10 mind-blowing facts about Samsung that will shock you

When you think of Samsung, the first things that probably come to mind are sleek smartphones, cutting-edge TVs, and high-tech appliances.

But Samsung is far more than just a tech brand. The South Korean giant’s influence reaches far beyond smartphones and televisions.

Founded more than eight decades ago, Samsung’s journey from a humble trading company to a global powerhouse is filled with surprising achievements.

Here are 10 mind-blowing facts about Samsung that will change the way you see this company forever.

1. Samsung’s story began in 1938

Samsung was first introduced in 1938, when Lee Byung-chul founded it as a trading company in Japanese-occupied Korea.

Initially selling dried fish, noodles, and groceries, Samsung gradually expanded into food processing, textiles, insurance, and retail before entering the electronics industry in the late 1960s.

Today, it operates over 80 subsidiaries, including Samsung Electronics, Samsung Heavy Industries, Samsung Life Insurance, and even South Korea’s oldest theme park, Everland.

2. Builder of the world’s tallest tower

Few people know that Samsung’s construction division played a key role in building the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the tallest building in the world.

This architectural marvel stands at a staggering 828 meters and is a testament to Samsung’s engineering prowess beyond electronics.

3. Samsung means “three stars”

The name “Samsung” means “three stars” in Korean, chosen by founder Lee Byung-chul to symbolise greatness, longevity, and power, qualities he hoped the company would embody.

4. Pioneer in the smartphone race

Samsung might not have invented the smartphone, but it was one of the first to aggressively enter the market.

In 2001, it launched the first PDA phone with a colour display in the US, setting the stage for its dominance in mobile technology years before the iPhone arrived.

5. Samsung operates one of largest shipyards in the world

Samsung Heavy Industries operates one of the largest shipyards in the world, spanning over 4 million square feet.

From massive oil tankers to advanced container ships, Samsung’s shipbuilding capabilities are a cornerstone of global trade and transportation.

6. Samsung has 500,000 employees worldwide

Samsung Electronics employs over 500,000 people worldwide, a workforce so large that if it formed its own city, it would rival the population of major metropolitan areas.

The company also contributes an incredible 17% of South Korea’s GDP, making it the economic backbone of the nation.

7. King of TVs for over a decade

Samsung has held the title of world’s top-selling TV maker for more than six consecutive years. It also leads the LCD panel market and was the first to launch a Full HD 3D LED TV in 2010.

Moreover, in many homes around the globe, the living room centerpiece proudly bears the Samsung name.

8. Samsung’s logo reflects stability

While Samsung’s logo changed several times before the 1970s, the company has maintained a relatively consistent design for the past few decades.

The 1993 version, with its sleek blue oval, has become synonymous with quality and innovation worldwide.

9. Entered the US market in 1978

Samsung entered the US market in 1978 by establishing Samsung Electronics America. 

This strategic move allowed it to grow into one of the top consumer electronics brands in the United States, competing fiercely in categories from smartphones to home appliances.

10. Older than Apple by nearly four decades

While Apple was founded in 1976, Samsung had already been operating for 38 years. 

This head start allowed it to build a diverse foundation, giving it the resilience to adapt, innovate, and remain a global leader for generations.