Traditional market stores turn to technology to survive in South Korea
Squeezed by competition and dwindling custom, these family operations are slowly going digital, replacing well-thumbed ledgers with tablet computers, and cash pouches with smartphones that can scan credit cards.
Seoul's traditional markets - bustling, narrow streets of small vendors selling cheap, fresh produce - have largely opted out of the high-tech charge to make the South Korean capital one of the most wired cities on earth.
But for those working in the country's 300 or so traditional markets, competing with supermarket chains like E-Mart and HomePlus with modern, spacious, air-conditioned stores and ample parking space is a daunting challenge.
Squeezed by competition and dwindling custom, these family operations are slowly going digital, replacing well-thumbed ledgers with tablet computers, and cash pouches with smartphones that can scan credit cards.
Yoo Hyung-Geun has been selling sesame oil at Seoul's outdoor Junggok Cheil market for the past 14 years. Two months ago he ditched his trusted manual cash register and replaced it with a Samsung Galaxy touchscreen tablet, provided free by the country's top mobile operator, SK Telecom.
The tablet not only functions as an electronic cash register, but also features software to help small businesses improve their performance.
At the most basic level, it stores and provides sales and inventory data. But it also lists and stores items bought by individuals, allowing Yoo to promote new products via text messages or e-mails to regular shoppers based on their buying history.