This study utilizes social big data to investigate the factors influencing the awareness, attitude, and behavior toward vegan fashion consumption among global and Korean consumers. Social media posts containing the keyword “vegan fashion” were gathered, and meaningful discourse patterns were identified using semantic network analysis and sentiment analysis. The study revealed that diverse factors guide the purchase of vegan fashion products within global consumer groups, while among Korean consumers, the predominant discourse involved the concepts of veganism and ethics, indicating a heightened awareness of vegan fashion. The research then delved into the factors underpinning awareness (comprehension of animal exploitation, environmental concerns, and alternative materials), attitudes (both positive and negative), and behaviors (exploration, rejection, advocacy, purchase decisions, recommendations, utilization, and disposal). Global consumers placed great significance on product-related information, whereas Korean consumers prioritized ethical integrity and reasonable pricing. In addition, environmental issues stemming from synthetic fibers emerged as a significant factor influencing the awareness, attitude, and behavior regarding vegan fashion consumption. Further, this study confirmed the potential presence of cultural disparities influencing overall awareness, attitude, and behavior concerning the acceptance of vegan fashion, and offers insights into vegan fashion marketing strategies tailored to specific cultures, aiming to provide vegan fashion companies and brands with a deeper understanding of their consumer base.

한국형아유르베다 성격유형과 의류 구매만족과 어떤 관계가 있는지를 분석함으로써 성격특성을 고려한 마케팅 전략에 대해 논의하는 것이다. 본 연구의 자료는 수도권 여성 20대 이상을 대상으로 다음과 같은 통계 분석을 실시하였다. 첫째, 조사대상자의 일반적 특성을 파악하기 위해 빈 도분석을 실시하였고, 둘째, 측정도구의 타당성 분석을 위해 탐색적 요인 분석을 실시하였다. 또한 Cronbach's α 계수를 이용하여 요인을 구성 하는 항목들의 신뢰도를 분석하였다. 셋째, 한국형 아유르베다 기본심리 유형에 대해 알아보고, 조사대상자의 일반적 특성에 따라 차이가 있는지 파악하기 위해 교차분석을 실시하였다. 넷째, 한국형 아유르베다 기본심 리유형에 따라 고객만족에 차이가 있는지를 알아보기 위하여 일원변량분 석(one-way ANOVA) 및 Scheffe의 사후검정을 실시하였다. 본 연구는 한국형아유르베다 기본심리유형과 고객만족의 관계에서는, 전반적인 고 객만족과 하위요인별 서비스만족에 있어서도 카파형(K)이 상대적으로 높 은 것을 알 수 있었지만, 품질만족에 있어서는 통계적으로 유의미한 차 이가 나타나지 않았다는 것을 알 수 있었다.

본 연구는 한국 여성의류소비자의 한국형아유르베다 성격유형과 의류 구매후기의 관계연구를 하는 것이 목적이며, 이러한 연구 목적을 위해 연구대상은 수도권 거주하는 20대 이상 설문 대상자 542명이었으며, 이 중 최종적으로 불성실한 응답을 제외한 519부를 본연구의 자료로 사용 하였다. SPSS 26프로그램을 통해 주요변수의 타당성, 신뢰성을 확보하 기 위하여 탐색적 요인분석, 인구학적 특성을 확인하기 위해 빈도분석, 성격유형에 따른 구매후기 점수의 차이를 확인하기 위해 세 집단 이상의 평균차이를 확인할 수 있는 일원배치분산분석(One-way ANOVA)을 실 시한 분석결과는 여성소비자의 한국형아유르베다 기본심리유형 중 하나 인 카파형(K)이 피타형(P)에 비해 구매후기를 중요하게 본다는 것을 알 수 있다. 이는 피타형(P)이 카파형(K)에 비해 구매후기를 중시하는 경향 이 낮은 이유는 자기주장이 강하고 주도적이며, 강한신념을 지니고 믿음 이 확고한 성격을 갖고 있는 것과 관계가 있음을 확인할 수 있다. 연령 을 구분하여 분석한 결과, 20~30대에서 유의한 차이가 나타났으며, 사후 검정 결과 피타형(P)의 평균보다 카파형(K)의 평균이 높은 것으로 확인되 었고 다중회귀분석을 통해서도 유사한 결과가 도출되었다. 이는 기성세 대에 비해 20~30대에서 구매후기를 중요시하는 경향은 모바일을 사용한 온라인, 디지털 환경에 익숙하기 때문이라 분석된다. 따라서 본 연구는 여성소비자의 성격유형과 구매결정후기 관계를 분석함으로써 마케팅 및 경영적 기초자료로 활용할 수 있을 것으로 사료된다.

