Korean Competitiveness
According to an article in the Korea Times, "South Korea ranked 31st in competitiveness among 55 countries, falling behind Thailand, the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) said Wednesday."
Perhaps there is good reason Korea is becoming less competitive. According to Maeil Business News, Korean and Japanese digital TV producers are currently embroiled in a war to gain larger market share by slashing prices. "The price war in the U.S. market was initiated by Japan’s Sony which had executed a drastic price cut at the end of last year, with other LCD TV makers following suit. Yet, Sony lowered its LCD TV prices additionally this month in a bid to draw more customers." That's called competition. Isn't it?
"Samsung Electronics has pulled down the price of its 40-inch full-HD LCD TVs to $1,299 at major U.S. electronics retailer Best Buy -- $500 lower than three months ago and a whopping 40 percent discount of the price tag in the domestic market."
Koreans pay more for Korean produced products because they have no other alternative. Right? Perhaps that's why "The United States topped the list [competitiveness among 55 countries] as it did last year". Perhaps its because the US market is open and companies COMPETE to win customers.
When I tell people I live in Korea, they almost always mention or seem to think that I get serious discounts on hard drives and other electronic components because I live in a country which produces them. I am rather embarrassed when I tell them they get a better price. Its shameful really.
Also, Yoon Ja-young, the author of the Korea Times article uses the email chizpizza @ korea times.co.kr. Am I to trust the written word of a journalist who uses the email CHIZPIZZA? I just don't get it. At what point did he/she think "hey, this is appropriate!"
Perhaps there is good reason Korea is becoming less competitive. According to Maeil Business News, Korean and Japanese digital TV producers are currently embroiled in a war to gain larger market share by slashing prices. "The price war in the U.S. market was initiated by Japan’s Sony which had executed a drastic price cut at the end of last year, with other LCD TV makers following suit. Yet, Sony lowered its LCD TV prices additionally this month in a bid to draw more customers." That's called competition. Isn't it?
"Samsung Electronics has pulled down the price of its 40-inch full-HD LCD TVs to $1,299 at major U.S. electronics retailer Best Buy -- $500 lower than three months ago and a whopping 40 percent discount of the price tag in the domestic market."
Koreans pay more for Korean produced products because they have no other alternative. Right? Perhaps that's why "The United States topped the list [competitiveness among 55 countries] as it did last year". Perhaps its because the US market is open and companies COMPETE to win customers.
When I tell people I live in Korea, they almost always mention or seem to think that I get serious discounts on hard drives and other electronic components because I live in a country which produces them. I am rather embarrassed when I tell them they get a better price. Its shameful really.
Also, Yoon Ja-young, the author of the Korea Times article uses the email chizpizza @ korea times.co.kr. Am I to trust the written word of a journalist who uses the email CHIZPIZZA? I just don't get it. At what point did he/she think "hey, this is appropriate!"
posted by chiam at
5:22 PM
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