Facebook and Twitter’s future in Korea
Posted: June 11th, 2010, by Yunho ChungSNS has already been popular in Korea with Cyworld, which has existed in Korea since 1999. Now, globally representative SNS services such Facebook and later Twitter has begun to enter the Korean market. However, Facebook had failed to be widely adopted in Korea, while the more recent emergence of Twitter has been starting to gain ground. I believe this pattern is likely to continue for both Facebook and Twitter, because SNS rely on the spread of active users, and also partly due to the language barrier of “English”. However, in the long term, SNS in Korea should not and cannot remain remote from the English based worldwide SNS, hence it is early to determine the ultimate future of global SNS platforms such as Facebook and Twitter in Korea.
Why not Facebook?
Despite the fact that Facebook has more than 400 million users worldwide, it has faced a tough game in Korea due to the already dominant SNS, Cyworld. SNS popularity relies on the quantity of active users available within the network, and Cyworld has certainly managed to account for most of the Korean users. It has also been made to fit the taste of the Korean majority with decorateable avatars and homely features that are simple and attractive. Moreover, because people have already become accustomed to Cyworld with ready established networks, they find it cumbersome to readopt the facets of Facebook which are quite different and hence ‘complicated’ for Korean users. Hence, switching over Korea’s already massive Cyworld users base to Facebook would be difficult and unlikely in the foreseeable future.
Cyworld (above) vs Facebook (below)
Then, why yes to Twitter?
Twitter on the other hand has been gaining ground from quite early on. There had been no previous Korean SNS that gave such microblogging services that allow quick, short, no-pressure, real time sharing of information before Tweeting emerged in Korea. Furthermore the rising spread of Smartphone usage in Korea has made Tweeting much easier and mobile, hence encouraging instaneous posting of Tweets.
Later Korean versions, such as Naver’s Me2day and Twittpop(an Korean SNS app) has been developed. The Twittpop app even has added features such as posting through smartphone pen recognitions and GPS use. However, Twitter has already gained significant ground with the Korean user base, and though the localized version seem to be viable, it is perhaps more likely that Koreans are going to continue to build on the internationally large user base of Twitter. It could be one of the few global SNS to succeed in Korea in a long time, since blogs first began. Twitter has been already formatted for the Korean language, and especially with notable expansion of Tweets during Korea’s recent election season(an attempt to revive Obama’s Twitter effect), a significant number of tweeters have been accumulated in Korea. Many Koreans also have much interest in following up on international(or Hollywood) celebrities, politicians, and figures, and because the Tweet are much shorter, lighter, and easier to follow, Twitter perhaps reduces the language barrier.
Twitter (above) vs Me2Day (below)
What should the future for SNS in Korea be?
In Korea, local internet services are currently very competitive and dominant; Cyworld over Facebook, Naver over Google. Perhaps because those local services almost perfectly meet up to the preferences and taste of Koreans, and partly due to the differentiated structure of search engine in Korea that is limited to its associated data base, instead of the entire web.
However, as a tech-savvy, developed country, Korea’s SNS culture should not and cannot stay remote and away from the English based worldwide SNS platforms. People will increasingly seek to go beyond Korea, and connect with people on an international level. Even though, the English language barrier has made many Koreans reluctant to use English based SNS until today, there have been increments in people who are willing to take that chance. Moreover, with an almost obsession in learning and improving one’s English in Korea, there still remains to be promising possibility for global SNS such as Facebook in the longer term. Hence though Twitter seem to be more likely of success in the Korean market compared to Facebook, ultimately global SNS should be adopted in the future of Korea.
July 14th, 2010 at 7:34 pm
I’ve noticed that facebook is becoming more popular in Korea. A number of my students say they have accounts. Who knows, maybe the next generation of Koreans may create a facebook-fad. Just a thought.
October 19th, 2010 at 3:28 pm
There is a small group of SNS site which is growing rapidly for Korean connect with Foreigners. It is no language barrier of “English”coz it UI is simple as twitter.
November 4th, 2010 at 7:22 am
Cyworld already has a footprint of about 25% of the ENTIRE population of Korea. Being a user of both Facebook and Cyworld (for my respective communities), I just don’t see much crossover unless you have people who already have relationships with those outside the country. I’ve seen those people who have studied in the States and made friends make facebook accounts. But I know many more who have moved to the US, but maintain a circle of friends and family that are almost exclusively Korean (this includes my wife). They stick with Cyworld.
To be honest, Cyworld’s platform is far above Facebook’s in terms of it’s own functionality and features (skin/avatar selection, music, home page). Where Facebook takes the cake is 3rd party applications.
May 31st, 2011 at 2:43 pm
i verify once in a while to look at your blog site and its fantastic to discover some unique
articles, i left a url back to my twitter account if perhaps you ever wanna explore mine
June 2nd, 2011 at 4:24 pm
This is a showcaseof
products and the audience to sleep fine line between
June 3rd, 2011 at 11:53 am
Credo di aver fatto un paio di punti piuttosto interessante. Non troppo molte persone effettivamente pensare a questo il modo in cui hai appena fatto. Sono davvero colpito dal fatto che c’è così tanto su questo argomento che è stato scoperto e ha fatto così bene, con così notevole classe. uno eccezionale, uomo! In verità le cose speciali proprio qui.
June 22nd, 2011 at 11:08 am
I truly wanted to type a simple comment so as to say thanks to you for all the marvelous guidelines you are giving out here. My particularly long internet research has now been recognized with reasonable strategies to go over with my family members.
August 22nd, 2011 at 4:53 pm
It is actually a great and useful information. I am very satisfied, you need to share with us this information. Please keep us in
Notice. Thank you share.
