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South Korea Hancom IoT Ecosystems

December 20, 2019 Don Southerton Global Business Comments Off

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

October 26, 2019 Don Southerton Global Business Comments Off

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.

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

August 12, 2018 Don Southerton Global Business Comments Off

The Culture Puzzle Part 1 and a 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

Globalization and Trustworthy Management

April 21, 2018 Don Southerton Commentary, Global Business Comments Off

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?

Weekend Read 5: The Hyundai Advantage

February 10, 2018 Don Southerton Global Business Comments Off

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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Weekend Read 4 Hyundai and Kia Motors: The Early Years

February 3, 2018 Don Southerton Global Business Comments Off

Hyundai and Kia Motors: The early years

This week’s read (about 27 pages) is Hyundai and Kia Motors: The Early Years and Product Development.

Reaching back to the early 1960s, we will look at the political and economic forces long impacting the industrial growth and development of South Korea, including automakers Hyundai and Kia Motors.

In addition, we find the roots for the Korean export model where brands like Samsung, LG, SK and Daewoo also followed in partnered with global companies for technology and design prior to expanding rapidly in the domestic Korea and international markets.

I see this trend continuing even today… perhaps more so than ever.

Here is a link to the book in PDF. http://www.bridgingculture.com/assets/hkebook.pdf

Enjoy.

Here if you need to chat, too.

#hyundai #kia

Mad For Garlic Looks to the Americas

June 27, 2017 Don Southerton Global Business Comments Off

This week, I’d like to share three popular South Korean chef-inspired restaurant concepts, including Mad For Garlic, that are moved into the second phase of international expansion. Successfully launched in South Korea and Asia, Seoul-based SUN AT FOODS now plans to bring their handcrafted artisanal cuisines to the U.S and the Americas.

One of my longtime personal favorites, which I have talked about often, is Mad for Garlic that first opened in 2001. They are known for their garlic-specialized Italian cuisine served in rather unique restaurant settings.

I feel their secrets are Mad for Garlic’s method of removing the garlic’s pungent smell and unique way of cooking Italian cuisine with a Korean twist. In Korea and Asia they have won the hearts of both garlic and non-garlic lovers.

Building on the success of Mad for Garlic are two new concepts Modern Nulung and Bistro Seoul.

Inspired by 1930s Shanghai Renaissance era, Modern Nulang is the combination words of ‘Modern’ and ‘Nulang’ –the latter meaning ‘woman’ in Chinese. They have reinterpreted the era’s ‘modern women’ in their dishes, which guests describe as ‘Sophisticated’ and ‘Romantic’ Chinese Cuisine. Best of all, folks love indulging in an exotic Shanghai dining and cultural experience captured so well in Modern Nulang.

A third concept is Bistro Seoul. Here they offer authentic Korean cuisine made with fresh ingredients and seasoning prepared in a traditional but modern interpretation. Savory dishes include Grilled Short Rib Patties, and their ever popular Korean style pancakes that include Kimchi & Seafood pancakes, Crispy Potato pancakes and Minced Shrimp & Seafood pancakes.

SUN AT FOODS plans are now underway targeting top regional U.S markets as well as meeting with industry leaders and potential regional developers. In fact, I am their market development consultant and we’re eager to meet with potential partners to share the three concepts—each with their unique appeal.

For more information on the brands, please contact www.bridgingculture.com

For all urgent matters, text me at 310-866-3777

#everythingkorea

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Everything Korea November 7 Episode, Traversing the Challenges

November 8, 2016 Stacey Global Business Comments Off

One of my passions is mountain trail running—the more demanding the terrain–the better. It’s the same in my consultancy –I enjoy tackling tough challenges – and providing sound solutions and a work through.

Over the past few days, I’ve had inquiries on resources to help western managers and teams better work with their Korean counterparts. As I’ve mentioned, for example, we’re seeing local teams increasingly in daily correspondence and on calls with Korea HQ teams, so practical skills and insights can help traverse the cross-cultural challenges.

In addition to my weekly vodcasts, now with more than 100 videos on the BCW YouTube Channel and over 20,000 views, I’d like to share another web-based resource –Issuu—where I’ve uploaded 22 publications.

Subjects are wide ranging from my 10 insights into Hyundai Motor Company culture to articles in Forbes, Chief Executive (Korean language), The Economist, The Korea Herald, Yonhap New Agency, FSR Magazine, and US Korea Connect to name a few.

Link to Issuu –

https://issuu.com/bcwkorea/docs

Oh, one more thing –

Have a subject you’d like me to discuss or comment on in an upcoming episode?

Just email the request to questions@koreabcw.com

Everything Korea October 31: Collaboration

October 31, 2016 Stacey Global Business, Uncategorized Comments Off

Collaboration. We hear the term promoted both as a core value and expectation in Korean global business. For me, it’s building a solid relationship with Korean teams—one by one.

In fact, whenever I take on a new Korea facing project, I seek out a team member, first as a point of contact and then someone I can strengthen the relationship building trust and mutual understanding. This can include daily chats by phone, email and Kakao.

In most cases, over time I add layers of support … understanding they are in a tough place… at times having to relay requests and demands they themselves may not clearly agree but nevertheless need to communicate.

In particular, I’ve found they may not be familiar with the project nuances—in contrast the experienced Western team. In my role, and to build the relationship I work as the go-between, mentoring and even share (confidentially) how to best frame their company’s issues and avoid if handled poorly what could result in an impasse.

Collaboration, all said, is about relationships, nurtured over time, and built on seeing a project through for both sides mutual benefits as well as the individual tied to the undertaking.

Thoughts, questions, comments? Share at questions@koreabcw.com

Everything Korea, October 24 Episode: Deconstruction

October 24, 2016 Stacey Global Business Comments Off

As I have shared before, supporting clients and their challenges requires getting to the core issues. It’s distinguishing between what may be, for example, a local organizational, or what may be tied to the Company in Korea. It then requires probing for any cultural impasses before providing a practical solution and a work through.

Much of this work is first listening carefully to clients and their challenges. Equally valuable is walking around the corporate offices, observing and capturing multiple viewpoints. Nothing beats being onsite. Nothing beats getting face to face.

Too often, I find challenges as murky, complex and layered with frustrations, so a deconstruction is needed.

In most cases, I bring a fresh perspective—one rooted in years working with Korea-facing business. I’d like to share that in addition to mentoring, my work also involves directly supporting specific and very select high profile projects with clients.

Next Steps

As a next step, I suggest we set a time to discuss how we can work together. My personal assistant Stacey at stacey@koreabcw.com can coordinate a time for us to meet or chat by phone.

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