Korean Products Research Articles

The Relationship of Country Image, ProductCountry Image, and Purchase Intention of Korean Products: Focusing on Differences among Ethnic Groups in South Africa

Purpose - The purpose of this study is to provide practical implications for Korean companies searching for new market opportunities. From the experimental analysis, the impact of country image on product-country image and purchase intention of Korean products are measured. In addition, this study disaggregates the impacts of country image and product-country image and purchase intention among ethnic groups in South Africa for searching further useful implications. Design/methodology - To examine South African consumers’ country image and product-country image towards Korean products, data were collected between June and July 2019 through an online questionnaire, and 335 questionnaires were used for analysis. Firstly, the multivariate analysis was conducted to examine the general tendency of South African consumers’ perceptions of country image to Korea, product-country image, and purchase intention among three ethnic group consumers. Then in order to verify the country image model and hypotheses of the study, we analyzed the structural models for each of the three ethnic groups and compared the sizes of the path coefficients for each groups. To compare the difference of path coefficients across ethnic groups, configural invariance, metric invariance, and scalar invariance tests were conducted sequentially. Findings - In the black and white ethnic groups, the country image had a statistically significant impact on product-country image, but it did not affect the purchase intention to Korean products. The product-country image showed a statistically significant impact on the purchase intention to Korean products in both ethnic group. However, in the coloured ethnic group consumer, the country image had a significant effect on the product-country image, but it did not affect the purchase intention of Korean products. In addition, the product-country image did not have a significant influence on the purchase intention of coloured ethnic group consumers unlike black and white ethnic group consumers. The results of this study suggest that even though differences in terms of the impact of CoI on PCI and PI were investigated for the sample of white, coloured, and black respondents, the groups seemed to respond in a reasonably comparable manner. Originality/value - South Africa occupies more than 20% of Africa’s total GDP in sub-Saharan Africa and is a hub for Southern African logistics as a hub for Korean companies to enter Africa. However, it is rare to find a study focused on the determinants of consumer behavior in South Africa. In particular, this study disaggregates the impacts of country image and product-country image on consumer behavior across ethnic groups in South Africa. Therefore, this study could provide practical implications for Korean firms which desire to diversify their export markets and pioneer future markets.

BANKING ON CULTURAL INTERMEDIARIES ACROSS WEBTOON, WEBNOVEL AND VIDEO-SHARING PLATFORMS IN ASIA’S DIGITAL CREATIVE ECONOMY

This panel investigates how complex layers of trust and (dis)trust are surrounding and impacting on the fans, also known as ‘cultural intermediaries’, involved in the production, circulation, translation and remake of Korean and Chinese webtoon and webnovel platforms in Asia and among Asian users. Collectively, the panellists argue for a reconceptualisation of the concept of ‘Internet platform’. In so doing, we interrogate the concepts of ‘platformization’, ‘platform capitalism’ and ‘digital capitalism’ by asking: how, and with what effect, Korean and Chinese digital platforms – as well as their aggregated domestic and international users, are operating in the Asia Pacific, compared to more global ‘liberal’ platforms? Noting the activities of ‘digital champions’, such as the giant Korean search portal Naver, as well as China’s Kuaikan and Bilibili enterprises, which are now rapidly emerging in the shadows of their larger competitors: iQiyi (Baidu), Taobao (Alibaba), QQ (Tencent), collectively known as BAT. In sum, we show which Korean and Chinese webtoon and webnovel platforms are taking root in various regional territories and among regional audiences. Our intent is to illustrate how digital platforms (i.e. the globality of the internet) are refashioning the image of Korea and China, which is often viewed outside of their national borders as driven by an ideologically-free ‘broadband nirvana’ (Goldsmith et al. 2011), and tainted by authoritarian state, respectively. Accordingly, all four papers will consider how platform capitalism offers new ways to understand the outreach of both Korean and Chinese digital culture – from both economic and technological viewpoints.

