South Korea eCommerce: Where to Sell

TOPIC : Business in Korea Incorporation

South Korea is renowned for its highly advanced internet business landscape, ranking as one of the world's leaders. In 2019, it stood as the sixth-largest eCommerce market globally, boasting a revenue of $74 billion, surpassing countries like Germany and France.

Additionally, the size of the e-commerce market in South Korea is projected to be around USD 2.80 trillion in 2024, with a forecasted growth to USD 6.82 trillion by 2029. This growth is anticipated to occur at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.49% between 2024 and 2029.

However, tapping into the Korean eCommerce market presents challenges, including limited information on marketplaces and language barriers. This article aims to shed light on the Korean marketplace environment, offering valuable insights for those venturing into this dynamic market.

Naver Smart Store

Naver Smart Store, an online C2C eCommerce platform owned by the Korean portal giant Naver, focuses on enabling small business owners to participate in the digital economy. One key advantage of establishing an online store on Naver Smart Store is its lower fees compared to the Coupang Rocket partnership. Additionally, Naver has announced that it will waive commission fees for sellers during the first year, aiming to support local small businesses.

Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, Naver Smart Store has experienced significant growth in its seller base. The platform has witnessed a remarkable increase in the monthly average number of new smart stores, rising from approximately 15,000 per month in 2018 to about 35,000 per month in April 2020, more than doubling over two years.

Coupang

Often dubbed the "Korean Amazon," Coupang stands as one of Korea's largest online retailers. Established in 2010 as a daily deals (coupon) venture, it has since burgeoned into a behemoth valued at over $9 billion. Coupang's triumph hinges on its adeptness in catering to the distinct needs and preferences of local consumers, achieved through the development of an end-to-end eCommerce platform renowned for its unparalleled delivery speed.
A standout feature of Coupang is its acclaimed "Rocket Delivery" service, offering same-day or next-day deliveries, made feasible by the country's high population density and the expansive infrastructure cultivated by the platform. Remarkably, 70% of all Koreans reside within a 10-minute radius of a Coupang logistics center.
Moreover, Coupang has devoted substantial efforts to optimize its mobile interface, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable shopping experience for users accessing the platform via mobile devices.

GMarket

GMarket, another well-known Korean marketplace, has been under the ownership of eBay since 2009. This eCommerce platform facilitates global trade, allowing users from around the world to engage in buying and selling activities. GMarket made history as the inaugural Korean eCommerce platform to be listed on the NASDAQ in 2006 and was also the pioneer in offering an English website, a feature that garnered significant popularity among expatriates residing in South Korea.

The platform offers a wide array of products ranging from electronics to clothing to technology. With its availability in English, Chinese, and Korean languages, GMarket enjoys considerable popularity among the foreign community in Korea.

11 Street

11 Street is an e-commerce platform managed by SK, one of South Korea's largest corporations, with a significant presence in both Korea and Malaysia. It's a popular destination for finding attractive deals, coupons, and sales. With a focus on prompt delivery, most products are shipped within 2-3 business days, emphasizing secure transactions and providing seller training. Their extensive product range covers electronics, fashion, beauty, food, health, and furniture.

In 2017, 11Street introduced its cross-border e-commerce platform, extending its services to clients globally.

Other Marketplaces in South Korea

Interpark
Kurly Market
Tmon

Conclusion

Entering the eCommerce market in Korea can be challenging for overseas sellers due to regulations and language barriers. Creating an effective product page is crucial for convincing customers to purchase your product, particularly in competitive categories.

Moreover, providing excellent customer service is essential to meet the expectations of Korean internet users, including seamless mobile payment options, responsive customer support, swift delivery, and clear return policies.

If you're considering opening an account on Korean marketplaces but require assistance, feel free to reach out to Pearson & Partners Korea for expert guidance and tailored advice for your specific situation.

