[THE INVESTOR] California-based Apple is set to launch its first flagship store in South Korea, home to Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics, according to news reports on Sept. 21.

Local news outlet Chosun Biz reported that the iPhone maker will open its first Apple Store in Sinsa-dong, an upscale district in Seoul, in a bid to better serve the Korean customers.




The US tech firm is said to have signed a deal to rent land, of approximately 530 square meters, and is expected to build the store comprising two to three stories.

Apple has been running flagship stores in around 100 nations, running after-sales service programs for its products, and first releases its new iPhone handsets in these nations. As a result, Korean consumers have been able to lay their hands on new iPhone models belatedly so far.

Korean consumers have often expressed dissatisfaction with below-par after-sales services provided by third-party agencies.

Apple Korea refused to confirm the news.

By Kim Young-won (wone0102@heraldcorp.com)