지각된 한류브랜드의 세계성이 한국제품에 대한 태도에 미치는 영향: 고정관념 콘텐츠 모델 (SCM)을 중심으로

지각된 한류브랜드의 세계성이 한국제품에 대한 태도에 미치는 영향: 고정관념 콘텐츠 모델 (SCM)을 중심으로

Effect of country image and materialism on the quality evaluation of Korean products

PurposeIt is critical to understand how global consumers evaluate the quality of Asian products while marketing Asian products in the global marketplaces. The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of Korea’s macro and micro country image and global consumers’ materialism level on the quality evaluation of Korean cosmetics among consumers in four countries.Design/methodology/approachData from 900 participants were collected from consumers aged 20 or older living in economically developed countries (the USA and France) and economically developing countries (China and Vietnam) via professional online survey firms. Multiple regression analyses were used to analyze the data.FindingsAlong with the direct effect of macro and micro country image and materialism on product quality evaluation, a moderating effect of materialism and the respective country was discovered. Subsequently, the effect of macro country image on quality evaluation was found to be only significant in the USA and France and not in China and Vietnam. In contrast, the impact of micro country image was robust across all four countries. Furthermore, the effect of materialism on product quality was significant only in Vietnam. This implies that materialistic consumers in emerging markets might have favorable perceptions regarding the quality of Korean cosmetics.Originality/valueThis study advances country image research by providing new theoretical and managerial implications for countries whose image is less distinctive with respect to the effective marketing of products by the destination countries’ development status and consumers’ familiarity.

사드사태 전후 중국의 한류선호도가 한국제품 구매의도에 미치는 영향

사드사태 전후 중국의 한류선호도가 한국제품 구매의도에 미치는 영향

Pengaruh Green Percevied Value, Green Product Innovation, Green Self Identitiy, Brand Credibility Terhadap Green Purchase Intention Melalui Green Brand Equity Pada Produk Skin-Care Korea Di Indonesia

The purpose of this study was to analyze the influence of Green Perceived Value, Green Product Innovation, Green Self Identity, Brand Credibility to Green Purchase Intention through Green Brand Equity on Skin Care Korean Products in Indonesia. Respondents in this research is done by taking a sampling with purposive judgement selection on Innisfree and Nature Republic customer in Indonesia. The method is carried out in the form of survey method with the dissemination of questionnaires with population numbers 250 people. In conducting this research, the author uses the validity test, reability, , estimation model test, structural model test, classic t test. In conducting this research, the author uses the SPSS application version 17.0 and Lisrel 9. The results of this research show that the Green Perceived has no effect on Green Purchase Intention, Green Perceived Value has no effect on Green Brand Equity, Green Product Innovation has no effect on Green brand Equity, Green Self Identity affect positively on Green Brand Equity, Brand Credibility affect positively on Green Brand Equity, Brand Credibility affect positively on Green Purchase Intention, Green Product Innovation hasn’t indirect effect on Green Purchase Intention, Green Self Identity has indirect effect on Green Purchase Intention

A Study on the Effect of Attitude toward the Product on the Product Production Country Image: Mediating Effect of Cultural Openness and Attitude toward Korean Wave Cultural Contents

