1. MARKETING ISSUES

Convenience Store Chains are Not Allowed to Open New Stores within 250 Meters from Existing Same Brand Stores [Korean, OSY]

http://www.yonhapnews.co.kr/economy/2012/12/13/0301000000AKR20121213105400002.HTML?template=2087

Summary: Fair Trade Committee announced that new guideline for convenience store industry will go into effect on December 13.  The guideline includes banning of adding new stores within 250 meters from existing same brand stores.  According to FTC, 44.6 percent of stores under CU franchise, the leading convenience store chain in Korea, are currently within 250 meters from the same CU brand stores.  FTC added that the new guideline will help protect existing stores.

Tuna, Tobacco, Dried Seaweed Lead Korea’s Agricultural Exports This Year [Korean, OSY]

http://www.yonhapnews.co.kr/economy/2012/12/12/0301000000AKR20121212205300002.HTML

Summary: Ministry of Agriculture announced that Korea’s exports of agricultural products totaled $7.3 billion during January through November this year, up 5 percent from the same period last year.  Tuna was the leading export product, amounting to $560 million, up 65 percent, followed by tobacco $540 million and dried seaweed (‘gim’) $210 million.  A total of 12 products joined “$100 million export club” so far this year: instant coffee, table sugar, soft drinks, instant noodle, ginseng, low alcohol beer, soju, squid, and cookies.