Why Do Businesses Fail In South Korea: Major Pitfalls For Your Company To Avoid
In this article, we’ll discuss why businesses fail in South Korea. We’ll dive deep into the challenges of starting a business in South Korea despite being a thriving economy.
South Korea also has a supportive government, but the survival rate of new businesses could be higher. In 2019, only 29% of new businesses survived after five years, compared to nearly 41% in other OECD countries.
These numbers prove that South Korea comes with great opportunities and even greater challenges for startups, such as unclear rules and regulations, chaebols, particular consumers, and extensive business planning.
Many hinder their success from the start by not having a local expert like William B. Choi to guide them in the early stages.
William is a reputable entrepreneur, investor, and mentor and one of FORTUNE Magazine’s Top 30 Leaders of Innovation. Most importantly, he lives and breathes South Korean business culture.
With decades of experience and a strong global network, William offers strategic guidance and innovative solutions for businesses. He’s just a call away, so reach out today and let William help you enter the South Korean market smoothly!
Ten Reasons Businesses Fail When Entering The South Korean Market
Understanding why businesses fail in South Korea is crucial, especially for startups. Despite government support, over 70% of Korean startups don’t make it past their first year. This trend is seen across various sectors, such as e-commerce, healthcare, robotics, AI, logistics, and IoT.
Based on what we’ve seen in the Korean startup world, we’ve found out why so many businesses don’t make it. Here’s a breakdown of the market challenges and reasons for businesses failing in South Korea:
1. Lack of Funding
Without enough funds, many Korean startups struggle to keep things running and compete well. Investors, especially venture capitalists, want to see that there’s demand for a product and actual sales before they invest.
But for startups that haven’t made many sales yet, getting funding is tough. This money problem often leads to them closing down within a year, even if they have good ideas.
To fix this issue, Korean startups can do a few things:
- Use Government Assistance: Look into programs like KOSME that give money to startups. These programs can give startups some cash to start and grow. They should also explore tax breaks and grants.
- Get Hybrid Financial Assistance: Find ways to get both investments and loans. This can give startups money and more options for how to use it.
2. Failure to Localize Strategy and Operations
Many businesses fail in South Korea because they don’t adapt their strategies and operations to fit the local market. This lack of localization can cause inefficiencies and missed opportunities. Here’s how to overcome this challenge:
- Choosing the Right Business Location: Consider factors like proximity to urban areas, transportation networks, and industrial zones to optimize operations and connectivity.
- Importing and Exporting Goods: Understand the import and export process in South Korea. Companies with a good compliance record can benefit from faster clearance of goods after declaration. However, certain high-risk items may require extra documentation and testing. Electronic systems like the Korean Customs Service’s EDI system can be used for smoother import clearance. For exports, ensure compliance with regulations and utilize resources like the Korean Customs Service’s website for up-to-date information.
3. Difficulty in Securing the Right Talent
A major reason Korean startups fail is that they lack a strong team. Establishing clear roles early on can prevent this issue, ensuring clarity and accountability.
For instance, a self-motivating creative director should drive innovation and product development. On the other hand, a seasoned Korean entrepreneur should handle the business aspects, including registration, taxes, and accounting.
Additionally, you should appoint a CEO responsible for crafting the business model and overseeing financial operations.
4. Not Understanding and Adapting to Consumer Preferences
Businesses often struggle in South Korea because they don’t understand what local consumers want. A big example is Walmart, which failed because it didn’t match South Korean shopping habits.
Walmart focused on low prices, but South Koreans preferred fresh food and nice-looking products. Walmart also chose suburban locations, while South Koreans liked shopping in city centers. These differences meant Walmart couldn’t connect with local shoppers.
The same happened to Sephora. They didn’t research the market properly and offered the wrong products. Moreover, they had to compete with local giants and didn’t invest in proper marketing, among other things.
To avoid similar problems, businesses entering South Korea should better understand their customers, create products that fit local tastes, choose locations near city centers for easy access, and change strategies based on feedback and market changes.
Finally, they should work with local experts who know the South Korean market well, as their knowledge can help them make well-informed decisions.
5. Difficulty Navigating Local Regulations and Laws
Choosing the right business structure is a critical first step in setting up your business in South Korea. But first:
- Understand Your Options: Research the different types of business structures available in South Korea, such as General Partnerships, Limited Liability Partnerships, and various types of corporations. Each structure has advantages and requirements.
- Evaluate Your Needs: When choosing a business entity, consider factors like liability protection, ownership structure, and future growth plans. For example, if you want personal liability protection, a Limited Liability Partnership or a corporation may be more suitable.
- Evaluate Capital Requirements: Some business structures, like General Partnerships, don’t require a minimum capital investment, while others may have specific capital requirements.
