ABSTRACT
This chapter, which is based on findings from a study, in which 37 face-to-face interviews were conducted with senior executives of foreign companies and various chambers of commerce in Korea, offers qualitative insights into the critical and often invisible issues to be considered for a successful transformation of Korea into a business hub in Northeast Asia. It also examines interpretations of the hub concept, barriers to becoming a hub, and competition from other locations. It presents the results of research into the views and experiences of CEOs and other senior foreign executives in two specific areas: the competitiveness of the Korean business environment; and the potential for Korea to become an Asian business centre or 'hub'. In particular, the chapter focuses on different interpretations of the meaning of the term 'hub' and Korea's current attractiveness and future potential for becoming one kind of hub or another. It delivers an analysis of Korea's new globalisation strategy initiated by the Korean government.