September 18th, 2011 at 6:11 pm
Very cool article! Your article is very professional. I can’t agree you any more. The article fills my mind with knowledge and gives it a compass so that that knowledge doesn’t go to waste. I admire your work! Wholesale Nike Air Max Discount Louis Vuitton Handbags Thanks for your work and have a nice day!
October 6th, 2011 at 4:30 pm
I dont know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.and thanks for sharing this info with us. Herve Leger Dress Good Luck!
October 19th, 2011 at 8:38 pm
that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog ver
October 26th, 2011 at 4:20 pm
Inspired by the cool of the city and the craft of the countryside, Mulberry Bags has always represented a peculiar British juxtaposition. Mulberry was established in 1971 with modest roots in Somerset, England and on the shelves of London fashion emporium Biba. Mulberry quickly grew to become the first British lifestyle brand, creating the Vogue for ‘le style Anglais’. At the time, Mulberry Bags Outlet favourites from Mulberry included the leather agenda and the poacher bags - ‘must haves’ of their time, so fondly remembered by fashion insiders. The start of the 21st century saw the creation of two iconic bags – the Bayswater and the Roxanne, and as the years went by other firm favourites were born such as the Mabel, Mitzy, Bayswater Bags and Tillie.
October 28th, 2011 at 3:59 pm
that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog ver
October 31st, 2011 at 6:28 pm
Thanks for the informative writing. Would mind updating some good tips about it. I still wait your next place.
World Of Warcraft Gold is coming! No more waiting for days! Here you can always get 15 minutes Cheap WOW Gold Fast Delivery. Our fast and efficient delivery guy will make delivery right after the order confirmation process. Without delay!
November 1st, 2011 at 8:23 pm
I truly appreciate all your work furthermore providing plenty of worthwhile info for the audience.
November 11th, 2011 at 1:55 pm
But last year, the host nation Japan skipped the ritual for the first time. Officials cited a tight schedule, and said traditional kimonos might not be suitable for a photo session. The leaders instead wore jackets, slacks, and shirts without neckties to their photo.
November 11th, 2011 at 3:06 pm
http://www.newerahatfactory.com/ Also when is the healthy level road. Learn to accept: accept yourself, accept all, accept contradictions, accept the past, present and future, to accept life, the universe, to accept all the troubles the heart, in short, to accept everything!
November 18th, 2011 at 10:09 am
Asics Schuhe ist die beste Laufschuhe,Beste Verarbeitungen, hochwertige Materialen und ein unverwechselbares Design machen Asics Schuhe zum Liebhaber vieler Schuhfans, denn sie sind auch für den Alltag perfekt einsetzbar!
November 18th, 2011 at 1:25 pm
Below are tips on hermes constance price about how to know if a
Hermes Constance bag is fake or authentic
Hermes Constance.
November 18th, 2011 at 4:23 pm
MBT healthful shoes using the rub, need to loose the shoes above the sludge removal, and allow your
shoes dried out naturally. Soiled shoes are recommended for cleanse pace determined.
November 19th, 2011 at 11:52 am
When you come in to a North face outlet store, you will be amazed by the diversity of north face jackets.As a professional manufacturer of outdoor equipments,the north face outlet store has been designed and produced series of North Face jackets which include men’s North Face, women’s North Face and kids North Face and other equipments.shop the jackets at North face outlet online,it is your best choice.
November 23rd, 2011 at 3:27 pm
555yxj6
In the world, who knows not to swim goes to the bottom.
November 28th, 2011 at 4:10 pm
Thank you for sharing, this information is useful to me. good quality
http://www.cheapshoes-handbags.us/mens-shoes-c-1361.html?zenid=0208bc2cad5c68bdb9896e95e91aef2a
December 6th, 2011 at 6:40 pm
Thank you for sharing, this information is useful to me. good quality
December 20th, 2011 at 9:57 pm
Nice one! Never thought of it. I used to add on delicious, but your idea is more better.
December 20th, 2011 at 9:59 pm
Pretty! This was a really wonderful post. Thank you for your provided information.
December 24th, 2011 at 6:05 pm
Thank you for sharing, this information is useful to me. good quality
http://www.cheapshoes-handbags.us/mens-shoes-c-1361.html?zenid=0208bc2cad5c68bdb9896e95e91aef2a
http://www.cheapshoes-handbags.us/brand-handbags-c-1106.html?zenid=0208bc2cad5c68bdb9896e95e91aef2a
http://www.cheapjerseys-sale.com/nfl-jerseys-c-1046.html
http://www.cheapjerseys-sale.com/mlb-jerseys-c-1354.html
http://www.wholesale-partymask.com/party-mask-c-26.html?zenid=3a399f00833a273c9d0acb6bee1a1977
http://www.wholesale-partymask.com/sleep-dress-c-1075.html
http://www.cheapcosmetics-wholesale.com/mac-makeup-c-1056.html?zenid=c91ad2a48e8faf7936119a23a4556025
http://www.cheapcosmetics-wholesale.com/other-makeup-c-1184.html
My store online, All products are wholesale price, Welcome to order!
December 30th, 2011 at 3:18 pm
Nice post! , thanks the admin give the userful article! come on to my store have a look! I very like.
Welcome to our store online: http://www.cheapshoes-handbags.us We selling all kind of Cheap Nike Shoes, Wholesale Jordan Shoes, Cheap LV handbags,Discount Handbags,high quality, low price!
December 30th, 2011 at 3:19 pm
Thank you for sharing, this information is useful to me. good quality
Welcome to our store online: http://www.cheapjerseys-sale.com.
Cheap NFL Jerseys, NHL Jerseys, MLB Jerseys, Cheap Jerseys Sale from China, off 68%,All name and number are sewn on!
January 12th, 2012 at 12:37 pm
It is well known that Mens North Face jackets are an all-around winter outerwear. It is the perfect outerwear in harsh weather conditions.