Why I Looked Into Korean Tech Giants
I was just scrolling Twitter last Tuesday when I saw folks arguing whether Samsung or LG makes better phones. Got me thinking – who’s actually leading tech stuff these days? Grabbed my laptop and decided to dig deeper.
Step 1: Picking the Players
Started by listing big names: Samsung obviously, then LG since they make everything from fridges to TVs. Added SK Hynix ’cause they do memory chips, threw in Naver and Kakao since everyone in Korea uses their apps. Wanted smaller companies but stuck to household names.
Checking Innovation Clues
Went straight to their news sections first:
- Samsung kept bragging about foldable phones and fancy chips
- Naver shoved AI into everything – shopping, search, even restaurant recommendations
- Kakao’s pushing hard on payment systems and ride-hailing apps
- Hyundai started talking about flying taxis and robotics
Spent hours comparing patent filings. Found Samsung holds like a zillion, but Kakao’s patents doubled recently.
Surprises Along the Way
Thought Samsung would destroy everyone. Turns out they’re kinda scattered – doing phones, washing machines, construction cranes? Meanwhile Naver focuses hard on internet services and AI stuff. Their new shopping feature uses VR to try clothes – actually works better than I expected.
Shocked by LG. Remember their phones? Dropped that whole business last year. Now they’re betting on electric car parts and health tech. Saw some AI pet feeder prototype that looked ridiculous.
Real-World Testing
Went to Gangnam last weekend specifically to play with tech:
- Tried Samsung’s 8K TV – colors pop but costs more than my rent
- Used KakaoPay at street food stalls – scary how fast it works
- Got lost and Naver Maps saved me with AR arrows on the sidewalk
Asked my Korean buddy which app he can’t live without. Said Naver feels smarter but Kakao runs his daily life.
Final Tally Time
Made a messy spreadsheet scoring innovation in hardware, software and “crazy future stuff”:
- Samsung wins hardware wars (chips/screens)
- Naver & Kakao tied on digital services
- Hyundai shocked me with robotics progress
Ended up arguing with myself – is making bendy phones more innovative than AI that predicts your pizza order? Decided it’s Naver by a hair today. Their tech feels practical and actually changes how people live. Still think Samsung could squash everyone if they focused.
Post-Research Drama
Got so obsessed I missed my dentist appointment. Wife yelled about unpaid electricity bill because I spent all day comparing quarterly reports. Told her Samsung’s profit drop explained it all. She still made me sleep on the couch. Worth it though – next time someone says LG’s innovation game is weak, I’ve got receipts.