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Korea FDI: Unveiling South Korea's Fintech Frontier and Driving Innovation

In the ever-evolving realm of global finance, South Korea's fintech sector emerges as a burgeoning center for foreign direct investment (FDI). Recognized for its rapid technological progress and robust economy, South Korea is now leading the way in fintech innovation, driven by inventive approaches and strategic policy frameworks. This article explores the ascent of South Korea's fintech industry and its growing influence on FDI, providing insights into its mechanisms and future trajectory. Government Measures Supporting Fintech Expansion At the heart of South Korea's fintech surge lies the proactive stance of the government. Noteworthy initiatives such as the Fintech Innovation Fund and substantial policy funds aim to foster sector growth and development. These actions, coupled with a regulatory environment that encourages collaboration between traditional financial institutions and emerging fintech players, have not only bolstered the domestic fintech landscape but also heightened its attractiveness to foreign investors. Fintech's Influence on South Korea's FDI Inflows The transformative impact of the fintech sector on South Korea's FDI is evident. With FDI inflows reaching USD 9.041 billion in the first half of 2022, the sector has become a cornerstone of the nation's economic expansion. South Korea's standing on the A.T. Kearney Foreign Direct Investment Confidence Index underscores its growing stature as a global investment hotspot, fueled by fintech advancements and related technologies. Collaborative Efforts and Global Expansion Fueling Fintech Innovation A collaborative ecosystem within South Korea's fintech sector, encompassing startups, established banks, and tech companies, drives growth. This collaborative model has facilitated the integration of innovative fintech solutions into popular platforms like Kakao, enhancing accessibility and functionality for users. Furthermore, strategic government support for fintech firms' international expansion is fostering global partnerships and investment opportunities, further energizing FDI inflows. The Role of Open Banking and Digital Transformation An integral part of South Korea's fintech evolution is the adoption of open banking systems, revolutionizing the financial services landscape. This shift towards digital banking has not only improved customer experiences but also unlocked new avenues for innovation and investment. The digital transformation of the financial sector, alongside the country's high internet and smartphone penetration rates, provides fertile ground for fintech growth and foreign investment. Conclusion: The Outlook for Fintech and FDI in South Korea South Korea's fintech sector is on an upward trajectory, poised to continue attracting significant FDI. With government backing, collaborative initiatives, and robust technological infrastructure, the stage is set for sustained growth and investment. As the sector matures, it is expected to offer diverse opportunities for foreign investors, cementing South Korea's position as a leading fintech hub in Asia. The future of fintech in South Korea not only shapes the nation's economic narrative but also influences global financial trends and investment patterns. Embark on Your Korean Business Journey with Pearson & Partners. Planning to venture into the Korean market? Pearson & Partners specializes in providing comprehensive visa and tax services, streamlining your entry into Korea's dynamic business landscape. Our team's expertise in Korean regulations ensures a seamless and compliant journey, allowing you to focus on business growth. Reach out to us for tailored support aligned with your business goals and regulatory requirements.

