Daum communications is huge, they are the biggest operator of Korean websites and they also operate in China with 365ren.com, and in the U.S. with the acquired Lycos portal. The word ‘Daum’ is Korean for ‘next’, but at first sight, they might come over as another boring web portal aiming for sensational celebrity news, or is it?

Okay, Browsing to Daum.net feels like browsing through time at first. Don’t be surprised to see a banner in the middle of the screen, offering you a Daum car insurance, or other income streams in in-house finance or shopping products. However, Daum.net scores (40 million active users) with UCG (user generated content) and sensational news.

The most interesting thing about Daum is the combination of user generated content and the connections to mass media networks and companies. ‘Web stars’ from the video portal make appearances on dedicated TV programs. Also, companies are realizing the power of the new media, and show increasing interest in organizing contests, offering prizes to original video uploads. It seems that Daum is innovative in it’s approach in user generated content, and might be a interesting thing to look for as a ‘old media company’.

The Daum Communications corporation is still growing, to revenues of almost 400 million in 2007.

I hope you like that post!

Tags: Korea