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.

Due to excessive work hours, we all physically or mentally suffer almost every day. In order to treat or at least minimize following stress, our ancestors with limited resources found alternative ways for treatment. Interestingly, their somewhat old methods are proved to excel new ones. Korea¡¯s JISAN FOOD is making it happen, in fact, for years.

By using salt and a low temperature drying, jerky is made. This flat and savory dried meat strip comes handy when you feel like biting something on your couch. People can find lots of different jerky products besides beef one, and enjoy chewing sweet taste. DONGPLUS, Korea¡¯s jerky manufacturer, is ready to meet increasing demand in Korea.

The sweet potato is one of the most widely used root vegetables around the world. From Africa to Asia, Softness and sweet taste makes it even more popular. Moreover, it takes relatively less time to prepare and is easy to cook. It is a source for various vitamins and the other nutrients like iron and magnesium. And Korea¡¯s New Hi Farm adopts a traditional way to make sweet potato-based syrup that only the aristocrat could enjoy in old days.

Bamboo salt is made by burning bamboo trunks stuffed with sea salt and yellow soil 9 times. When the last heating process is underway at 1,400¡ÆC, any contaminated element disappeared, and pure minerals including several healthy elements can be created. These essential nutrients are absolute necessities for our human body. Korea¡¯ s bamboo salt producer, INSAN, still maintains its traditional and authentic bamboo salt production method.

Alcoholic drinks have always been with us for throughout the history. They used to be and still are inspiration; with drinking, many great poets were able to create beautiful lines that are still read today. Probably, what they drank were exceptional distilled beverages that made them feel happy and satisfied. One of the greatest Chinese poets, Li Bai, would certainly pen his poetry differently if he were to taste Korea¡¯s TAEPYUNG DISTILLERS¡¯ wine.

The fruits of Schisandra chinensis have five different tastes: sweet, sour, bitter, salty and spicy. Known as Omija in Korea, tea of the Schisandra chinensis is a well-being food that provides various health benefits. For example, it protects the lungs and improves blood circulation as well as effectively addresses diabetes. For these reasons, Schisandra chinensis has long been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for treating apoplexy, protecting one¡¯s liver and counteracting poison, as well as strengthening of the activity of the central nervous system and improvement of blood circulation.

Dooson Food is a socially responsible foodproducing company. Solely relying on its own technology, the firm has been supplying Silver food, Medical food, Functional Kids¡¯ food, etc., aiming to promoting healthy food culture. Dooson Food is determined to develop and introduce Hansik or Korean cuisine to the global market. Lately, buyers from Japan, American, and Europe have shown keen interest in the company¡¯s traditional Korean soups.

Tea is widely beloved by people all over the world and has been promoted as a healthy beverage. It is readily available right after simply pouring hot or cold water and tea plants into a cup. There are countless tea items that are extensively varied depending on their origin. Each of them has a unique flavor and healthy features that are native to its location. Korea is also proud of popular traditional Korean tea products, and Sunghwan F&B has been adding values to them.

Decor d¡¯Art designs and distributes a wide range of unique handmade accessories for trend-savvy women. The handmade ribbon accessories and ribbon art which come in lots of different styles and ribbons to suit different tastes. Unique and special designed ribbons all around the world such as American, Europe, Korea and Japan, the company can produce any styles or ribbon hair accessories to match that special day of yours like weddings, birthdays and daily bases too.

Both clothing and fashion accessories are important in distinguishing your sense of style from that of others. In fact, the fashion accessories can make or break a well-designed outfit. Founded in 2003, Louis-Do¡¯r has been devoted to designing and distributing a wide range of unique silk scarves and neckties which are characterized by tradition and modernity.