1. MARKETING ISSUES

E Mart Offers American Fresh Cherries at Half Price (Photo News) [Korean, OSY]

http://news.donga.com/3/all/20130520/55287152/1

 

Large-scale Restaurant Companies are Not Allowed to Open New Stores Outside 100 Meter from Train Stations in Metropolitan Areas, Co-Growth Committee [Korean, OSY]

http://news.donga.com/3/all/20130523/55344807/1

Summary: Co-Growth Committee under the Korean government has decided the guideline draft on restaurant business on May 22 under the initiative of “protecting small businesses from large-scale businesses”.  The guideline would not allow large-scale restaurant companies (total 64) to open new stores outside 100 meter radius from train stations (including subway stations) in metropolitan areas (including Seoul) once the all-member committee meeting on May 27 confirms the draft.  In non-metropolitan areas, new stores will not be allowed outside 200 meter radius from train stations.

2. OTHER MISCELLANEOUS ISSUES

Red Ginseng Tops the Health Functional Food Market Sales in 2012 [Korean, OSY]

http://www.hankyung.com/news/app/newsview.php?aid=2013052204241

Summary: According to Korea Ministry of Food & Drugs Safety (MFDS), red ginseng was the top selling health functional food in 2012 with a total of 648 billion won of sales, followed by vitamins & minerals (165 billion won), aloe products (69 billion won), pro-biotics (52 billion won), and Omega-3 fatty acids (50 billion won).