{"id":2201943,"date":"2023-08-09T17:56:15","date_gmt":"2023-08-09T08:56:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/?p=2201943"},"modified":"2023-11-20T17:32:43","modified_gmt":"2023-11-20T08:32:43","slug":"south-koreas-dual-economy-manufacturing-might-vs-service-slump","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2023\/08\/south-koreas-dual-economy-manufacturing-might-vs-service-slump\/","title":{"rendered":"South Korea\u2019s dual economy: Manufacturing might vs service slump"},"content":{"rendered":"
South Korea\u2019s growth trajectory, while commendable by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development\u2019s (OECD) benchmarks, reveals deeper structural economic concerns. Although the nation consistently inches closer to the advanced post-industrial countries in economic output, examining the drivers of this growth provides a clearer picture:<\/span><\/p>\n UNVEILING THE SERVICE SECTOR<\/b><\/p>\n The lion\u2019s share of <\/span>South Korea\u2019s trade<\/span><\/a> pertains to <\/span>goods<\/span><\/a>, with services forming a <\/span>relatively small proportion<\/span><\/a> of total trade. The professional service sector\u2019s robust regulation in South Korea, <\/span>shielding<\/span><\/a> it from international competition, underscores a broader economic narrative \u2014 the service sector\u2019s <\/span>muted competitiveness<\/span><\/a> relative to its manufacturing counterpart.<\/span><\/p>\n In contrast, the country\u2019s manufacturing landscape is highly competitive. Its industrial cornerstones range from advanced washing machines and ships to state-of-the-art smartphones and televisions. This export-driven approach has consistently reinforced the sector\u2019s competitive edge, driving continuous upskilling and fostering progression up the value chain.<\/span><\/p>\n However, South Korea is not a manufacturing hub with a small service sector attached. A significant chunk of its economy, mirroring global economic patterns, is non-tradable. These are sectors resistant to international trade due to logistical or regulatory hindrances.<\/span><\/p>\n This bracket encompasses professional services, whose trade potential remains untapped due to regulatory constraints. Also, it extends to less high-profile sectors like catering, retail and hospitality, which comprise much of Korea\u2019s gross domestic product.<\/span><\/p>\n\n