SEOUL, South Korea — South Koreans got their first taste of the iPhone on Saturday as the multifunctional communication and entertainment device made its long awaited debut in one of the world’s most technologically sophisticated societies.
Though already available in other Asian countries such as Japan – where it went on sale last year – the slim smartphone got a late start in South Korea amid regulatory hurdles and tough negotiations between manufacturer Apple Inc. and a local telecommunications company.
But the waiting finally came to an end for about 850 South Koreans who took possession of their coveted iPhones at a boisterous official launching event in Seoul characterized by blaring music and flashing lights.
“I’m really happy because I waited for a long time,” said Kim Min-ju, a dentist who travelled to Seoul from the regional city of Cheongju. Kim said she planned to use her iPhone to study English.
Huh Jin-seok, the first recipient of the iPhone, had waited in line more than 26 hours outside the arena where the event took place. The 25-year-old university student expressed joy, though acknowledged being “a little bit tired.”
South Korea is home to world-beating technology corporations including Samsung Electronics Co. and LG Electronics Inc. The country is also known for its high penetration rate for broadband Internet as well as government encouragement for IT-related innovation.
Full Story: Canadian Press
