Archive for Global Business

South Korea’s Songdo leading the way in bio-pharma

South Korea's Songdo leading the way in bio-pharma

A sector near Samsung Biologics’ Bio Campus 1 within the Songdo Bio Cluster in Incheon (IFEZ)

South Korea’s Songdo is leading the way in bio-pharma…The Korea Herald notes…” Songdo Bio Cluster in Incheon, where the biopharmaceutical production capacity has reached 1.2 million liters, the world’s largest followed by Massachusetts, San Francisco and Singapore, according to officials from the 

South Korea’s growing biopharmaceutical production capacity is increasingly making the country an attractive investment destination for global life science companies, industry sources said Thursday.

Songdo has successfully created an ecosystem for the bio-industry over the past few years, and it is now home to numerous international bio companies, with Korean biopharmaceutical giant Samsung Biologics being the key driving factor.

Full article Korea’s CMO ramp-up lures biotech investors

Smart Cities: A Tale of Innovation and Collaboration in South Korea

Smart Cities

Don Southerton takes a look at smart city development in South Korea.

https://www.brandinginasia.com/smart-cities-a-tale-of-innovation-and-collaboration-in-south-korea/

Smart Cities

Over the past nearly 20 years, I have been engaged in Smart Cities. This work has involved various Smart City projects. The first was the Songdo International Business District in Incheon, South Korea, and more recently—cutting-edge Smart City Platforms.

The concept of “Smart City” is an emerging technology that many local governments see as the future; however, few municipalities have a solid roadmap.

The term “Smart City” can be defined differently. Some envision a green and sustainable community that offers a life-work balance and implements cutting-edge technologies to achieve these benefits.

For example, Songdo, on the West coast of South Korea was built on reclaimed land and covers roughly 1500 Acres. Today, Songdo is a community of 167,000 residents located within one of three Free Economic Zones (IFEZ) in Incheon, South Korea. The project has been approximately 86% completed. Aside from residential areas, the location is also home to a Global Campus, Pharma Hub, Startup Center, and international organizations such as the Green Climate Fund.

Songdo’s development aimed to create an integrated 15-minute city, where people can access 90% of their daily activities by bike or public transportation in fifteen minutes or less.

In Songdo, traffic sensor data is utilized to regulate signal timing on the technical front, while household waste is directly transported from homes to waste processing centers through underground tubes.

Additionally, various apps assist residents in managing their daily lives providing them with information on bus schedules or checking on parking availability in the area.

That said, since these innovative systems were first offered, many new smartphone apps are now available across Korea and provide these and other digital services.

Today, there is a continuing effort to foster the development of Songdo as an urban district under the Incheon Free Economic Zone (IFEZ).

Dr. Won Sok Yun, who has been named the new Commissioner of the IFEZ) notes, “Over the next three years, I will aim to attract foreign and domestic investment in pharma and healthcare, tourism and leisure, and high-tech industries to create a ‘world-class city’.”

Smart City Platform

Recently, we are seeing the adoption of Smart City Platforms. These provide an integrated Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) platform. Plus, they offer municipalities some innovative urban solutions.

With the help of the Internet of Things (IoT) and AI, cities can enhance their emergency and fire response, traffic management, sanitation services, and facility maintenance. I’d add that it’s a tool for urban development and revitalization, and in some cases can enhance a city’s security.

Seoul, South Korea’s Smart City Platform is an example of successful integration. The system was developed between 2017 and 2019 to provide various services, including sophisticated drone defense monitoring.

The platform has been highlighted at recent Consumer Electronics Shows (CES) and gained global attention when it was modified during the COVID-19 pandemic to track real-time virus outbreaks.

In January 2024, neighboring Incheon’s Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok was quoted, “Building a smart city is a global challenge that all cities worldwide should aspire…. in collaboration with leading global companies and cities that possess state-of-the-art technology related to smart city construction.”

I agree that developing “Smart Cities” will require collaboration between private tech companies and local government. The mayor envisions building “eco-friendly smart cities centered around people’s needs.” This will address concerns about the ambiguous nature of the “Smart City” identity, which may mean different things to different groups.

The bottom line is that in discussions centered on “Smart Cities,” I suggest there is no one exact definition, however, the goal should be improved quality of public services and citizen welfare.

Incheon

Incheon is a city located on the northwest coast of South Korea and is home to a population of about 3 million people. Its suburbs are situated on the outskirts of Seoul.

