Time now for our "Life & Info" segment,... where we focus on information useful for your everyday life.
Today we are going to talk about the 'gig economy' in South Korea...and how we can all get involved to make a little extra cash.
Our Ko Roon-hee is in the studio with us for more.
Roon-hee, start off by telling what the 'gig economy' is.
Yes Mark.
'Gig economy' generally refers to a labor market where temporary positions are common...as opposed to permanent jobs.
So it's different from traditional economy...where many full-time workers want careers that spread across their whole working life.
An American management consulting firm provided a more precise definition.
McKinsey & Company defined the 'gig economy' as a contingent work that is transacted on a digital marketplace.
This excludes ongoing part-time employment and freelance work that is not contracted on an online talent platform.
By digital marketplace, it includes mobile applications like Uber.
So, if you have worked as a driver in a ride-sharing service or as a host in Airbnb, you are part of the gig economy.
Ok, now we have a clearer sense of what it is...but how does it apply here in South Korea?
Most of us have heard of Uber and Airbnb, but can you give us some local examples?
Sure. there are many digital marketplaces that offer the 'gig economy experience.'
Today I want to introduce some popular ones in Korea where people can share their talents.
First is an activity platform service called 'Frip'.
If you sign into the 'Frip' application, you can meet diverse so-called 'hosts' providing lessons.
I actually use this app quite often, and it varies from sports, culture, travel, cooking and more.
So for instance, if you are a talented photographer, you can advertise yourself and your career...and people can pay and sign up for some classes or tips from you.
I actually met someone who is a popular host on the Frip platform.
He holds wine classes after work...by using his experience in the field.
Let's take a look.
Lee Do-kyung works in the finance industry...and after he gets off work, he holds wine classes.
His classes deal with the history and basics of wine...and of course, tasting it with delicious food.
Lee uses the 'Frip' application to advertise his classes.
When I visited his class, about 15 students were there on a weekday at around 7:30 P.M., when most Korean workers get off work.
He told me why he's been doing this for a while.
"When I come here, I feel recharged and relaxed because the attendees pay attention to my classes. I learned about wine in France, and I want to inform people who have an interest in wine."
That class looks very interesting, indeed. I'm more of a white wine drinker myself, especially Chardonnay.
So besides wine, I hear 'fashion' is another popular lesson... not that surprising in such a fashion-mad country...
Yes, you are right.
Another example of people 'selling' their talent is in the fashion field.
I met someone as well...and experi