Purpose - This research aims to examine the relationship between the attitude toward the product(product attitude and product attachment) and product production country image through the mediating effect of Korean wave cultural contents and cultural openness. Design/methodology/approach - For this study, a survey was conducted to 330 Chinese consumers who have experience using Korean products in Beijing and Shanghai, China and finally 283 valid responses were collected. The data was analyzed on structural equation model using SPSS 20.0 and AMOS 20.0. Findings - Findings of this study are as follows. First, Korean economic country image has a positive influence on attitude toward Korean wave cultural contents, but the impact of the Korean relationship country image and cultural country image on attitude toward Korean wave cultural contents are founded to be insignificant. Second, Korean relationship country image and cultural country image have a positive influence on cultural openness, but the impact of Korean economic country image on cultural openness is found to be insignificant. Third, cultural openness has a positive influence on attitude toward Korean wave cultural contents, product attitude and product attachment. Fourth, attitude toward Korean wave cultural contents has a positive influence on product attitude and product attachment. Last, there is a mediating effect of cultural openness and attitude toward Korean wave cultural contents between Korean economic country image and product attitude and product attachment and also cultural openness has a mediating effect between Korean relationship country image, cultural country image and product attitude and product attachment. Research implications or Originality - Based on these findings, it suggested the research limitations and future study. This study fills the research gap by exploring the relationship between attitude toward Korean wave cultural contents and cultural openness on country image, product attitude and product attachment. Furthermore, this study extends readers’ understanding of the relationship between attitude toward Korean wave cultural contents, cultural openness, country image, product attitude and product attachment. This study finds that attitudes toward Korean wave cultural contents and cultural openness are the crucial variables for improving the relationship between country image, product attitude and product attachment. It provides practical and theoretical guidelines for suppliers developing marketing strategies.

A Study on the effect of Korean Wave on the Purchase of Korean Products

본 연구에서는 중국과 베트남 시장에서 한류 소비자에 대하여 분석하고자 한다. 한류문화콘텐츠 선호도가 중국과 베트남 시장에서 한국제품 구매의도에 어떠한 영향을 미치는가를 분석하는 것이 목적이다. 중국 광저우에서 308명, 베트남 호찌민에서 312명의 한류 소비자를 대상으로 드라마ㆍ영화, 음악, 패션, 음식 등 한류문화콘텐츠 선호도가 한국제품에 대한 태도 및 구매의도에 미치는 영향을 조사하기 위해 회귀분석을 실시하였다. 그 결과 모든 한류문화콘텐츠 선호도는 한국제품 구매의도에 긍정적인 영향을 미치는 것으로 보인다. 특히, 중국에서는 K-Food(0.536), 베트남에서는 K-Pop(0.373)으로 가장 큰 영향력을 가지고 있는 것으로 분석되었다. 다양한 한국 음식의 발전를 위해서는 음식만이 아닌 영화ㆍ드라마, 음악 등 문화적 요소와 결합하여 상호 시너지 효과를 상승시킬 수 있는 종합 음식문화 전략이 필요하겠다. 소셜미디어를 K-Pop 소비의 핵심 플랫폼으로 인식하고 이에 적합한 콘텐츠를 만드는 것이 중요하다. K-Pop 스타들을 통한 광고ㆍ드라마 제작, 관광ㆍ쇼핑과의 연계 등 기존 문화상품과 결합한 파생상품의 개발로 부가가치를 창출할 수 있어야 한다.Purpose : The purpose of this study is to analyze the influence of Korean cultural content preference on the purchase intention of Korean products in China and Vietnam market. Research design, data, methodology : This paper analyzed the influence of preference of Korean cultural content such as drama, movie, music, fashion, and food on attitude and purchasing intention of Korean products to 308 Chinese consumers and 312 Vietnamese consumers. Results : The preference of all Korean cultural content seems to have a positive effect on Korean product purchase intention. In particular, K-Food (0.536) in China and K-Pop (0.373) in Vietnam have the greatest influence. Conclusions : In order to develop various Korean foods, a comprehensive food culture strategy that can enhance mutual synergy effect by combining cultural factors such as movies, drama, and music is needed. It is important to recognize social media as a core platform for K-Pop consumption and to make content suitable for it. It should be possible to create added value through the development of derivative products combined with existing cultural products such as advertising and drama production through K-Pop stars, and linkage with sightseeing and shopping.