Moreover, Incheon is home to South Korea’s primary international airport, the Incheon International Airport, serving as a gateway to northeast Asia.

IFEZ

In 2003, the Incheon Free Economic Zone (IFEZ) was designated as Korea’s first free economic zone. Within the Zone are three districts– Songdo, Cheongna, and Yeongjong International City.

Over the past 20 years, IFEZ has grown significantly and developed into a global city currently home to more than 400,000 residents, 3,300 businesses, 14 international organizations, and renowned foreign universities.

Don Southerton takes a look at smart city development in South Korea

https://www.brandinginasia.com/smart-cities-a-tale-of-innovation-and-collaboration-in-south-korea/

Grinergy Batteries: The Next Advancement in Lithium-ion

Surprising Many. Grinergy–Next Innovative Advancements in Lithium-ion Batteries Are On The Way From South Korea.

Grinergy

More and more vehicle owners around the world are learning to love Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) and these clean-energy cars and SUVs are moving toward worldwide acceptance, However, there are troubling clouds as automakers move to a clean, sustainable future. The problem? One of the most serious technical challenges BEVs face is the need for improvements in battery technology.


While battery engineering has vastly improved, global vehicle manufacturers and the battery makers they depend on still face some key issues that must be overcome. Even as the sales of BEVs continue to increase every month, there are troubling issues around batteries that experts feel must be improved to allow for true mass acceptance of electric vehicles.


The challenges of lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles include:


· The need to increase the energy density of the batteries
· Allowing recharging rates that are significantly faster than those possible today
· Improving the cold-weather performance of batteries (Some studies have shown up to a 40 percent reduction in range in severe cold weather)
· Increasing safety by reducing the danger of fire


Grinergy, Energy Company of the Future from Korea
Surprising some, the answers to these questions seem to be emerging from South Korea as the battery technology company Grinergy, which is at the forefront of developing next-generation lithium-ion batteries and has begun to reveal startling new technology.


Working in Korea since 2017 the Grinergy engineers and technicians have already filed for 10 patents in Korea and 9 international Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) patents with more under development.

Grinergy technology overcomes the current failings of traditional Lithium-ion batteries.

Developments in the United States
All the new Grinergy technology arrives at just the right time in the United States market. At the end of March 2021, the administration of United States President Joe Biden announced a trillion-dollar legislative package which includes a $174 billion investment in the U.S. electric vehicle market.


Industry leaders have noted that with vehicle electrification it’s all about the batteries which, until now, have faced serious challenges. Grinergy has come along at just the right time with many of the answers. Even Chief Executive Officer Oliver Blume at Porsche, which made its stellar reputation with gasoline-powered vehicles now says, “the battery cell is the combustion chamber of the future.”


Perhaps it shouldn’t surprise anyone that one of the places breakthrough battery technology is being created is in South Korea. In May 2021 President Biden chose to make just the second meeting he ever held as President at the White House with a foreign leader a summit meeting with South Korean President Moon Jae-in. Technology was one of the important topics the two leaders discussed.


The Market
The rechargeable battery market has been growing exponentially with a compound annual growth rate of some 25 percent in recent years. For example, electric vehicles are a critical part of this growth as sales of such vehicles exploded at an unprecedented rate in major Asian, European, and American markets. In 2020 the market was almost a trillion U.S. dollars and is growing strongly in 2021.

Lithium-ion

Today the technology has far surpassed that of the older lead acid and nickel cadmium batteries which were once used. Lithium-ion has proven to be a superior technology as its use in almost all EVs today demonstrates. Grinergy’s battery technology now adds the next step to the dependable lithium-ion battery increasing safety, flexibility, manufacturability, capacity, and greater fast charge capability all of which foretells a future that is evolving to meet the world’s need for environmentally friendly energy.

Grinergy and the Future
Awareness of Grinergy lithium-ion technology is just beginning to emerge. In a world hungry for innovation leading to better batteries to power the current and future generations of electric vehicles and products, Grinergy is ready to speed movement toward improved worldwide sustainability, in part through the application of electric vehicles that meet the globe’s needs for mobility.


To learn more, go to: LINK

The Worldly Marketing Podcast: Weathering COVID-19

In this episode of The Worldly Marketing Podcast, Don Southerton was first featured on episode #057 of this podcast. As the Founder & CEO at Bridging Culture Worldwide, he helps Korea-facing business by assisting companies in their market entry strategy into South Korea, and by helping Korean brands expand into North America and internationally. 