Foreign Direct Investment in Korea: A Legal Regime Guide

Although the South Korean economy is sizable and advanced, foreign investors encounter difficulties due to its intricate, opaque, and domestically focused regulatory structure. This article seeks to provide foreign investors with insights into South Korea's legal framework. 1. Transparency of The Regulatory System President Yoon's reform efforts aim to simplify regulations and align them with global standards, resulting in improved transparency. Despite progress, foreign businesses face unique challenges due to regulations targeting larger corporations. Legislative and Regulatory Framework South Korea's legislative and executive branches propose bills, with ministries drafting subordinate statutes. Collaboration among ministries is crucial during the drafting process. Local governments can enact ordinances within federal laws. All legislative procedures adhere to formal regulations. Transparency Measures Since 2011, publicly traded companies must adhere to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Public feedback is sought before enacting laws or regulations, although sometimes regulations are enforced without adequate consultation. Regulatory Oversight The Regulatory Reform Committee (RRC) reviews laws to minimize government intervention. Annual assessments ensure compliance. Support is provided for cost-benefit analysis by the Korea Development Institute and the Korea Institute of Public Administration. Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Initiatives Recent government efforts aim to mandate ESG disclosure for listed companies. Guidelines set by the Financial Supervisory Service align with international standards. The Korea Exchange operates an ESG information platform for listed companies. Enforcement and Penalties The government enforces regulations through fines, corrective actions, and criminal charges. CEOs can face legal repercussions for company actions. Large companies may undergo heightened regulatory scrutiny, including potential designations by the Korea Fair Trade Commission. Financial Transparency South Korea's public finances are generally transparent, except for state-owned enterprise debt. 2. International Regulatory Considerations South Korea has revised local regulations to comply with international treaties and trade agreements, treating them on par with domestic laws. Officials aim to harmonize standards with global norms, drawing inspiration from the U.S. and the EU. Despite efforts to encourage regulatory reform through exchanges with the U.S., U.K., and Australia, unique local regulations remain challenging for foreign companies. South Korea has introduced distinctive digital regulations like the Cloud Security Assurance Program. As a WTO member, South Korea notifies the Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade of draft regulations and is a signatory of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). Known for modernized transportation and customs clearance, South Korea's Korea Customs Service largely upholds its free trade agreement obligations regarding rules of origin. 3. Legal System and Judicial Independence South Korea's legal system operates under civil law principles. District and high courts oversee commercial activities, property rights, and contracts, issuing judgments typically in the local currency. The judiciary, including specialized patent, family, and administrative courts, remains independent from government influence in cases involving foreign investors. Foreign court rulings, except in specific conditions, lack enforceability in South Korea. Unlike common law systems, South Korea does not follow the principle of stare decisis. The Constitutional Court, composed of nine justices, adjudicates constitutional issues, with three appointed by the National Assembly and three by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, all ultimately appointed by the President. 4. Laws and Regulations on FDI South Korea's legal system is transparent with an independent judiciary, governed by the Foreign Investment Promotion Act (FIPA). Information on foreign investment laws is available on the Invest KOREA website. Relevant enactments: - The "Special Measures Act on Strengthening and Protecting the Competitiveness of National High-Tech Strategic Industry" from August 4, 2022. It regulates the dissemination of critical national technologies and imposes additional regulations on companies with National High Technologies. Pending/proposed legislation: - An amended Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) was passed on February 27, 2023, aiming to grant broader rights to data subjects and replace criminal penalties with fines. - Various bills in the National Assembly aim to mandate global over-the-top (OTT) providers to pay network usage fees to Korean internet service providers. - Revisions to the Labor Standards Act are being considered by the Ministry of Employment and Labor to introduce flexibility to the 52-hour workweek. - Amendments to the Restriction of Special Taxation Act are under review to increase corporate tax incentives for facility investment in strategic sectors like semiconductors. 5. Expropriation and Compensation South Korea follows international legal standards on expropriation, protecting foreign-invested enterprise property from requisition. Private property may be expropriated for public use with due process and fair compensation. Typically, compensation exceeds market value. A U.S. investor's expropriation lawsuit under the KORUS FTA was dismissed in 2019. South Korea allocated USD 2.2 billion in 2023 for land expropriation, a 17% increase from the previous year. 6. Bankruptcy Regulations Bankruptcy proceedings in South Korea, governed by the Debtor Rehabilitation and Bankruptcy Act (DRBA), ensure equality for domestic and foreign entities. Initiated by debtors, creditors, or groups, proceedings start upon court recognition of insolvency. A Custodial Committee manages assets, claims, and contracts, with creditor voting rights. Shareholders and contract holders retain rights based on ownership and contract terms. Debtors can be arrested upon filing, facing criminal penalties for negligence. The Seoul Bankruptcy Court (SBC) handles major cases nationwide, while smaller ones go to local district courts. Companies with debts over KRW 50 billion and/or 300 creditors may file for bankruptcy rehabilitation with the SBC. Conclusion While South Korea boasts a robust economy, foreign investors often grapple with the complexity and domestically oriented nature of its regulatory system. This article has aimed to shed light on South Korea's legal framework, highlighting key aspects such as transparency measures, the legal system's independence and FDI regulations. By providing insights into these areas, we hope to better equip foreign investors with the knowledge necessary to navigate the South Korean market and engage effectively in business activities within the country. Contact us for assistance with expanding your business in Korea, and we'll provide expert support in resolving any legal matters you encounter.