6. Not Laying the Right Groundwork with Networking and Local Partnerships
Korean startups sometimes miss out on opportunities by not engaging in global startup events. These events help expand networks beyond Korea, but you must stay proactive and understand local business practices.
Important events they should consider attending include the TechCrunch Disrupt, Web Summit, Collision, CES (Consumer Electronics Show), Slush, and Startup Grind Global Conference.
For opportunities in the Korean startup ecosystem, startups should explore local events like the K-Global Startup, Seoul Startup Hub Demo Day, Startup Festival Seoul, Korean Startup Summit, Korean Startup Expo, and Korean Venture Capital Association (KVCA) Events.
7. Not Learning the Corporate Culture
To build effective networks and partnerships, you should also learn about the Korean business culture and etiquette. For instance, South Koreans value respect for authority, education, and age. Understanding and respecting hierarchy within companies can help you build successful interactions.
They also focus on maintaining social harmony, so you should avoid direct criticism; it can damage relationships.
Meeting etiquette is also important. Koreans see exchanging business cards as a symbol of respect and interest. You should always offer and receive cards with both hands and place them on the table during meetings.
8. Entering into Overly Competitive Markets
In South Korea, companies like Samsung and LG rule the roost in many sectors, making competition tough. These big shots, known as chaebols, received a lot of help from the government, which helped them grow big.
Now, they’re one of South Korea’s top 25 companies. This also made it hard for other businesses to get into the game. So, for new businesses, breaking into this market can be challenging but not impossible. Here’s how:
- Find Your Niche: Look for areas where you can stand out instead of going head-to-head with the giants.
- Highlight Your Uniqueness: Show what makes your business special to attract customers and partner with other businesses to strengthen your position.
- Embrace Tech: Use technology to your advantage for efficiency and reaching customers.
- Focus on Customers: Make sure your customers feel valued and well taken care of.
9. Issues with Marketing and Advertising
In South Korea, it’s not just about selling a product; it’s about adapting to Korean preferences and building trust with local partners and customers. Here’s how to achieve that:
- Know Your Audience: What works elsewhere might not work here, which is why you must craft your marketing strategies with South Korean tastes and conditions in mind.
- Build Trust: Keep in touch with Korean partners and customers regularly. Show them you’re committed for the long haul.
- Work with Distributors: Let local distributors choose from a range of products. Consider having a dedicated distributor to avoid price wars.
- Embrace Technology: Technology and e-commerce to your advantage. South Korea is big on online advertising, especially on mobile.
- Play by the Rules: Follow advertising regulations closely. Get familiar with tax laws and labeling requirements.
- After-Sales Service Matters: Have resident engineers, local service centers, and well-trained staff to support your customers.
10. Not Having an Insider to Guide the Early Stages
Starting a business in South Korea without a local expert can be tough.
You might not understand the business culture, rules, or market well, which could lead to problems like misunderstandings, legal issues, and missed chances.
But having someone who knows the ropes is crucial. They can give you tips about the market, introduce you to important people, and help you deal with the rules.
Their knowledge and contacts can really help you overcome obstacles and do well in South Korea’s competitive business world.
3 Key Steps Companies Can Take To Ensure Greater Chances of Success
Doing business in Korea is tough for foreign companies. They face unique industry rules, unclear regulations, and competition from local makers. Importing agricultural goods adds more challenges.
However, if you’re patient and creative and you apply the following tips, you will see success, as Korean consumers like innovations.
Remaining Flexible and Adaptable
Flexibility is key in South Korea. Companies like Walmart failed because they didn’t adapt quickly to local preferences. If businesses want to see success, they must adjust their strategies and operations to fit local tastes and market conditions.
Ensure Everyone in Leadership Understands the Business Culture
Understanding local business culture is crucial. Deals have fallen through because foreign leaders didn’t respect South Korean customs. Educate your leadership on local etiquette, such as the importance of hierarchy and proper meeting protocols, to avoid offending potential partners.
Working with a Market Entry Specialist
Partnering with a market entry specialist like William B. Choi can greatly improve your chances of success.
These experts understand the local market, can navigate regulations, and help build essential relationships. Their guidance can prevent common mistakes and streamline your market entry process.
William B. Choi Can Help Your Company Minimize Risk and Avoid Failure When Entering The South Korean Market
If you’re serious about opening a business in South Korea, you shouldn’t think twice about hiring local experts who can help you land in the market safely and thrive in the long run. But you can’t trust just anyone with your hard-earned money and ideas. In other words, you must choose insiders wisely.
Always look into their background first. If they have a proven track record, like William B. Choi, taking their professional advice can help you avoid common pitfalls and lead a successful business in South Korea.