In this Worldly Marketing Podcast interview, Don talks about how South Korea’s economy is weathering the COVID-19 pandemic, how he’s seeing interesting shifts in traditional Korean corporate culture, and what those changes mean for Western companies looking to do business there. 

Podcast Link 

the worldly marketing podcast


With nearly four decades of experience, Don is recognized as the definitive authority on South Korean business consulting and Korean corporate culture. In fact, he is known in business circles as “The Korea Whisperer”.  His clients have included Fortune 500 companies, top Korean groups, leading international law firms, and elite consultancies. He has worked with a variety of industries, including automotive, golf, quick-service restaurant sectors, New Urbanism, and green technology. 

In addition, in late 2019, Don became the Global Head of Corporate Communications at Hancom Group, which is South Korea’s leading ICT company. He now heads up the group’s global communications and PR, as well as its North American market entry.  

Don is also a regular contributor to online publications such as Branding in Asia on the topic of Korean business, and he is the author and co-author of several books, including Korea Perspective. His latest book is called Korea 2020, A Workplace in Transition. 

To contact Don about his work in supporting Korean global business. Call 310-866-3777or donsoutherton@koreabcw.com

Roxberry Juice Sales Up in 2020

ROXBERRY Sees 35% Growth in Sales over 2019
ROXBERRY Sees 35% Growth in Sales over 2019

Salt Lake City, UT  (Restaurant News Release)  Although the pandemic isn’t yet behind us, Utah-based ROXBERRY JUICE CO. (founded 2008) has seen a steady growth in sales.

Brad Davis, Founder and CEO noted, “Our systemwide same-store sales are up about 35% over last year. We’ve done extremely well in spite of the pandemic.” Davis also shared that with concerns over health many now see the importance of adding nutritious and vitamin packed smoothies, juices and healthy açaí bowls to the diet.

This fast-casual smoothie concept is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner hours, with a $4-$12+ per person price range. Stores offer Drive through and offer online ordering options.

Earlier this year Roxberry Juice announced plans to expand internationally into South Korea, Asia, and the Middle East.

ROXBERRY Sees 35% Growth in Sales over 2019
ROXBERRY Sees 35% Growth in Sales over 2019

About Roxberry Juice Co.

There are a great number of food choices out there, but when it comes to Fresh Juices, Smoothies, and Açaí Bowls, the best choice is Roxberry. This is because Roxberry pays attention to the things that matter; the ingredients. From 100% natural juices to real fruits and veggies, Roxberry provides the best in quality products on the market.

In a classic sense, Roxberry brings you back to a simpler time. To a time when quality products and ingredients were abundant, and to a time when you didn’t feel the need to question what was in your food. Roxberry cares about you and your health. Our goal is to always provide you with the best quality juices, smoothies, and bowls possible.

More information can be found online at http://www.roxberryjuice.com

Contact:
Don Southerton
Bridging Culture Worldwide
310-866-3777
Dsoutherton@bridgingculture.com

South Korea Hancom IoT Ecosystems

South Korea Hancom
With the 2020 CES Show just weeks away, and the Holidays upon us, I wanted to share more on how South Korea Hancom sees the future of technology.

Pre-show and Show media interviews are welcome, too.

You can reach me at Dsoutherton@bridgingculture.com
Don


SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA, Dec. 20, 2019 /Hancom Group, South Korea’s leading ICT company has announced it will unveil its next-generation Life Blockchain technology at the 2020 CES Show in Las Vegas.

How Hancom sees Blockchain
Within the Group’s “Safe World” vision, affiliate Hancom WITH has built upon its 30 years of core competencies as a trusted and integrated information security provider. Ever evolving and steering the 4th Industrial Revolution IT ecosystems Hancom WITH offers convergence solutions that enhance productivity in both Blockchain and Intelligent City Platforms.

Next generation Blockchain
Hancom provides a robust and trustworthy blockchain service by integrating security technology and blockchain technology. Within our lineup of products is HancomSLedger, a blockchain platform that allows privileged user access, providing electronic contracts, document notarization services, civic applications/certifications and public data access.

HancomSLedger optimized modules support various areas like supply chain, IoT and finance and can be easily configured for new services. As a result, it assures data integrity, transparency and service efficiency.

