Historically, Korea’s economy was largely agrarian, with a focus on subsistence farming and a strong Confucian emphasis on self-sufficiency. This self-reliance extended to the procurement of goods and materials, with families producing much of what they needed, from clothing to food. Marketplaces, known as “jeontong sijang,” played a central role in the exchange of goods, fostering a sense of community and self-sufficiency.
However, Korea’s history is also marked by periods of foreign influence and occupation, most notably by China and Japan. These periods brought new ideas, technologies, and economic systems to Korea, influencing its purchasing practices. During the late Joseon Dynasty, for example, Korean merchants adopted a system of “dangdo” (credit sales) 智能倉 Chinese merchants, which facilitated long-distance trade and introduced new financial instruments to the Korean economy.
The Korean War in the 1950s left the country devastated, with infrastructure in ruins and the economy in shambles. However, this tragedy served as a catalyst for economic transformation. The post-war era saw the emergence of companies like Samsung, Hyundai, and LG, which would go on to become global giants. The Korean government played a pivotal role in this transformation, implementing policies to promote industrialization, exports, and technological advancement. These policies had a profound impact on the way Korea sourced materials and components, fostering a strong emphasis on efficiency and innovation in purchasing.
In contemporary Korea, purchasing is a complex and dynamic process that encompasses a wide range of activities, from sourcing raw materials and components to negotiating contracts and managing supplier relationships. The country’s economy is known for its heavy reliance on exports, and this global orientation has a significant influence on its purchasing practices. Korean companies must source high-quality materials and components at competitive prices to remain competitive in global markets.