Samsung is a leading electronics manufacturer based in South Korea . It is the world’s largest manufacturer of mobile phones. It is also the largest manufacturer of semiconductor chips. These chips include microprocessors, which serve as the “brain” of a computer, and memory chips, which can store information electronically. The company also has shipbuilding, construction, life insurance, and advertising divisions. In addition, it operates a theme park called Everland in Yongin, near Seoul . Samsung Electronics—the company’s most profitable division—has become known for its popular laptop computers, tablets, and smartphones.
Samsung began as a small export company in 1938 in Daegu (also spelled Taegu). The electronics division started in 1969. At first, Samsung manufactured a wide range of household technologies, including washing machines, refrigerators, and televisions. The company later became active in improving the design of computer chips and other digital technologies. In 2009, Samsung Electronics became the largest information technology company in the world, with sales of around $120 billion.
Samsung has won acclaim for its streamlined design of mobile phones and tablet computers. The company’s Galaxy series is among the most popular smartphones in the world, along with Apple Inc.’s iPhone, introduced in 2007. The Galaxy products use Android, a popular mobile operating system (master control program) developed by Google . In 2012, Samsung became the world’s top mobile phone manufacturer.
Samsung is headquartered in Seoul. The company’s success has greatly contributed to the so-called “Miracle on the Han River,” a period of economic growth and technological innovation in the region since the 1960’s.