Next generation Intelligent City Platform
Hancom’s Intelligent City Platform acts as an urban controller tower collecting and analyzing information from transportation, safety, and the environment to help make the most suitable decisions. Hancom simplifies the development process in the complex data processing and monitoring of literally thousands of devices. As Hancom provides a proven seamless rapid development process, Hancom Intelligent City Platform is scalable and customizable to fit each city’s environment.

Intelligent City Platform
Stop by the Hancom 2020 CES booth located at South Hall 2, AI & Robotics, Booth 25628 of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Learn more about Hancom WITH at https://www.hsecure.co.kr/index_e.php

Media Contact
Don Southerton
+1-310-866-3777
Dsoutherton@bridgingculture.com

About The Hancom Group
Founded in 1989, today South Korea Hancom Group is a leader in creating innovative ecosystems that will lead the world through the convergence of technology.

With its reach of 13 affiliate companies covering Hardware, Software, and the Finance industry, the Group’s mission is to create a “Convenient World, Connected World, and Safe & Secure World.”

Convenient World
Hancom Inc. Global smart work solutions from AI to productivity software solutions.
Hancom MDS Intelligent convergence solution leader based on IoT and embedded technology IoT.
Hancom Mobility Sensor-based smart parking sharing solution.
Hancom Robotics Intelligent logistics and service robots.

Connected World
Hancom Interfree Voice recognition and translation that remove language barriers.
Hancom Teladin IoT-based wireless solutions.
Hancom Talkafe Communication solutions.
Accufly.AI AI-based solutions for barrier-free communication with the best technology from Korea & China.

Safe World
Hancom WITH Next-generation smart city platform creating a secure urban ecosystem based on blockchain.
Hancom Lifecare Integrated safety solution ranging from personal safety equipment to social safety.
Hancom GMD Mobile Forensic & AR/VR Solution based on Digital Data Analysis.
Hancom Investment Investing in companies with excellent technology in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

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Habit Burger Grill Sets Sights on Korea

Proud to announce The Habit Burget Grill Looks to South Korea! Interested? Contact me at dsoutherton@bridgingculture.com


The Habit Burger Grill (Nasdaq: HABT) is setting its sights on South Korea as the next international growth target as the burger-centric restaurant concept continues its steady march abroad. To support its expansion plans, The Habit has partnered with the experienced business development consulting firm, Bridging Culture Worldwide to attract multi-unit franchise development companies.

“South Korea, with its savvy consumers, open minded culture and interest in global brands is an ideal marketplace for The Habit Burger Grill’s expansion,” said John Phillips, The Habit Burger Grill’s Chief Global Business Partnership Officer. “The people of South Korea appreciate quality food and enjoy the fast-casual experience. We look forward to working with Bridging Culture Worldwide to find the right franchise partner to ensure our mutual success.”

The Habit Burger Grill’s entry into the South Korea marks the next phase in a larger international expansion plan. Bridging Culture Worldwide will help The Habit lead its expansion into the broader Asia-Pacific region. The consulting, strategic planning and market entry service is excited to join this venture.

“South Korea has embraced premium Western brands and The Habit Burger Grill delivers exactly what consumers are seeking – great food and excellent service. With their distinctive fresh off the grill Charburger and hand-crafted sandwiches, fresh salads and other menu items, we know South Korea will appreciate all that The Habit Burger Grill has to offer,” said Don Southerton, Bridging Culture Worldwide’s Founder and CEO.

Better burgers are just the beginning at The Habit where the menu also includes hand-cut salads, grilled sandwiches including line-caught, sushi grade ahi tuna, fresh chicken, and hand-filleted marinated grilled tri-tip, and sides including onion rings, sweet potato and French fries, and tempura green beans. Guests can choose from a variety of peppers, lemons, limes, and sauces at a complimentary condiment bar to customize the flavor of their meal.

Habit Burger Grill

The Habit Restaurants, Inc.
Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, The Habit Burger Grill is a burger-centric, fast casual restaurant concept that specializes in preparing fresh, made-to-order chargrilled burgers and handcrafted sandwiches featuring USDA choice tri-tip, grilled chicken and sushi-grade ahi tuna cooked over an open flame. In addition, it features fresh made-to-order salads and an appealing selection of sides, shakes and malts. The Habit was named the “best tasting burger in America” in July 2014 in a comprehensive survey conducted by one of America’s leading consumer magazines. The first Habit opened in Santa Barbara, California in 1969 and was most recently named the winner of USA Today’s 10Best in Regional Fast Food. The Habit has since grown to over 265 restaurants in 12 states throughout Arizona, California, Florida, Idaho, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia, and Washington as well as six international locations. More information is available at www.habitburger.com.

