The U. S. tech giant announced plans on Friday to open its first retail outlet in South Korea. The store will be located in Seoul, which is also Samsung’s headquarters.
« We’re excited about opening our first Apple Store in Korea, one of the world’s economic centers and a leader in telecommunication and technology, with a vibrant K-culture, » Apple said in a statement.
Apple’s job website currently lists 14 Korea-based retail positions. Roles include « Store Leader, » « Senior Manager » and a gig working at the Apple Store’s famous Genius Bar.
« We’re now hiring the team that will offer our customers in Seoul the service, education and entertainment that is loved by Apple customers around the world, » the statement added.
Apple ( AAPL , Tech30 ) did not provide a timetable for when the store will open, or its precise location in Seoul.
Samsung ( SSNLF ) and Apple primarily do battle in the smartphone market. The Korean firm currently dominates with 21% of global market share compared to 12.5% for Apple, according to research firm IDC.
Apple has been trying to expand its presence in Asia — especially China and India — with mixed success.
Making inroads in South Korea is likely to be tougher, even if Samsung is still enduring fallout from its exploding Note 7 smartphones .
Samsung is one of the country’s vitally important conglomerates, or « chaebols, » selling everything from washing machines to heavy equipment and life insurance.
— Sol Han contributed reporting
