Among numerous contributors, small- and medium-sized enterprises¡¯- which have been played pivotal roles in the national economy accounting for 99.9% of all enterprises (3 million SMEs), 87.7% of all employees (10.8 million employees), and 47.6% of production - contributions for the outcome deserve to be especially esteemed in spite of their comparatively low ratio of entire performance compared to many conglomerates including Samsung Electronics, Hyundai Motor, etc.

With their independent consistent utmost efforts for expanding their presence in the global market and favorable export conditions mainly by FTAs made with South Korea, Korean SMEs are witnessed slightly expanded volume of export to foreign markets amid global recession in consumption - especially in the area of automotive parts.

South Korean SMEs are played their importing role for the performance through directly exporting their flagship export items to global market and helping export of the finished goods of the larger-sized Korean enterprises by supplying parts products to them.

There is remarkable government-level policy behind SMEs¡¯apparent contribution to the nation¡¯s such stride. The Small and Medium Business Administration (SMBA) executed a policy that is designed with an aim to help strengthen the export capacity of South Korean SMEs. This policy is focused on boosting the gradual increase of SMBs¡¯ export volume by supplying various kinds of specific services promoting exports of SMEs including education, design, global market information supply, marketing, market research, strategy consulting, global brand development, etc.

Under this support policy, last year, more than 1,600 Korean SMEs could enjoy direct and indirect effect in expanding their presence in global markets through being intensively, frequently, effectively, and strategically exposed to global business partners by supported export-boosting services.

For contributing to the further increase of the global presence of those selected items in 2013 again, Korea Buyers Guide covers 50 companies¡¯products based upon their comparatively superior quality among more than 1,600 companies¡¯ items.

Certain plants are used for flavor, medical, food, perfume, etc. They are called ¡°Herbs,¡± and each of them functions uniquely. As health and well-being get more attention these days, people become more and more interested in herbal products. SKY-LAKE, a Korean cosmetic manufacturer, is steadily building relationships with customers by combining beauty products with oriental medicine.

Beauty could be only skin-deep, but it sometimes can be more than just a look. Especially, in today¡¯s world where both talent and beauty is not separable, people are busy not only improving their look but also developing their ability. And Korea¡¯s Cheongsu Cosmetics understand their needs.

Drugs are for many uses like medical and intoxicating. A medical drug in particular is a chemical element mainly for treating or preventing diseases. The most widely used one is Tylenol; people use it when they catch a cold or have a headache. After all, pharmacology develops, and the human being becomes a great beneficiary. For the survival of men, Korea¡¯s drug manufacturing company, KOREA PRIME PHARM sees itself as ¡°Human Health-oriented Enterprise.¡±

Bamboo salt means a lot to Korea. It is not only unique as a cultural treasure but also as an invaluable traditional food item. How it is made shows how brilliant the ancestor¡¯s wisdom was. With its history over 1,300 years, Korean bamboo salt¡¯s natural mineral is the Nature¡¯s great gift for men. Korea¡¯s SAMBO FOOD is helping more people experience it.

Established in 1999, Goshen Biotech has been specialized in developing and promoting functional foods¡¯ formulas and ingredients by focusing on extracting, refining, and developing lechithin and other materials. Its lechithin-related cosmetic and medical products have fared well in the market at home and abroad, thanks to effortful and continuous researches. Contributing to overall public health is Goshen Biotech¡¯s holygrail. For this, the firm has put in place necessary measures such as technology advancement and quality management.

For years, biotechnology was originally created for human survival, and for this. Thus it has been applied to mainly food production and medicine. The study involves introducing new products by using biological systems, living organisms, and their derivatives. At the threshold of 21st century, biotechnology successfully expanded into diverse industries. Korea¡¯s GLONM as an expert for biotechnology has a lot to offer.

Rice is surprisingly the second most popular food behind corn. Especially, as a staple food in Asia, among many species, soft and sticky one is preferred, and rice also has become a significant symbol meaning fertility and prosperity. Korea is one of Asian countries where rice is consumed largely. JAEHEE RPC(Rice Processing Complex) is leading its industry with parboiled rice.

With 45 years of experience in the tuna-processing business, Daewang specializes in developing and manufacturing tuna seasoning sauces in Korea. Daewang has strived to develop various tuna seasoning sauces that retain the nutritional value and taste of tuna and launched its own ¡°asia su:n¡± brand in the global market.

A distilled beverage is people¡¯s longtime companion. We drink it for good or bad times. As an alcoholic beverage, it is also a good way for strangers to make friends. In Korea, its cousins like Soju and Makgoeli play a big role and are quite popular. But the best tastes come from traditional types, and Korea¡¯s distiller Charm Bon knows them inside out.

Being rich in fiber and protein, edible seaweeds or marine algae are one of the most used food items in many coastal cuisines. They are particularly popular and have a long history in Korea, Japan, and China. Especially in Korea, dried seaweeds are quite popular. People enjoy eating them mostly dried red alga in different soups or wrappings like Japan¡¯s sushi or Korea¡¯s Gimbap. Its current status as a staple food somewhat has been possible due to Nam Kwang Food¡¯s contribution or nationwide distribution.