2024 Korea's D9 Trade Visa: A Detailed Overview Including Oasis Program Information

If you're an outstanding foreign trader looking for increased convenience during your stay in Korea, the D9 Trade Visa provides a customized system to suit your requirements. This initiative includes a unique scoring system that assesses trade proficiency, domestic residency experiences, and additional factors. D9 Trade Visa The Trade Visa introduces a groundbreaking approach to improve the comfort of stays for exceptional foreign traders. With varied eligibility criteria, the system enables permits and residency status changes for those scoring 60 points or above out of 160. It actively facilitates residency changes for long-term residents with extensive domestic stay experiences. Nevertheless, extension permits are exclusively awarded based on trade performance. Eligibility and Permit Requirements: - Proficiency in Korean (TOPIC 3+) and achieving a score of 60 points or higher in the Trade Visa scoring system. - Applicants must attain a minimum of 10 points in essential categories and possess a business registration certificate. For joint representatives, the total score is divided, and only the resultant score is considered. The business registration must fall under the 'trade' category, and a lease agreement for a separate business facility in the applicant's name is mandatory. 1. New Issuance (Issuance of Certificate of Visa Issuance and Change of Residence Status) Example with 60 points: * Oasis 4+ Trade Specialized Training (3 days, 10 points) * Korean university graduation (5 points) * Study abroad experience (30 points) * Domestic stay of 3 years or more (15 points) Essential Categories (Maximum 65 points): Trade Performance (Average annual performance in the last 2 years): Up to 30 points * Export Performance: - Over $300,000: 30 points - Over $100,000: 20 points * Trade Performance (Export + Import): - Over $500,000: 15 points - Over $300,000: 10 points Trade Expertise: Up to 35 points * Trade-related work experience (1): 20 points * Major in a trade-related field (2): 15 points * Completion of trade specialized training (3): 10 points (1) Only one of (2) or (3) can be duplicated, applicable to those with 2 or more years of regular work experience in trade. (2) Completion of a trade-related major at a domestic or foreign university. (3) Recognition by the Minister of Justice for the institution and course. Optional Categories (Maximum 95 points): Domestic Stay Period (As of the application date): Up to 20 points * Continuous domestic stay: - Over 5 years: 20 points - Over 3 years: 15 points - Over 1 year: 10 points Stay without foreigner registration for more than 200 days in the last 2 years: 5 points Education: Up to 20 points * Ph.D.: 20 points * Master's degree: 15 points * Bachelor's degree: 10 points * Associate degree: 5 points Additional Points: Up to 55 points * Domestic study experience (1): 30 points * Capital of 100 million won or more (2): 15 points * TOPIC 3 or higher or KIIP completion: 10 points (1) Foreigners who have studied for more than 2 years at a domestic university and obtained a bachelor's degree or higher. (2) Limited to funds owned by the individual related to the operation of the trade business. 2. Extension Permit: Application of scores for each category during an extension permit: Trade Performance (Average annual performance in the last 2 years): * Export Performance: - Over $500,000: 30 points - Over $300,000: 20 points - Over $100,000: 15 points - Over $50,000: 8 points * Trade Performance (Export + Import): - Over $70,000: 5 points Recommendation letter from a specialized educational institution: 5 points (No duplication of scores; only the highest score is considered. The recommendation letter is limited to 4 times for the same individual.) Domestic Employment (As of the application date): * Over 3 employees: 10 points * Over 2 employees: 5 points * Over 1 employee: 2 points Tax Payment Record (Based on the annual income tax payment record): * Over 5 million won: 7 points * $4-5 million: 5 points * $3-4 million: 3 points * $2-3 million: 1 point Advanced Trade Training Course Completion: 3 points For those who completed an approved course within 1 year of the application date. Extension Permit Criteria: For the first extension permit: * Scores 5-10 points (1): 6 months * Scores 11-20 points: 1 year * Scores 21 points or more: 2 years (1) In the case of (1), trade performance must score 5 points or more. For the second extension permit, those with scores of 5 points or less are not allowed an extension. For the second extension permit: * Scores 10 points or less: No extension * Scores 11-30 points: 1 year * Scores 31 points or more: 2 years Reference: Oasisvisa Conclusion In summary, the D9 Trade Visa brings forth a pioneering scoring mechanism, refining eligibility standards for foreign traders and prioritizing a well-rounded approach to residency transitions. This intricate policy underscores a dedication to accommodating esteemed contributors while mitigating potential misuse. Pearson & Partners, a consultancy specializing in Korea, is well-equipped to assist with D9 Visa procedures, providing proficiency in incorporation, tax accounting, and visa assistance. For personalized guidance in navigating Korean business regulations, reach out to us.

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