Progress of Korean Production Movement in 1920s and 1930s and Religious Circle

Progress of Korean Production Movement in 1920s and 1930s and Religious Circle

Yield Gap Analysis of Sweet Pepper in Protected Cultivations Between Korea and The Netherlands

The Korean production of highly valuable horticultural crops is less than 50% of the production in The Netherlands. The production in Korea can be improved by yield gap analyses between a Dutch and a Korean grower. Fruit set, number of fruits, production of sweet pepper, and climate data of a Dutch commercial grower were measured and compared with a Korean commercial grower. Greenhouse type and cultivar were same in both countries. The Korean grower produced faster and more fruits after planting. However, with the increase in daily radiation later in the growing season, the Dutch grower harvested more sweet peppers per week, which results in a higher final production. Consequently, the difference in yield between growers was 10 kg·m-2. Low radiation along with large leaves and the relatively higher number of fruits for the young plants resulted in a low source-to-sink ratio (SSR), which causes abortion of reproductive organs. The fruit load varied between the two countries; however, it does not explain the factors limiting the yield. SSR can predict the onset of fruiting, and an SSR above 0.5 suggested fruit onset. An SSR below this threshold value indicates light limitations. The SSR limits the fruit set, possibly due to high fruit loads and high vegetative sink strength. In the last part of the growing season, other factors could have played a role in the lower fruit set, since the SSR was mainly above 1. To improve yield, the Korean grower needs to know how to manipulate the vegetative and generative plant balance based on weather conditions, irrigation management, and plant growth and developmental rate.

중국인 관광객의 쇼핑관광동기와 한국상품 신뢰에 대한 연구 : 지각된 장애로서 사드역할 분석을 중심으로

The present research was an attempt to investigate Chinese shopping travelers’ post-purchase decision-making process for visiting Korea for shopping by considering the effect of THAAD as a perceived barrier. We employed such factors as motivation for shopping travel, shopping tourists’ attitude, and trust of Korean products as drivers of Chinese travelers’ intention to revisit Korea for shopping. Our empirical result of the regression analysis revealed that both motivation for shopping travel and shopping tourists’ attitude are the significant determinants of trust for Korean products, and such independent variables were the important drivers of revision intention. In addition, trust for Korean products was the most proximal determinant of intention, playing a significant mediating role within the proposed theoretical framework. Moreover, our result from the hierarchical regression analysis revealed that THAAD as the perceived barrier of visiting Korea for shopping played an important moderating role in the hypothesized conceptual framework. Overall, findings of this research help destination marketers and practitioners in shopping places in Korea invent useful tactics to attract more number of Chinese tourists for shopping in Korea.

The Preference for Korean Cosmetics and Brand Preference among Chinese Women

This study attempted to analyze changes in the Korean cosmetics market in China and provide specific and useful data for developing successful marketing strategies and taking over the segmented market after investigating Chinese women s preference for Korean cosmetics and brand preference to increase their customer loyalty. For this, a survey was performed among female Chinese tourists visiting Jeju Island and Chinese women at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) China, and the results found the following: When asked what Korean product they wanted to buy most provided that they were able to choose only one, the foundation moisturizing cream was responded. When asked what color cosmetics is most preferred, BB/CC Cream was the highest. In terms of the most desired Korean foundation, facial mask was responded. The cosmetics brand Chinese women most preferred was Sulwhasoo . When asked about the reasons, high quality was most responded. As stated above, there were considerable differences in consumer preference by demographic variables. Therefore, it is necessary to perform market research, specify a target and promote marketing, using more discrete variables. As the nation is becoming an aging society, people s interest in aging delay and beauty maintenance has increased. Therefore, the cosmetics industry has great growth potential. Since women s desire for beauty is always high, the cosmetics industry will continue growing.

