Korea Essentials
“Technology” and “Samsung” turned out to be the terms that best represent Korea, according to a survey don in several developed nations. As for the most representative products, survey participants chose cell phones and electronics.
According to a survey conducted of 248 Europeans on April 23 by state-run Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), when asked the question “What comes to your mind when thinking of Korea?” 30.2 percent of them cited “Samsung.”
The response was followed by “high technology” with 29.4 percent and “IT leader” with 18.1 percent.
When the same question was asked to 202 residents of the U.S. and Canada, 33.7 percent cited “high technology” followed by “Samsung” (18.8 percent), and ”IT leader” (9.9 percent).
As the image that is the most representative of Korea, Europeans answered “fast economic growth” (34.3 percent) followed by “deep history” (29.4 percent) in contrast with North Americans who picked “deep history” (40.1 percent) and “economic growth” (23.8 percent). In particular, the survey showed that many Americans recognized Korea as having a 5,000 year history as well as being highly interested in education and culture.
As for the strengths of Korean society, “solidarity” topped the list. For the biggest weakness, “over-competition” was cited. Also brought out was the criticism that solidarity could lead to closed-mindedness, and pride in being a homogeneous nation could create “elitism.”