Samsung is a globally acclaimed touchstone in technology advancement, world-renowned for its cutting-edge products. Yet aside from being synonymous with high-quality electronics, there are aspects of its rich history and corporate culture you might not be aware of. Here are eight interesting details about Samsung that most people don’t know.

The Origins of Samsung

Samsung was not always a tech giant, as we perceive it today. It was founded in 1938 as a trading company dealing primarily in local groceries. It began its journey in electronics much later, in the 1960s, and since then has evolved into a leading global tech company.

Samsung’s Smartphone Division is bigger than Apple and Google Combined

If you’re an iPhone fan, it’s easy to assume that Apple is the largest smartphone manufacturer in the world. After all, it has been making smartphones for years and has a reputation as an innovator. But even though Apple is one of the most valuable companies on earth, its market share pales in comparison to Samsung.

Armed with this knowledge—and armed with any of their favorite Galaxy devices—you can now go forth into your day with a new sense of purpose and confidence. You are not just buying a phone or tablet; you are helping keep South Korea afloat!

Samsung Makes More Money from Chips than Phones

The company has been making semiconductors since 2010. As of 2018, Samsung is the world’s largest manufacturer of LCD panels and LED lighting. They also have a larger market share in India than Apple does, thanks to low-cost smartphones like the Galaxy J2 Pro.

Samsung is the World’s Largest Manufacturer of LCD Panels and LED Lighting

You’ve probably heard of the Samsung Galaxy smartphone, but what about Samsung the company? If you were to visit your local electronics store and asked for a “Samsung” television, chances are they would point you towards their line of LCD TVs. And if you asked for a “Samsung” laptop, they would direct you to their line of LED monitors.

As a multinational conglomerate that makes everything from chip production facilities to consumer electronics—and everything in between—Samsung has become one of the largest companies on Earth by participating in industries as diverse as aerospace engineering, heavy industry manufacturing and semiconductor production.

Samsung’s Innovation in Display Technology

Samsung leads the world in innovation in display technology. It was the first company to introduce the world to OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diodes) display technology, which is now commonly seen in high-end smartphones and TVs.

Samsung Electronics’ first Product was Black-and-White Television

Samsung Electronics’ first product was a black-and-white television, which was developed in April, 1973. The company was originally called Samsung Electronics Company Limited, but later changed its name to Samsung Corporation.

One Day Every Month, Every Employee at Samsung Headquarters in Seoul Has Cleaning Duty

Did you know that every month, all employees at Samsung headquarters in Seoul have cleaning duty? Even the CEO and all department heads are expected to pitch in. And yes, they clean toilets as well. The general idea is that everyone should be treated equally and take responsibility for keeping the office clean. It’s a great way for them to build camaraderie among themselves!

If you come visit on a Saturday afternoon and see a group of people cleaning desks together or mopping floors, don’t be surprised! Just ask them what they’re doing and why it’s important for them—they’ll likely tell you that it’s one way they feel connected with their company and its values.

Samsung means “3 stars” or “tristar”.

You may have heard that the Samsung brand name is a relatively recent development. But what you might not know is that it’s not just a name: it also means something important in Korean culture.

The word “Samsung” actually translates to “three stars” or “tristar,” which was selected because “The number three represents something ‘big,’ ‘numerous,’ and powerful.’”

That’s right! The founder of this massive company wanted to create a company that would last for three generations, so he named his new venture after the traditional Korean symbol for longevity and prosperity—the tristar!

Paid Child Caregiver Leave

Samsung offers a generous paid caregiving leave policy, which gives new parents 12 weeks of fully paid leave. You can take your maternity or paternity leave in one block or in increments over the course of several years, depending on your needs. If you prefer to work from home for part of your time off, that’s an option as well. The company also provides childcare on campus and has on-site facilities for nursing mothers as well as lactation rooms throughout its offices worldwide.

Samsung was Initially a Noodle Business and a Grocery Store

You may know that Samsung is an electronics company, but what you may not know is that the company was originally started by Lee Byung-chul in 1938. At the time, Samsung was a noodle business and grocery store.

Samsung’s Contribution to South Korea’s GDP

Samsung’s economic impact on South Korea, its home country, is unbelievably substantial. In a normal year, Samsung accounts for about 20% of South Korea’s entire Gross Domestic Product (GDP), marking it as a hallmark of the country’s economic strength.

Samsung Has an Amusement Park

In addition to its tech and other endeavors, Samsung also owns an amusement park! Everland, run by Samsung C&T Corporation, a subsidiary of the Samsung Group, is South Korea’s largest theme park.

An Army of Employees Worldwide

Employing a whopping number of around 320,000 people worldwide, Samsung’s extensive workforce is larger than the entire population of many cities around the world. This immense team plays a crucial role in keeping Samsung at the forefront of global innovation.

In Conclusion

Samsung’s name extends well beyond electronics and smartphones. Its rich history, remarkable contributions to various sectors, and deeply-set corporate philosophies make it a fascinating giant not just on the technological front, but also on a social and economic level. So, next time you pick up a Samsung device, remember – there’s a lot more to this company than first meets the eye.