Entrepreneurship in Korea: From Chaebols to Start-ups

Martin Hemmert · Jae-Jin Kim

Jun 2021 · Routledge

About this ebook

Entrepreneurship in Korea offers a fresh perspective on entrepreneurship in Korea by combining a historical review of the achievements of Korean entrepreneurs at each stage of economic development with an analysis of the activities of current entrepreneurs who are at the forefront of the new Korean age. It discusses the crucial role of business entrepreneurship in each stage of Korea’s transformation from an underdeveloped East Asian backwater to a global manufacturing and technology powerhouse throughout the last 100 years. Furthermore, it provides an up-to-date analysis of contemporary start-up entrepreneurship in Korea and discusses its unique characteristics, strengths and weaknesses.

Authors identify specific features of entrepreneurship in Korea, why and how business entrepreneurs have been so successful and effective, how their entrepreneurial styles and activities have changed over time, which challenges Korean start-up entrepreneurs are currently facing, and how these challenges may be addressed.

About the author

Martin Hemmert is Professor of International Business at Korea University in Seoul. His research interests include international comparative studies of management systems, innovation systems and entrepreneurial ecosystems, organizational boundaries of firms, and inter-organizational research collaborations, with a focus on East Asian countries.

Jae-Jin Kim is a Faculty of Hoseo University Business School and teaches international business, strategic management, and international business practice. He received a Ph.D. in International Business at Korea University Business School. He also has working experience in various firms, including multinational corporations.