One Stop Center Offers Foreign Business Needs
By John Redmond
Contributing writer
Setting up a business or a home in a foreign country is never easy. Working through red tape, learning local customs and finding your way around town can be very time consuming, and often frustrating.
Korea Trades and Services in Itaewon offers foreigners a range of products and services that take the hassle out of navigating these often hidden obstacles.
Having opened some six months ago, they offer a range of services and products including air and sea cargo through reputed couriers, a travel agency and consulting on import/export trade matters. The products and services include mobile phones (short or long term rental) computers, cameras, TVs, and international phone cards at wholesale prices.
Manager Ertizba Abbas said that, ``many of these services, though available in Korean are not available to foreigners in English. For example, many don't know that it is a lot easier to be on a mobile phone monthly rental plan than a prepaid option. This can be purely put down to the language barrier.''
The center also provides options for GSM phones, again with a minimum of complications as their staff are fluent in several languages.
The same can be said about all other services such as shipping and freight.
One service that may be of interest to many is foreign investment ― introducing foreign products to the Korean market and vice versa. Through consultations with authorities and business heads, they provide a conference room and display center, including assistance in Korean law, for those wishing to expand importation of foreign products into Korea.
For those wishing to get a start in the country, the mobile phone service is set up so that within the space of one hour it is possible to be up and running on any type of rental plan, depending on passport and visa expiration date.
No longer is it necessary to head to Yongsan for that computer purchase. The store's phone, camera and computer section features a full range of products and services including flat screen TVs compatible with the multi systems NTSC, PAL and SECAM.
All computers are in English unless otherwise requested.
The center is located next to the Seven Eleven in Itaewon just up from the fire station. To get there, leave Itaewon station, line 6, exit 3 and turn right at the intersection. The center is located on the corner of the next street on the left.
Store hours are from 10:00 am - 11:00pm, seven days a week including public holidays.
For more information, call 02-796-3600.