Samsung is one of the largest and most well-known technology companies in the world. From smartphones to TVs and home appliances, Samsung makes all kinds of cool gadgets and devices. But there’s a lot more to this company than meets the eye. Here are 10 fascinating things you should know about Samsung:
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1. Samsung started as a grocery trading business
Back in 1938, Samsung began as a small trading company selling noodles and other groceries in Korea. The company was founded by Lee Byung-chul as a small-scale business. It wasn’t until the late 1960s that Samsung started getting into electronics.
2. The meaning behind the company name
The Korean word “Samsung” actually translates to “three stars” in English. The “three stars” represent something big, numerous and powerful, reflecting Samsung founder Lee Byung-chul’s vision for his new company.
3. Samsung is a highly diversified company
While Samsung is best known for gadgets like phones today, the company doesn’t just make electronics. Samsung has its hands in:
- Consumer electronics – TVs, phones, appliances, etc
- Semiconductors and chips – Memory chips and processors
- Displays – Advanced OLED and quantum dot LCD panels
- Heavy industries – Shipbuilding, aerospace, biotech and more
Very few companies in the world are as diversified in industries as Samsung.
4. The iconic Samsung logo has an interesting backstory
The now-iconic blue oval Samsung logo actually began as just plain black text spelling out “Samsung” in 1993.
In oval shape was added to the logo in 1995 to symbolize “the spirit of reform and openness.” The neutral blue oval shape reflects Samsung’s commitment to being environmentally-friendly.
| Year | Samsung Logo |
|---|---|
| Pre-1993 | Plain black text spelling “Samsung” |
| 1993-1995 | Stylized white text on a black background |
| 1995-Present | Iconic blue oval with white stylized text |
The logo has remained the same blue oval with minor updates since then.
5. Samsung makes silent washing machines with sound effects
Washing machines can get pretty noisy. But some Samsung washing machines actually play little jingles when the washing cycle is done instead of an annoying buzz. Why? Research showed that people preferred these soothing melodies over buzzing alarms. The sound effects make chores just a little more pleasant!
6. The Galaxy Note was invented on an airplane
The original Galaxy Note phone with its signature huge screen and S Pen stylus was dreamed up by a Samsung employee on a long 11-hour flight back home.
Apparently the idea just came to him: what if a smartphone and handwriting tablet merged into a single device? And thus the “phablet” category was born!
7. Samsung once sold curry sauce and noodles
Remember how I mentioned Samsung started off selling groceries in Korea? Well back then, they sold all sorts of foods including curry mixes, powdered spices, instant noodles, green tea and more.
It wasn’t until 1969 that Samsung produced its first black-and-white TV followed by its first refrigerator a couple years later. And the rest is history!
8. There’s a Samsung theme park
Ever heard of Samsungland? It’s a Samsung-themed park filled with high-tech exhibits and showcases located at the company HQ in South Korea. Sadly it’s not open to the public, but it sounds like an awesome place for Samsung fans to visit!
9. The Chairman has a history degree
The current Chairman of Samsung, Lee Jae-yong, received his Bachelor of Arts degree in East Asian history from Seoul National University, and his Master of Business Administration degree from Keio University, which is a rival University of his father and grandfather’s alma mater Waseda University, Tokyo.
He only joined Samsung in the early 2000s when his father and prior Chairman Lee Kun-hee began preparing his son to take over. Unlike most tech Chairmen, Jae-yong has more of a humanities background.
10. Samsung gives early access to crazy inventions
Samsung is always coming up with mind-blowing concept inventions far into the future. They give exclusive sneak peeks through an “Innovation Museum” at their Korea HQ.
Visitors have playtested concepts like phone screens that wrap around your wrist, or TVs that can roll up like posters. There’s no telling when or whether these early-stage projects will become real – but they offer a glimpse into Samsung innovation!
And there you have it – 10 fascinating facts you probably didn’t know about the tech giant Samsung! Which one was the most interesting or surprising to you? Let me know in the comments!