본 연구는 K-뷰티브랜드의 CSR동기가 CSR 진정성과 브랜드 신뢰에 주는 영향과 CSR 진정성 과 브랜드 신뢰가 브랜드 지지에 주는 영향을 확인하고자 한·중 소비자 데이터를 이용해 비교연구하여 진 행하였다. 수집된 데이터 중 392부를 검증에 사용하였고 2단계 접근법과 최우도 측정법을 활용해 분석하였 다. 연구 결과, 자기본위적 동기를 제외한 가치지향적, 이해관계자지향, 전략적 동기는 CSR 진정성과 브랜 드 신뢰에 긍정적 영향을 주는 것으로 나타났다. 또한 CSR 진정성은 브랜드 신뢰에 긍정적 영향을 주었고, 이는 브랜드를 지지하는 것으로 나타났다. 한·중 소비자를 비교한 결과, 두 나라 모두 CSR동기가 진정성과 브랜드 신뢰에 영향을 주는 것으로 나타났으나 중국소비자가 한국소비자보다 더 많은 부분에서 높게 나타 난 결과를 보였는데 이러한 결과는 K-뷰티 브랜드의 중국시장 확장을 위해서는 중국소비자를 이해하고 그 들이 추구하는 CSR동기 전략을 강화해야 한다는 시사점을 가진다.

This study evaluated the perception, consumption behavior, and optional attributes of Korean, Chinese, and U.S. consumers of energy bar products. Data were compared and analyzed by surveying 300 consumers in each country. Significant differences were observed in preference for energy bars according to their nationality, in the order China, the U.S., and Korea. Perception of taste, types and dietary suitability of the products ranked lower for Korean consumers, as compared to consumers of the United States and China. The order dietary fiber, protein, and calcium were the sought-after nutritional requirements of the products. The demand for protein was significantly higher in the U.S. Calcium demand was low in the United States and China, but was very high in Korea, which could be attributed to the low calcium intake of Koreans. Other optional attributes which were closely associated with the purchase and re-purchase decision, included price, taste and delivery period. All three factors were recognized as important options in Korea, whereas awareness of packaging/ appearance and brand was not. The taste, nutrients and price in the U.S. ranked high as important optional attributes, while the packaging, external and expiration dates were recognized as low. Unlike Korea and the U.S., important optional attributes for Chinese consumers were determined in the order expiration date, taste, and nutrients, and showed low perception for packaging, appearance, weight, counts, and prices. Evaluating the preference for the main and secondary ingredients, Koreans preferred nuts over grains, Americans preferred dried fruits over nuts, and Chinese preferred nuts and grains; both Korean and American consumers had low preference for dried vegetables. The preference for chocolate was low in Korea and China, whereas preference for jelly was high in China as compared to Korea and the U.S. The intention of purchasing energy bars was significantly lower in Korea than in the U.S. and China. A variety of nutritious functional bars have recently been distributed and sold in Korea, but they are mostly produced in the U.S., which is the largest producer and consumer worldwide. Taken together, results of this study indicate that the demand for nutritional enhancement and preferred materials vary according to the nationality. Hence, it is necessary to develop products that reflect these criteria. Further research is required to analyze the relationship between preference and consumption behavior for each material product developed in the future.