L'image de la marque française dans les cosmétiques coréennes

<p class="Abstract">Nowadays, the cosmetic industry is developing very quickly. Many <span style="font-size: 1rem;">inventions occur mainly in France, but also in other parts of the world </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">as in South Korea. It is undeniable that South Korea being the 10th </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">largest market in the world produces varieties of cosmetic brands </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">known worldwide. The beauty routine that is called "10 steps of skin </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">care" is introduced by this country and become the new inspiration </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">among women. This study focuses specifically on the image of the </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">French brand in Korean cosmetics. Indeed, the brand of a cosmetic is </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">really relevant to promote its image with partners and customers. It </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">also associates with the culture of a country of origin. France as a </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">country with large beauty products market influences the selection of </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">brands in Korean cosmetics. Some Korean beauty products use French </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">in their brands. It is considered that the superiority of the French </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">language can enhance the value of a cosmetic brand. These brands </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">also express the similarity between South Korea and France, the </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">concept of natural cosmetics.</span></p>

The Effect of Korean TV Program Familiarity on Purchase Intention of Korean Products in Vietnam

The Effect of Korean TV Program Familiarity on Purchase Intention of Korean Products in Vietnam

The Effect of Nation and Celebrity Reputation on Korean Products Purchase Intention: Focused on Kazakhstan

The Effect of Nation and Celebrity Reputation on Korean Products Purchase Intention: Focused on Kazakhstan

A Questionnaire Study on the Differences in Preference of Eyewear between Korean and Chinese Consumers

Purpose : This survey aimed to investigate the differences in shape and color preference of eyeglasses and sunglasses between Korean and Chinese consumers.Methods : The questionnaire was conducted on 150 Chinese students studying in Korea and 150 Korean college students. Any student who majors in optometry was excluded. Chinese students were provided with questionnaires that were translated into Simplified Chinese characters, and it was translated by a native Chinese student studying in a master course of a Korean university, on the basis of Korean questionnaire.Results : The Chinese consumer group preferred the global famous brand in sunglasses rather than the glasses, and it was found that they preferred the Korean glasses products relatively. Also, they presented higher preference to half- or rimless frame, gold color, two-tone colored lens, comparing to the Korean consumer group.Conclusion : The results of this study are expected to contribute to Chinese marketing strategy of Korean manufacturing․optical shop companies, and to sales strategy of Korean optical shops with Chinese tourists.

The Effect of Chinese Anti-Dumping Measures on the International Competitiveness of Korean Products

The Effect of Chinese Anti-Dumping Measures on the International Competitiveness of Korean Products

An Analysis of the Trade Relations between Korea and the Baltic Nations

발트 3국은 발트해 남동 해안에 위치해 있는 에스토니아, 라트비아, 리투아니아를 가리킨다. 기존 문헌자료나 보고서에서 발트 3국에 대한 연구는 거의 없다. 본 연구에서는 발트 3국의 거시경제 현황과 산업 및 교역 동향을 살펴보고, 한국과 발트 3국간 무역관계를 분석하였다. 그리고 발트 3국 시장에 대한 SWOT 분석을 이용하여 한국의 발트 3국에 대한 시장진출전략을 도출하고, 현시비교우위지수(RCA), 무역특화지수(TSI) 및 무역통계를 활용하여 한국의 발트 3국에 대한 유망 수출품목을 선정하였다. 한국은 발트 3국의 지리적 위치와 우수한 IT 기술과 적응 능력, 우수한 기술인력 공급, 정부의 적극적인 외국인투자 유치 정책 등 기회 요인들을 이용하여, 중·장기적으로는 발트 3국을 중동부 유럽 및 CIS 지역을 연결하는 물류/유통 허브로 구축해야 한다. 또한 한-EU FTA를 활용하여 발트 3국에 대한 수출 증대와 수출 품목 및 거래선 다변화를 추진해 나가야 하며, 발트 3국에 대한 내수시장 개척을 위해 ‘한국산’ 이미지 제고, 발트 3국 대상의 한국상품전시상담회 등을 추진해 나가야 한다. 한국의 발트 3국에 대한 유망 수출품목은 8개 품목(MTI 3단위 기준)인데, 자동차부품, 무선통신기기, 합성수지, 철강판(아연도강판), 플라스틱 제품, 고무제품(타이어), 금속공작기계(금속절삭가공기계, 농업용 트랙터), 인조섬유(폴리에스테르 섬유) 등이다.Baltic nations located in southeastern coast of the Baltic Sea include Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. So far, there is no rigorous research on the Baltic nations in the prior literature. This paper intends to examine macroeconomic and industrial status of the Baltic nations as well as the trends in trade and investment, and analyze trade relations between Korea and the Baltic nations. Using SWOT analysis and revealed comparative advantage(RCA) and trade specialization index(TSI) for the Baltic nations, this paper derives Korea’s market entry strategy and promising export items toward the three Baltic nations. Korea should take advantage of the geographical location of the three Baltic nations, excellent IT technology and adaptability, skilled technological manpower, and their governments’ aggressive policy of attracting foreign investment to establish logistics/wholesale-retail services bridgehead, connecting the three Baltic nations to Middle Eastern Europe and CIS regions. In addition, Korea must make use of FTA with EU to increase its exports to the three Baltic nations, diversify export items and trading lines to these markets, and enhance the image of Korean products to expand the Baltic market. Among the potential exports toward the three baltic nations, the promising export items in the MTI 3 unit code are the following eight items such as automobile parts, wireless communication devices, synthetic resins, steel plates, plastic products, rubber products(tires), metal-working machinery, and synthetic fibers.

