Amazon did very well in Japan last year. Will it come to Korea next? Here are some articles that explain some of the hurdles (No. 1 & No. 2). Amazon is pretty smart to rely on one-click purchases. With Korea's ridiculous regulations, and terrible credit card companies, it is likely Amazon will be required to use an ActiveX security system. I've used ActiveX and it is understatement to call it a Pain in your Fucking Ass! It makes most people not buy. That buying experience is tenuous and any major obstacles rip that experience to fucking shreds. Most Korean shopping sites discourage shoppers. Have any of you used gmarket? I dare you to try.
Still, if Amazon comes to Korea it will open an entirely new market. It will be good for expats living in Korea and it will open Koreans (who are still very culturally myopic) to many new ideas and people.
That said, thanks to ActiveX and the Korean governments pattern of over-regulating the shit out of everything, Amazon opening in Korea is still unlikely. I hope it happens. I hope to realized my books to this crazy culture.
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