This study defines Korean wave stars as Korean wave human brands and examines the influence of the characteristics, attachment, and self-congruity of the Korean wave human brand on brand equity. For this, this study surveyed Chinese female consumers in their 20s and 30s who consume many Korean wave products from May 2018 to June 2018. First, human brand characteristics, attachment, self-congruity, Korean wave aspiration level, and brand equity according to demographic characteristics were identified. Second, characteristics, attachment, self-congruity, and the aspiration level of the Korean wave human brand showed correlations with brand equity. However, brand awareness, a sub-factor of brand equity, does not show correlations with self-congruity. Third, characteristics, attachment, self-congruity, and Korean wave aspiration level had a positively influenced brand equity. Fourth, when looking into the mediated effect of attachment on brand equity, both human brand characteristics and self-congruity showed a partially mediated effect. Fifth, when analyzing the adjustment effect in the Korean wave aspiration level, a group with higher Korean wave aspiration level showed more correlations with attachment and brand equity. This study found that attachment and self congruity are important elements in forming human brand and brand equity. This study is significant in that it verified the influence of Korean wave brand power that has been on the rise recently on brand equity and provided a theoretical basis that has allowed researchers to determine that the characteristics, attachment, and self-congruity of Korean wave human brand significantly influence brand equity.

Indonesia has the largest economy in Southeast Asia and is one of the fastest growing economies of the world. This study was conducted to understand Indonesian food consumers, and to provide the marketing implications for food exporting companies in Korea. An online survey was conducted on 795 local consumers in Indonesia and the study analyzed their preference for Korean food and Korean culture. Then this study identified the relationship of these variables and consumers’ intention to purchase Korean food. The results of this study were as follows. First, Indonesian consumers had a strong preference for Ramyeon, noodles, snacks and kimchi among Korean foods. Second, the preference for Korean culture was high in a descending order of Korean dramas, cosmetics, songs and news. Third, both Korean food and Korean culture preferences showed significant differences depending on gender, age and the frequency of eating out. Lastly, analysis of the relationships among the variables showed that there is a positive relationship between Korean food preferences and Korean food purchase intentions. Further, the consumers’ Korean culture preference had a mediating effect within this relationship. The results of this study imply that marketers in Korea food companies need to consider the consumers’ preference for Korean food and Korean culture when they build proper strategies for exporting Korean foods to Indonesia.

This paper presents two social and academic studies on the boundary between cultural production and consumption. The first line of the study on cultural omnivore analyzes the choice of heterogeneous audiences in the face of various cultural offerings. The second line is a study of market categories, which analyzes the responses of peer audiences to objects with different levels of category code compliance. As such, this paper developed a heterogeneous audience model to evaluate objects of different types. This allows us to consider two dimensions of cultural preference: diversity and orientation of selection. To this end, this paper proposes a new analytical frame work to map consumption behavior on these two dimensions. The results suggest that one type of target that values diversity and transformation is particularly resistant to those that span boundaries. We test this argument in the analysis of two large data sets on film and restaurant reviews. Overall, our findings can extend beyond cultural consumption. Outline variability of contextual individuals or individuals in the same situation can cross cultural boundaries even if they are not intentionally pursuing such hybridism.

This study aimed to develop processed foods that can be tailored to the tastes of consumers in countries to enter domestic and foreign markets utilizing fresh Korean pears, in which the consumption is decreasing. A survey was also conducted on three types of samples (pear jelly, pear rice cake, and pear muffin). As a result, both Korean and Chinese women aged in their 20s preferred pear muffins the most among the pear products evaluated. Pear jelly and rice cake were preferred by Chinese consumers because of their sweet taste (p<0.05). Pear rice cakes were preferred because of their texture (p<0.05). Pear muffins were not significant in all items except for odor/flavor and sweetness, but Korean consumers had a high preference for them and showed a significant preference for colors (p<0.05). Pear muffins were most familiar to both Korean and Chinese consumers showing a high willingness to purchase. An analysis of the preference inducement factors of consumers in each country of the three processed foods containing pears using Check-All-That-Reply (CATA) showed that the consumers of both countries preferred the ‘pear odor/flavor’ characteristics of pear jelly, and that pear rice cakes were preferred by Chinese consumers compared to Korean consumers. Pear muffins were preferred by Korean consumers. Overall, pear muffins are the product expected to be most suitable for female consumers in Korea and China aged in their 20s.

