When you hear the name Samsung, the first thing that might come to mind is smartphones or sleek flat-screen TVs.
While these are certainly major parts of what Samsung does, there’s much more to this company than meets the eye.
Samsung is a global powerhouse with a rich history and a surprisingly diverse range of businesses.
In this article, we’ll uncover 10 fascinating facts about Samsung that will give you a whole new appreciation for this tech giant.
1. Samsung Began as a Grocery Trading Company
Yes, you read that right!
Samsung wasn’t always the tech giant we know today.
When it was founded in 1938 by Lee Byung-chul, Samsung started out as a small trading company in South Korea.
The company’s primary business was selling dried fish, locally grown produce, and noodles.
For nearly three decades, Samsung focused on trading and other small businesses.
It wasn’t until the late 1960s that the company began shifting into the electronics world.
Who would have thought that a grocery trading company could evolve into a global tech leader?
2. The Name ‘Samsung’ Means “Three Stars”
Samsung isn’t just a random word.
It has a deep meaning in Korean culture.
The name ‘Samsung’ is derived from the Korean word for “three stars.”
The number three symbolizes something “big, powerful, and numerous,” while stars represent “eternity.”
The founder envisioned Samsung becoming a company as everlasting and massive as the stars in the sky.
Today, with Samsung being one of the biggest companies in the world, it seems like his vision has come true.
3. Samsung Helped Build the World’s Tallest Building
It might surprise you to learn that Samsung doesn’t just make electronics—it also builds some of the world’s most impressive structures.
Samsung C&T, the company’s construction division, played a crucial role in building the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the tallest building on the planet.
The Burj Khalifa stands at an astonishing height of 828 meters (2,717 feet).
This achievement shows that Samsung’s expertise extends far beyond gadgets and appliances, reaching even into global architecture.
4. Samsung Does Much More Than Electronics
While Samsung is most famous for its technology, the company is involved in a wide array of industries.
Samsung has businesses in construction, shipbuilding, insurance, fashion, hotels, and even amusement parks!
For example, Samsung Heavy Industries is one of the world’s largest shipbuilders, producing massive vessels that travel the globe.
Meanwhile, Samsung Life Insurance is a leader in South Korea’s financial sector, and Samsung C&T has constructed buildings, including skyscrapers and sports stadiums.
5. Samsung’s First Mobile Phone Was a Failure
Today, Samsung’s Galaxy series is a dominant force in the smartphone world.
But success didn’t come easy.
Samsung’s very first mobile phone, the SC-1000, launched in 1988, was a total flop.
The phone suffered from poor reception, and Samsung struggled to compete against Motorola, which was the market leader at the time.
However, Samsung didn’t give up.
It learned from its mistakes and invested heavily in improving its mobile technology, eventually leading to the creation of the massively successful Galaxy smartphones.
6. Samsung Is a Global Leader in Semiconductors
In addition to its consumer electronics, Samsung is also a dominant player in the semiconductor industry.
Semiconductors, or “chips,” are tiny components that power everything from computers to smartphones and even cars.
Samsung has become one of the world’s largest producers of these chips, supplying other companies with the essential technology needed to make their products work.
Samsung has been neck-and-neck with Intel in recent years, competing for the top spot as the world’s largest semiconductor manufacturer.
Without Samsung’s contributions, much of our modern technology simply wouldn’t function.
7. Samsung Is Committed to a Greener Planet
In recent years, Samsung has made significant strides in environmental sustainability.
The company has pledged to become carbon neutral by 2050, with plans to reduce its environmental impact across all areas of its business.
For example, Samsung’s “Galaxy for the Planet” initiative focuses on reducing plastic waste and increasing the use of recycled materials in its products.
They’re also working on making their manufacturing processes more energy-efficient.
In addition, Samsung’s headquarters in South Korea is designed with green spaces and promotes the use of renewable energy.
8. Samsung Is One of the World’s Largest Employers
Samsung isn’t just one of the world’s biggest tech companies; it’s also one of the largest employers globally.
The company has over 266,000 employees worldwide, working in various sectors such as technology, construction, shipbuilding, and more.
Samsung’s employees aren’t just focused on producing today’s technology—they’re also deeply involved in research and development (R&D) to create the innovations of tomorrow.
Samsung invests billions of dollars each year into R&D to ensure it stays ahead in the highly competitive tech industry.
9. Samsung Has Over 200,000 Patents
Samsung is a true innovation powerhouse.
The company holds more than 200,000 patents, making it one of the world’s largest patent holders.
These patents cover everything from cutting-edge smartphone technology to advancements in home appliances, semiconductors, and even medical equipment.
Samsung’s focus on research and development has allowed it to maintain a competitive edge and continue leading the way in multiple industries.
Many of the gadgets and innovations we use today wouldn’t exist without Samsung’s relentless pursuit of innovation.
10. Samsung Owns an Amusement Park
Here’s a fun fact you probably didn’t see coming: Samsung owns and operates an amusement park!
Everland, located in Yongin, South Korea, is the country’s largest theme park and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Asia.
Everland offers thrilling roller coasters, beautiful gardens, and even a zoo.
It’s another example of how diversified Samsung’s business empire is.
Not many people can say they’ve enjoyed a ride at an amusement park owned by a tech company!
Final Thoughts
Samsung is much more than a brand that makes phones and TVs.
It’s a global conglomerate with a fascinating history and an astonishingly wide range of businesses.
From its humble beginnings as a grocery trading company to becoming a leader in construction, shipbuilding, and semiconductors, Samsung has constantly evolved and expanded.
The next time you use a Samsung product, remember that you’re engaging with a company that has built some of the tallest structures on earth, created world-leading technology, and even has its own amusement park!
Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or just curious about the world’s biggest companies, there’s no denying that Samsung’s impact reaches far beyond the screen of your smartphone.