중·Eu 통상현안 분석과 한국에 대한 시사점 (An Analysis on China-Eu Trade Issues and Implications for Korea)

Korean Abstract: 본 연구는 중국과 EU의 통상 현황 및 주요 현안, 유럽 시장에서 중국과 우리 제품의 경합관계에 대해 분석함으로써 향후 중국과 EU 상호간 통상정책 방향을 전망하고 한국경제에 대한 시사점을 도출하는 데 그 목적이 있다. 한·중 경합도 분석에서 양국의 산업내무역이 양국 무역경쟁력에 긍정적 영향을 미쳤음은 물론 EU 내 시장점유율 확대에도 불구하고 양국간 경합관계를 완화시킨 주요 요인임을 감안하면 향후 중·EU간 통상분쟁은 우리에게 더욱 중요한 의미를 가진다. 우리 경제가 이러한 무역분쟁의 심화로 부정적 영향을 받는 것은 불가피해 보이며, 이를 최소화하기 위해 무역분쟁의 틈새 기회 활용, GVC 재편 움직임 주시, 수출시장 다변화 등의 종합적인 대안 마련이 필요하다. English Abstract: This study examines the economic cooperation between China and the EU and analyzes major trade issues in both regions. In addition, we analyze the competition between Chinese products and Korean products in the EU market, and draw up implications for the Korean government's EU trade policies and companies.

South Korea’s Economic Course: from State Dirigisme to Liberal Monetarism

The paper aims to investigate the transformation of South Korean economy from strict state regulation to liberalization and to fill in the gap in the historical analysis of the transition from import-substitution to export-oriented economy of South Korea. The study relies on the methods of comparative-historical, historical-typological, and historical-genetic analysis to consider the evolution of South Korean economic system, the change in economic development model, and the transition to a new economic strategy. The study also implies the use of interdisciplinary methods to systematize the empirical material, applying political-geographic, economic, and complex approaches. The paper gives periodization of South Korean economic development and investigates the reasons of country’s successful modernization and transition to export-oriented economy. Large corporations began to emerge in South Korea in the mid-1960s due to the active support from the state. They established the production of steel, marine vessels, automobiles, and electronic devices. The well thought-out government program brought notable success by the late 1990s, and South Korea gained the developed industrial base and powerful export potential. The afflux of foreign investments and the competitiveness of Korean products were mostly provided by low wages, traditional diligence, and Confucian education. Since the Korean strategy of economic development happened to be successful, there is a need for examining the experience of modernization as it can be useful for developing countries.