본 연구는 베트남 소비자들이 인식하는 한류브랜드 지역성이 국가 친밀감에 미치는 영향과 국가 친밀감이 한국 기업, 한국 제품에 대한 태도와 구매의도에 어떤 영향을 미치는지 살펴보고자 하였다. 특히 본 연구는 기존 선행 연구들을 바탕으로 한류의 관점에서 베트남 소비자가 인식하는 브랜드 지역성을 살펴보고자 하였다. 최근 한국기 업들은 한국대중문화를 중심으로 전 세계적으로 높은 인기를 얻고 있는 한류현상을 활용하여 한국 제품과 브랜드를 개발함으로서 한류브랜드를 구축하고 있다. 이에 한류지수가 높게 평가된 베트남 현지 소비자를 대상으로 한류를 잘 반영하고 있는 한국 화장품을 대표적인 한류브랜드로 선정하여 조사하였다. 가설검증을 위해 인터넷, 모바일 URL을 통한 응답 방법을 사용하여 베트남 현지 소비자 총 212명의 자료를 수집하였다. 실증분석 결과, 한 류브랜드 지역성은 국가 친밀감에 정(+)의 영향을 미치는 것으로 나타났다. 또한 베트남 소비자들이 한국에 대해 긍정적 감정인 친밀감이 형성되면 한국 기업과 제품에 대한 태도에 정(+)의 영향을 미치는 것으로 밝혀졌다. 이러한 소비자태도는 구매의도에 긍정적인 영향을 미치는 것으로 나타났다.

본 연구는 학부모를 대상으로 식품첨가물 및 보존료에 대한 인식 수준과 정보요구도를 파악하고 이를 바탕으로 학부모의 식품첨가물 및 보존료에 대한 올바른 이해와 안전한 식생활을 위한 교육자료를 개발하고자 하였다. 2014년 서울 경기지역 초등학생을 둔 학부모 381명을 대상으로 식품첨가물 및 보존료에 대한 인식 및 정보요구도에 대한 설문조사를 수행한 결과 응답자 중 가공식품 구입시 안전성을 가장 중요한 요소라고 응답하였으며, 41.5%가 식품 첨가물을 가장 식품안전을 위협하는 것이라고 응답하였으며, 식품 첨가물 중에서는 보존료가 가장 위험하다고 응답하였다. 그러나 응답자의 90.6%가 식품첨가물 및 보존료에 대한 교육 경험이 없다고 응답하였다. 설문결과와 학부모들의 정보요구도에 따라 교육홍보책자인 ‘보존료 바르게 알기’를 개발하였다. ‘보존료 바르게 알기’는 ‘보존료란 어떤 물질인가요?’, ‘보존료는 어떤 종류가 있나요?’, ‘보존료는 안전한가요?’, ‘가공식품, 어떻게 섭취해야 하나요?’, ‘식품첨가물은 식약처가 철저히 관리하고 있어요’ 등의 5장으로 구성하여 소비자인 학부모들이 알고싶어하는 내용들을 알기 쉽고 재미있게 전달할 수 있도록 구성하였다. 개발된 교육홍보책자를 초등학교 학부모에게 시범 적용한 결과, 사전 18.9%만이 보존료가 무엇인지 알고 있다고 응답한 수준에서 사후 90.9%가 그 역할을 이해하고 72.7%가 안전하다고 응답하여 개발된 책자가 보존료에 대한 이해도를 크게 높이고 보존료에 대한 오해를 바로잡을 수 있는 것을 확인할 수 있었다. 따라서 본 연구에서 개발된 교육홍보책자는 학부모를 비롯한 일반소비자들에게 보존료에 대한 이해를 높일 수 있는 효과적인 정보전달매체로 활용될 수 있을 것이다.

