 2021. 4. The number of unemployed foreigners was 37 thousand persons in 2022, which fell by 18 thousand persons in 2021. 5. The number of employed naturalized Koreans
Hi MR experts, If you are looking for Korea Gen Pop information, you can download the file from here. We refer to the Korean National Statistics Office to create this. Please send your RFQ if you need quantitative research projects in Korea. We can either bid on your project or send you to the right panel partner in Korea. Thank you!Jay Ahn.#2021 #koreapopulation #koreageneralpopulation2021 Korea General Population
Seoul Mobility Show is one of the biggest shows in the automobile industry in Korea. We visited it on 26th November. There are more concept cars and electronic vehicles than before.#2021SeoulMobilityShow, #Koreacarmarket
The use of YouTube is a must for today's generation. People are gradually using YouTube in a passive and active manner as they can access various information as well as entertainment elements through YouTube. YouTube is the information platform with the largest increase in utilization compared to last year (67.3% increase) Recently, SNS including YouTube is emerging instead of search portal sites. Among them, the biggest reason why YouTube is in the spotlight is that you can see what you are cur
#marketingresearch #marketresearch #korea #qualitativeresearch
Starting from December 2020, transparent plastic bottles should be collected separately. Apartments should follow this rule from December 2020 and detached houses from December 2021. It is part of ESG's activities, and there are more activities rising. For example, PB and low-cost bottled water brands sold in supermarkets have removed their brand labels. And these brands deserve to have an opportunity to position as an ESG brand. Since there are no labels, it is also a great benefit for consumer
Thru the pandemic period of 2020, we were not able to meet people face to face. So, it impacts on fieldwork of market research in general. Even before the pandemic, netnography was there in the market research area but it has become now the major methodology of qualitative market research.We used the most common communication apps in Korea to design own our way to do the projects. I understand there are some good commercial platforms which optimized for market research purpose. However, it does
I recorded my lecture conducted last December. You may not understand if you cannot speak Korean. However, you may feel slightly how Korean high school students behave. 2020년 12월 세종시 한 고등학교에 직업인 멘토로 강의했던 영상 공유 드립니다. 이것을 계기로 2021년에는 시장조사 업무에 대해서 하나씩 강의를 이어 나갈려고 합니다.#marketresearch #marketingresearch #training #inkorea #directresearchkorea#시장조사 #마케팅리서치 #트레이닝교육 #한국 #세종시 #다이렉트리서치코리아
There was a big challenge to the market research industry in Y2020. We used to 'Contact' to respondents to interview. Due to the pandemic, we had to 'Untact' via Zoom through this year.Direct Research Korea has been executing market research projects online. It was that more projects were done online than anytime before.We are around the corner from 'Untact' to 'Ontact' for our market research project in Y2021 moving forward. Our new practice will be released in January, suggesting a market rese
Suit Market has been decreased last 10 years. There are some important turning points. Cool Business Suit culture starts from the early 2010s. It was initiated by the government since we have to care about CO2 reduction nationwide. It influenced immediately big corporations in Korea and the companies allow employees to wear casual business shirts and pants. During the time, the tie market disappeared first and in the long term change the term of the suit. In Korea, we are required to wear a suit
Before you start a market research project in Korea, please visit here and check what you can find. There are more than 2,500 projects old and latest qual/quant datasets available free here.https://kossda.snu.ac.kr/ If you need language support, please contact us!#freedatasets #korea #marketresearch
What could be trending on the half of 2020? People stay home longer than before. Consumer think of the air they breathe, and the water they drink. - Air-conditioner, Air-purifier, and Humidifier will meet what most consumers want in terms of air management. - Clothes Dry, Styler, and Food waste processor will save valuable time of housework.#2020KoreanTrends #Whiteappliance #electronics #report [Korean Trends] 2020 White Appliance and Electronics Report
Korea is one of the top countries recycling garbage effectively. People can throw from plastic to paper at the categorized recycling bins for free, while they have to pay for the garbage which cannot be recycled such as food and other rubbish. Among the recycled paper, milk pack is high quality and expensive. So, regional government, Tetra pack, YWCA, and retailer team up to set up the milk pack recycling kiosk. The kiosk rewards carbon points to customers recycling the packs. However, always di
I read an article saying COVID19 advances the digitalization 10 years faster. As part of progress, online retail sales exceeded the offline retail sales for the first time last March. Thetotalretailindustry dropped -3.3% as offline channels decreased by -17.6% while online channels increased by +16.9%. High user rate of smartphone and high-speed internet infrastructure supported the change. It will last a couple of months under the COVID19 situation. Since consumer wants untact shopping, there i
Time to break up? or time to cooperate! China, Japan, and Korea firm handshake last summer pursuing a better diplomatic relationship. Nearly 6 months later, three countries broke up again blaming each other that they need to shut down the border to prevent COVID19. There was no discussion at all but shut down. It may happen in Euro countries and America. We may need a global contingency plan for unforeseen situations from virus, war, earthquake, flood and etc. The three countries always been com
What is like to be 'work home' in Korea? We close office, school, daycare, and shopping arcade. Father and son share a small desk. Mom cares baby daughter on her right hand and smartphone grocery shopping on her left hand.#marketresearch #korea #COVID19lessons
It is important to protect both potential patients and medical teams. Drive-Thru testing centers in Korea have become very effective in working to meet the goal. The government will set up more centers on different spots.#COVID19, #drivethrutesting, #koreaSouth Korea's 'drive-through' coronavirus testing stations
Face + Book = facebook. That's how hashtag#FaceBookKorea decorates one of the bright sides in their office. 'Face' means a Korean traditional folding door that could be used as an interior wall separating space or a hidden place. 'Book' sounds a drum in Korean. Drum is an instrument, but also a vehicle to inform something to people. I thought the idea is cool. #marketresearch #korea #facebook
According to the national statistic office, 95% of the population holds a smartphone in Korea. Such a reason, playing mobile games is very common over all ages. 10s~20s also play PC games, particularly, men's group play PC games more than mobile games.For teenagers, male group play more PC games than the female while female group play more console than the male group.Adults of 20~40s are playing more console games than teenagers. They are driving the market in Korea. KOCCA* published a paper say
Rate of people who like to stay home for their spare time is growing again. There was a similar tendency or short trend for some years after the 2008 global financial crisis. What is different now compared to the times? 1. People think of 'value over price(time)' and put it on their priority. Consumers become more mature regardless of their income. 2. Single household is now more than 28% of the entire number of households in Korea. They know how to play and spend their quality time alone.3. Du
The concern for clean food keeps increasing in Korea, particularly in the seafood sector since Japan and N.Korea release radioactive contaminated water on the near ocean. Norway is taking advantage of it.#korea, #food, #foodsecurity, #marketresearch https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/tech/2019/10/694_277231.html
Hyundai-Kia will have foldable electric kickboard as an option from Y2021. Drivers may keep this in the car trunk and it will automatically recharge from the car. This is another strategy to develop its total mobility service in where they have a gap to the last mile mobility area. #korea, hashtag#marketresearch, hashtag#directresearchkorea, hashtag#hyundai
One more tip for Korean Millennials.
COUPANG #1 mobile commerce* makes this dream come true in Korea. COUPANG made their company name through the ‘Rocket delivery’ service like order before the midnight then delivery guarantee next day. Now, they want to move forward and deliver ‘order before the midnight then delivery guarantee before 7am next day.My wife and I are so obsessed with using the Rocket delivery and Rocket fresh service.