About Bridging Culture Worldwide
Founded by Don Southerton, Bridging Culture Worldwide provides targeted market entry, strategy, and consulting to Korea-based global businesses as well as support for major western firms entering Korea.

With a life-long interest in Korea and the rich culture of the country, Southerton has researched and authored numerous publications with topics centering on the creative culture lifestyle, the Korean auto industry, new urbanism, entrepreneurialism, and U.S.-Korean business ventures.

Southerton has been a contributor to The Economist, Branding in Asia, Automotive News, the BBC, CNN Fortune, Korea Times, Yonhap, Korea Herald, tbs eFM, Wall Street Journal, and Forbes. To learn more, go to www.bridgingculture.com.

Willingness to Change

The Culture Puzzle Part 1 and a willingness to change.

willingness to change

Noted Korea expert Don Southerton

When a western company enters an overseas’ market such as Korea, gaps in understanding commonly surface.  Most often the western brand and their team bring new ideas and an approach to the market.

This is nothing new.  In fact, many of today’s success stories result from looking outside the box.

For example, when Starbucks entered Korea, they encouraged customers to sit and enjoy their drink… as well as converse with a friend, read a book, surf the web or catch up on homework.

Prior, the Korean model was for a quick turnover — customers in and out the door.  This “stay” took some time to convince both the local Korean business partner and the customer.  Today it is the norm and only limited by seating availability.

Still, when companies change hands, merger or are introduced to international markets, it brings in new or different procedures.

In my experience, it is not unusual for Korean teams to pushback— as most companies might with market entry until they gain insights.

To some extent, local norms, regulations, and laws may dictate how the western brand must adapt and localize. That said,  most often with the pushback comes discussions beginning with the phrase, “But, in Korea,…”

Here we can find rigid thinking and risk avoidance overshadowing the openness to change. More so, western teams can feel that without fully embracing their brand or service’s nuances and business model, chances of success in the new market are reduced and may not even succeed.

Now the tricky part…

All said when to localize and adapt to the local tastes, preferences, and trends versus when to hold to the western model requires cultural finesse, an open mind and critical thinking.  This needs to unfold over time.

 

In Part 2 of the Culture Puzzle, I’ll look at Korean companies and their brands’ openness to adapt and localize in their overseas operations outside Korea.– and a willingness to change?

 

More to come…

https://www.bridgingculture.com

 

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Globalization and Trustworthy Management

Each weekend I turn my thought to sharing topics on Korea business. This week it’s my article on Globalization and Trustworthy Management  from Korea Herald titled:

‘The Tall Man’ and the Globalization of Hyundai Construction

Hotel Architect Bill Swank opens Chaebol to West through Trustworthy Management

Globalization and Trustworthy Management

Bill Swank The Tall Man

Bill was the first westerner hired by the Hyundai Group.

The story was written in 2013, but still timely.

Bill passed away in February 2014.  It was an honor to know him. Bill was a huge advocate for my work.

Bill was the first westerner hired by the Hyundai Group.
Article Link

http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20130729000587

 

 

Questions, Comments, Thoughts?

DS

Weekend Read 5: The Hyundai Advantage

Hyundai guy

Don Southerton Hyundai Expert

I’d like to share the story behind what has become a cornerstone for Hyundai and Kia Motors. 

 

Please enjoy this weekend’s read, “The Hyundai Advantage, Creative Marketing and America’s Best Warranty—The Story Behind”

 

“A bold creative marketing ’10-year / 100,000-mile Warranty’ program was first introduced in the U.S. in 1998…not by Detroit’s Big 3 or the growing number of Japanese brands, but by Korean automaker Hyundai Motor.”

 

Here is the LINK http://www.bridgingculture.com/assets/advantage1998.pdf

 

​​​​​​​In my trip to SoCal this week, and KMA, HMA, GMA, MPA and HCA, many were asking about previous Weekend Read 1-4. No problem, go to: Case Studies

http://www.bridgingculture.com/what-we-do.html

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