목적: 이 연구는 안경과 선글라스에서 테와 렌즈의 형태와 색상에 대한 한국인과 중국인 소비자 집단의 선호도 차이를 조사하기 위하여 실시되었다. 방법: 한국에 유학 중인 중국인 학생 150명과 한국인 대학생 150명을 대상으로 설문조사를 실시하고 그 결과를 분석하였다. 안경광학 관련 전공자는 설문 대상에서 배제되었다. 중국인 학생들에게는 중국어 간체자로 번역된 설문지를 제공하였으며, 제공된 설문지는 한국 대학 석사과정에 유학 중인 중국인 원어민 학생이 한국어 설문지를 바탕으로 번역한 것이다. 결과: 중국인 소비자 집단은 안경보다 선글라스에서 글로벌 유명 브랜드를 더 선호하였으며, 한국산 안경 제품을 상대적으로 선호하는 것으로 나타났다. 또한, 무테 또는 반무테, 금색테, 투톤컬러 렌즈 항목에서 한국인 소비자 집단보다 높은 선호도를 나타냈다. 결론: 이 연구의 결과는 한국 안경 제조․유통 업체의 중국 시장 진출이나 중국인 고객 비율이 높은 안경원 의 판매 전략 수립에 기여할 수 있을 것으로 기대된다.

포도 재배면적과 생산량이 줄고 있는 상황에서도, 재배농가의 끊임없는 노력과 농촌진흥기관의 기술개발을 통해서 한국산 샤인머스캣이 현재 국내 소비자는 물론 해외 소비자들에게 인기를 얻고 있으며, 이에 따라 타 품종에 비해 재배면적과 생산량이 증가하고 있다. 따라서 새로운 수요처 발굴과 수출증대를 통해서 포도 산업의 지속성을 유지하는 것이 무엇보다도 필요한 때이다. 본 연구에서는 중국 소비자들에게 한국산 샤인머스캣을 구매하는데 영향을 주는 요인들(사전, 사후)이 어떻게 평가되고 있는지, 향후 구매로 이어질 수 있는지 여부를 실증적으로 규명하고자, 부분최소자승-구조방정식 모형을 사용해서 2017년 10월 중국 광저우에서 개최된 국제중소기업박랍회 행사장에서 시식과 설문조사를 통해 수집한 유의한 102명의 응답자료를 이용하여 분석하였다. 분석결과, 사전요인(외관, 착색, 신선도, 알 크기) 보다 사후 요인(당도, 식감)이 좋은 평가를 받고 향후 구매로 이어지는데 통계적으로 유의하며 큰 역할을 함을 보였으며 이에 따른 품질관리의 방향성에 대한 시사점을 제공하였다. 다만, 자료의 보완을 통해서 관찰되지 않는 설문응답자 내의 집단을 보다 면밀히 분석해야 할 필요가 있다. 따라서 집단의 특성과 수요에 보다 맞는 맞춤형 품질관리와 수출방안이 뒤따라야 함을 한계로 남긴다. 또한, 조사대상자의 인구통계 특성과 중국 전체 모집단과 차이가 있으므로 분석결과를 해석에 유의할 필요가 있다. 포도수출 확대노력은 포도 생산농가의 소득향상과 경영안정성을 높이고, 국내 포도산업에 활력을 줄 수 있다. 이를 위해서는 또한 신품종에 대한 안정적 생산·수확후 관리기술 개발 및 농가 기술보급, 수출조직 육성이 병행되어야 할 것이다. 또한 일본이 개발한 샤인머스캣 재배에서 더 나아가 소비트렌드에 부합하는 국내품종을 중장기적으로 육성할 필요가 있다. 또한 수출성공을 위해서는 국내 업체간 과당경쟁, 저가경쟁 등을 예방하고, 의견을 조율할 협의체 구성과 함께 한국산 포도라는 점을 내세워 프리미엄 제품을 생산해 중산층 이상의 중국시장 진출을 모색할 필요가 있을 것으로 사료된다.

