Pokémon Go finally launched in South Korea today, almost six months after the popular game's initial launch.
Developers Niantic had to overcome some unique challenges to bring Pokémons to the hugely lucrative gaming market because of the way the game relies on Google Maps to work.
Those functions are limited by the government for national security reasons, because the country is technically at war with North Korea, so Niantic had to use publicly available data sources to fill in the gaps.
Last year, some fans of the augmented reality title travelled to Sokcho, close to the border with North Korea, because the city is not classified as South Korean territory in Google Maps, which allowed the game to be played there.
According to The Associate Press, dedicated tour and travel packages were created for gamers to stay in Sokcho, where local businesses and restaurants embraced Pokémon to appeal to gamers, whose annual average gaming spend is said to be the highest in the world.
Top Rated Comments
Besides, Apple isn't quite as disliked in South Korea as you make out: http://www.forbes.com/sites/elaineramirez/2016/10/21/apples-iphone-7-causes-frenzy-in-south-korea-is-samsungs-hold-over-its-home-turf-in-jeopardy/#69582a267a01
Almost every Korean friend I have here in Seoul has iPhone, average ages run 25 to 45.
Most larger E-Marts have a mini Apple store.
The older 65+ crowd seems more into Samsung/LG.
On the bus I do see a lot of teens with mid ranger/entry level Samsung / LG devices.