🎤 Global Webinar Held in Hong Kong
(From left) Alice Chang, Senior Economist at HKTDC Research; Edmund Lo, Economist at HKTDC Research; and Hwang Cheol-woo, a professional.
“Why do global manufacturers look to Korea first?
On April 16, Wadiz CFO Hwang Cheol-woo delivered a presentation to global manufacturers at the “Tap into the Trendsetting Korean Consumer Market” webinar hosted by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC).
This webinar focused on how global brands can enter the Korean marketand was structured around three main themes: "Why Korea," "Why Crowdfunding," and "Why Wadiz."
Why Korea? 🤔
The presentation introduced Korea as a testing ground for global brands.
As the Asian consumer market grows rapidly, South Korea is also a market that influences global consumer trends through K-content.
In addition, Korean consumers are known for their quick responsiveness, sensitivity to trends, high standards, and clear feedback.
In this regard, South Korea has been described as a market well-suited for testing products and gauging consumer response.
So, how do I get started? 🚀
Entering a new market comes with various challenges, such as brand awareness, demand forecasting, certification, and logistics.
Wadizproposed using crowdfundingfor this process. Crowdfunding is a model that reduces the burden of initial investment and allows companies to gauge market response before deciding on the next steps.
Simply put, you can think of it as an approach where you “show it first and gauge the response,” rather than “build it first and sell it.”
It was also noted that, particularly when entering a new market for the first time, a strategy focused on early adopters—the segment of customers who quickly embrace new products (approximately 16%)—is effective.
What role does Wadizplay? 👀
Wadizwas introduced as the launchpad that allows global makers to test the Korean market most quickly.
– No need to establish a Korean legal entity to get started
– Minimal certification requirements in the early stages
– AI translation and operational support provided
– Projects can be launched immediately
For global manufacturers, this provides an environment where they can reduce costs and test the market.
The presentation also highlighted examples of global brands such as Roborock, Ugreen, and Floud, which used Wadizto gauge initial market response before expanding their presence in the Korean market.
It was also emphasized that, in many cases, projects are connected to domestic distribution channels following funding, creating a structure that allows for expansion after entering the market.
💬 Highlights from the webinar
(From left) Alice Chang, Chief Economist at HKTDC Research; Edmund Lo, Economist at HKTDC Research; and Hwang Cheol-woo, a professional.
These questions were also raised during the webinar.
What is the perception of Chinese and Hong Kong brands? Are mid-range products also available?
In response, Wadizexplained that Korean consumers tend to experience a wide range of global brands and make purchasing decisions based on quality and value.
It was also emphasized that Wadiz isnot merely a place to find necessary products, but rather an Asian crowdfunding platform where users can discover innovative products.
✈️ Changes I Noticed at the Hong Kong Electronics Fair
(From left) Wadiz Jung Soo-yeon and Han Hye-rim at the Hong Kong Electronics Fair.
In addition to the webinar, Wadiztook the opportunity to meet with global makers in person at the Hong Kong Electronics Fair. While touring the event, we observed several interesting trends.
First, it was striking to see that AI had become less of a special feature and more of a “default” that is seamlessly integrated into products across the board, and that robotics technology was also expanding beyond the demo stage to be utilized in real-life and industrial settings.
It was also notable that there is a growing number of products—particularly in the smart home, health, and pet tech sectors—where it is clear exactly how they are used in specific situations.
In the field, I could see that the trend of designingnot just simple features or performance, but also the overall user experience, is becoming increasingly important.
🔎 Hong Kong Electronics Fair: WadizContinues WadizGlobal Expansion
Wadizparticipated as a keynote speaker at the Hong Kong Electronics Fair not only this year but also last year.
At the event, Wadizoutlined its strategy of first testing the market response in Korea and then expanding into the Asian market based on those results, while also explaining the role Wadizcould play in that process.
This webinar and site visit can also be seen as part of ourongoing global expansion effortsin line with this trend.
🏢 Why did we open an office in Shenzhen?
Exterior view of the Wadiz Shenzhen office
After wrapping up our time in Hong Kong, we headed to Shenzhen.
Shenzhen is known as a hub for global hardware and tech companies, offering an environment where ideas are quickly turned into products and brought to market.
In particular, since the entire ecosystem—from design to production and testing—operates within a relatively compact area, the region is regarded as a hub for tech makers known for their rapid execution.
By opening an office here ,Wadizhas established a foundation for discovering global makers and connecting them to opportunities for testing in the Korean market and subsequent expansion.
🌍 Find Your Fans, Everywhere
This trip to Hong Kong and Shenzhen was an opportunity to share insights into the Korean market, meet global manufacturers in person, and lay the groundwork for building lasting connections.
We shared market entry strategies through webinars, observed emerging trends at electronics trade shows, and even established a base in Shenzhen to foster connections with global manufacturers.
Wadizwill continue to serve as a platform that marks the "beginning of innovation," helping innovative global makers validate their potential in Korea and expand into new markets.
(From left) Martin Mo, an employee at the Wadiz Shenzhen office; Hye-rim Han, a project manager Wadiz; and Soo-yeon Jeong, a project manager at Wadiz.