The Chinese fashion market, which has typically been dominated by luxury brands, is expanding more into mid- to low-end fashion brands including global SPA (Specialty retailer of private label apparel) brands. This change in the Chinese fashion market is due to the growth of the middle class in China. The advance of the Chinese middle class is attributed to the fact that the wages of large city workers is improving due to the development of various industries, particularly IT. Recently, the Chinese government has initiated an anti-corruption movement, which has led to the prohibition of luxury goods consumption, and so the interest of Chinese potential fashion consumers has moved to the mid-to low-end fashion products imported from developed countries. In addition, young Chinese consumers' positive attitude toward online shopping is favorable for foreign mid-to low-end brands. These changes in the tastes of Chinese fashion consumers are favorable for Korean fashion brands in particular for several reasons. First, the Korean fashion industry does not have a history of producing luxury brands, but does produce many good mid- to low-end fashion brands. In addition, Chinese tend to consider Korean fashion and food culture as more developed and preferable due to the success of the Korean wave. Lastly, it is easy for Korean practitioners to offer online shopping and customer service. The emergence of mid- to low-end fashion brands started in Korea in the late 2000s when global SPA brands entered the market. Unlike Korea's soho brands, which are based on the "No-brand" strategy, global SPA brands have actually shaken up the market by offering reasonable prices for Korean domestic brand products that are of similar quality. Since then, consumers’ willingness to pay for clothing has been reduced even further in the Korean market even though the low-growth trend in the economy has stabilized. So, it is very important to analyze and study the consumption tendency for low and mid-priced fashion brands among both Chinese and Korean consumers. The purpose of this study was to investigate how Chinese and Korean consumers perceive the personality of mid- and low-priced fashion brands and how such personality affects brand loyalty, commitment, and perceived quality. Brand personality is a vital area of research since fashion products are a type of consumer good that is consumed by users close to the body and which can express the self and the personality to others. Aaker (1997) developed a brand personality measurement scale consisting of five dimensions which many researchers have used in exploring the brand personality dimension in various industries. In the study of fashion in particular, the dimension of brand personality has been explored and its effects have been analyzed. However, most of the research has focused on luxury or high priced brands. Also, the research has not compared cultures such as China and Korea in this regard. Therefore, this study explored how Chinese and Korean consumers perceive some of the mid- to low-end priced brands originating in Europe and Korea. Also, the research examined how multiple dimensions of brand personality affected perceived quality, commitment, and brand loyalty. This study assumed that perceived quality and commitment may mediate the relationship between brand personality dimensions and loyalty. In order to conduct quantitative research, this study adopted scales from the previous literature to measure the variables used in the research model. A professional online research company conducted the survey, which was designed to be administered only to potential consumers of mid-and low-priced fashion brands who had purchased one or both European and Korean brands which were suggested in the survey. Also, gender (female), residential area (Seoul, Beijing, Shanghai), and age (21-39 years old) were controlled for. In this research, the European origin brand was the global SPA (Zara, H & M, ONLY), and there were eight Korean brands, including “Style Nanda,” which is popular in China (Refer to Table 1). The data collected on the 250 Korean and 250 Chinese participants were analyzed using statistical package SPSS 20.0. The brand personality dimension was explored using factor analysis which applied Varimax rotation based on the principle component method. As a result, even though the items included were found to be somewhat different according to the country and origin of the brand, the brand personality dimensions of the European global brands turned out to be similar and reflected “TRENDY, SINCERITY, AND COMPETENCE.” Also, Chinese consumers’ perception of brand personality in Korean brands was found to be similar to their perception of European brands. However, Korean consumers’ perception of Korean brands, which are of course their own brands, was more diverse reflecting “TRENDY, SINCERITY, COMPETENCE, AND OUTGOING.” This seems to be because Korean consumers may have had more chance to experience Korean brands either online or offline through visiting stores or being exposed to a variety of marketing communications. Thus, because there are more Korean brands than European, Korean consumers may be able to have an accurate perception of the personality of Korean brands. The conceptual model of the current research includes the relationships among multiple dimensions of brand personality in perceived quality, commitment, and loyalty. Also, the mediating effect of quality and commitment between brand personality and loyalty was examined. In order to test the hypotheses, hierarchical multiple regression using SPSS was analyzed and is described in Table 2 in relation to European brands and in Table 3 in relation to Korean brands. As expected, brand personality dimensions that were found to be a significant factor in perceived quality, commitment, and loyalty were likely to vary based on Chinese or Korean perceptions. For Korean consumers’ perception of global brands, while TRENDY was likely to be the most powerful personality dimension forming brand loyalty, its impact on loyalty seemed not to be mediated by quality but rather by commitment. Also, the influences of COMPETENCE on loyalty were mediated by quality and commitment. For Chinese consumers’ perception of global brands, the impacts of SINCERITY as well as TRENDY on loyalty were found to be mediated by quality and commitment. In addition, COMPETENCE seemed to have a rather direct impact on quality, commitment, and loyalty without a mediating effect. For local brands, Korean consumers did not seem to rely on brand personality or commitment when considering brand loyalty. Since the R2 did not improve at all with adding mediating factors such as quality and commitment, there was found to be no mediating effects in the Korean cases for local brands. In particular, while TRENDY directly impacted loyalty, OUTGOING was found to be significant only in its impact on quality. On the other hand, all three dimensions of local brand personality turned out to be significant influencers on loyalty and quality for Chinese consumers. The impact of TRENDY and COMPETENCE on loyalty seems to be mediated by quality and commitment. In this study, we found that mid- to low-end fashion brands seemed to reflect valid brand personality according to the brand’s origin (global vs. local) as well as consumers’ culture (Chinese vs. Korean). Also, the effect of brand personality dimension was different. This study contributes to the study of brand personality and the Chinese fashion market by comparing a conceptual model of the consumption behavior of Chinese and Korean consumers in relation to mid and low-priced fashion brands and brand awareness formation. In particular, the research revealed differences between Chinese and Korean consumers, suggesting different approaches for Korean fashion practitioners who are planning on entering China, which has not only a similar market to that of Korea but also one that is familiar to Korean practitioners.

This study aimed to investigate potential acceptability of Korean jang products among Halal food consumer’s to predict its market possibility in a Halal food market. Focus Group Interview (FGI) was implemented to 11 Halal food consumers residing in Korea for more than 4 month. During the test, 3 types of fermented paste, doenjang, ssamjang and gochujang were evaluated by applying these to Korean foods. In depth interview was conducted on the liking of the jang applied samples, general experiences of Korean food and fermented food in their home countries. The results showed that consumers were positive to Korean jang applied samples in general. The mean liking ratings of doenjang, ssamjang and gochujang were 7.1, 7 and 7.6 on 9-point hedonic scale, respectively. Consumers focused on the sweet and spicy flavor quality of the samples. Consumers commonly responded that the doenjang tasted too salty and needed to increase sweet and spicy flavor, and ssamjang needed to increase spicy flavor as well. Sweetening was necessary for gochujang. The reasons of liking Korean jang were because the flavors were unique yet familiar. The balanced flavor of salty, sweet and spicy flavor were additional reasons of liking. However, the fermented smell of jang products were reasons of disliking the products.

Despite growing interest in Korean foods, South-east Asian consumers’ perception and acceptance of Korean foods have not been well elucidated. This study was conducted to understand South-east Asian Muslim consumers’ perception and acceptance of Korean foods and the association with their food neophobia level. Ninety-three Muslim consumers (mean ages 25.2, men 35.5%, women 64.5%) from Malaysia (72%), Indonesia (16.1%), and Singapore (11.9%) rated their degree of food neophobia as well as recognition and acceptance of representative Korean menu items. Background data such as duration of stay and Korean food consumption habits were collected. Overall, participants perceived Korean foods positively (4.04 on a 5-point hedonic scale). Most well-recognized Korean foods were gimbap and bulgogi, whereas less-known spicy foods such as ojingoe deopbap were most liked among items that were actually consumed. A neophobic group rated Korean foods less favorably than neutral and neophilic groups (p<0.05). Future studies are required to identify whether or not South-east Asian Muslim consumers’ food neophobia is formed under the influence of religious regulations or reflect individual consumers’ personal traits.

As the popularity of Korean drama and celebrities in China, Korean fashion is becoming increasingly popular in the Chinese market. Although the effect of Korean drama on Chinse consumers’ attitudes toward Korean products are known, little research has been conducted to understand the mechanisms underlying the impact of Korean drama on the development of consumer attitudes. Thus, this study examines how Chinese consumers’ exposure to Korean dramas has influenced their attitudes towards Korean fashion products. Applying the similarity-attraction theory, the study explores the roles Chinese consumers’ perceived similarities in appearance and values with Korean characters in TV dramas plays in the process of attitude development. Data was collected via an online survey and the responses of 317 Chinese consumers in their twenties were used for data analysis. The results of structural equation modeling show that exposure to Korean dramas has a direct impact on Chinese consumers’ perceived appearance similarity, perceived value similarity, image of Korean people, and attitudes toward Korean fashion products—results that support the theory of mere exposure. In addition, the analysis demonstrates that perceived appearance similarity positively influences the image of Koreans among Chinese people, which, in turn, influences attitudes toward Korean fashion products, supporting the similarity-attraction theory. However, the effect of perceived value similarity on attitude toward Korean fashion products was not significant. The study concludes by describing its practical implications for the Korean fashion industry and presenting ideas for future research.

The objective of this study was to explore the role of familiarity in cross-cultural product perception and perception changes according to food systems (hot sauce and spicy-chicken) in Korean and US consumers. Free choice profiling was conducted by Korean and US consumers on four spicy-chicken samples made using four hot sauce samples. Half of the hot sauce samples were selected to be more familiar to US consumers and vice versa to Korean consumers. A previous study that investigated cross-cultural perceptions of the same four hot sauce samples in US and Korean consumers was incorporated in this study. For distinct sample differences, US and Korean consumers perceived products similarly. However, for less obvious differences, flavor familiarity seemed to affect consumers’ product perceptions. In addition, product perceptions changed more dramatically according to food systems for familiar samples in each country. The findings of this study show that consumers’ product perception can be affected by flavor familiarities.

The current study aims to segment Chinese female consumers using their lifestyle dimensions in the cosmetics market, and analyze their cosmetics purchasing behavior based on that segmentation. Specifically, lifestyle groups were examined to see if there is any group difference(s) in consumer behavior for Korean cosmetics. Lifestyle groups were examined based on: consumers’ demographic characteristics, perceived brand attributes, loyalty toward Korean cosmetics, usage of Korean cosmetics products, preferred stores of shopping for Korean cosmetics, and use of information sources in purchase decisions. An online survey was administered to female consumers who live in Beijing and Shanghai. A total of 493 surveys were used for data analyses. The results of the study were as follows: First, factor analysis revealed 11 significant lifestyle dimensions. Second, using these 11 lifestyle dimensions, cluster analysis was conducted, which revealed four distinct groups of consumers: (1) “timid inactive group,” characterized by having low scores in most lifestyle dimensions; (2) “showcase goers,” who tend to be highly fashion/appearance-conscious and brand-oriented; (3) “practical buyers,” who tend to be price-conscious, sensitive and timid; and (4) “sensible buyers,” who enjoy finer meals and wellbeing lifestyles, as well as hardworking in everything and impulse-buy things. Third, consumer behavior of purchasing Korean cosmetics brands were examined; significant differences among the four lifestyle groups were found. The study concludes with a discussion of the results and practical implications.