• Korea Trade Review
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.63-107
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• 2016

This paper analyzed the restrictiveness of the rules of origin of the 15 FTAs of Korea utilizing the restrictiveness index suggested by Estevadeordal(2000). The main purpose of the paper is to provide an update of the current status and characteristics of the restrictiveness of the rules of origin based on product type and country. The research showed that FTA with EU and Turkey showed the highest restrictiveness, whereas New Zealand, Peru and India showed the lowest. Overall, Korea's restrictiveness index was found to be at appropriate levels. Additionally, in terms of the current status by restrictiveness index, over time with the exception of European countries in the FTA, products with the lowest score in restrictiveness index of 2 continued to be processed in the Korea-Peru FTA which illustrated the current trend of easing restrictiveness. In terms of restrictiveness index based on product type, commodity products, processed food, clothing-fabric-general merchandise were found to be very strict. However, in categories such as general machinery, electronics, chemical products and precision instruments, the restrictiveness index showed the lowest readings. The results imply the high restrictiveness in sensitive products that are vulnerable from competition through high tariffs, and easing of restrictiveness in competitive products in order to vitalize trade. The results also show that in Korea's FTA, Korea's rules of origin in FTA vary and are sorted in a complicated manner. With an increasing number of FTAs and a number of different rules of origin, there is a need for standardized criteria for Korea. This study was significant in that it compiled all the rules of origin and the restrictiveness index of all FTAs that came into effect and have been negotiated in Korea. The results of the research are expected to be used as an informative and meaningful guideline for Korea's FTAs.

• Science of Emotion and Sensibility
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.105-114
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• 2021

This study determines the differences between Korean female university students and their Chinese counterparts residing in Korea by evaluating the subjective sensation and tactile preference in fabrics for casual shirts. Seven types of white causal shirt fabrics were selected as specimens from those available in spring and autumn shirt collection. The fabrics were made from various fibers (cotton 100%, polyester 100%, flax 100%, polyester 80%/cotton 20%, polyester 65%/cotton 35%, polyester 50%/cotton 45%/spandex 5%, and polyester 50%/modal 50%). Forty Korean and Chinese female university students subjectively assessed the subjective sensation of fabrics used for casual shirts. Participants were asked to observe the seven types of fabrics and complete the questionnaire. The subjective sensation to be assessed for white casual shirt fabrics was classified into the following four factors: smoothness, lightness, softness, and stretchiness. Subjective sensation factors showed partially significant differences by nationality. Korean female students evaluated cotton fabric as being light, whereas their Chinese counterparts evaluated the polyester/cotton/spandex blended fabric as light. Korean female students evaluated polyester/modal blended fabric as being stretchable. The tactile preference for fiber composition of the fabrics showed partially significant differences by nationality. Korean female students preferred cotton 80%/polyester 20% blended fabric, polyester 50%/cotton 45%/spandex 5% blended fabric, and flax 100% fabric. The subjective sensation of the fabrics had different effects on preferences by nationality. Smoothness and softness had positive effects on preferences for the fabrics of Korean students. However, smoothness, softness, and stretchiness had positive effects on the preferences of Chinese students. The subjective sensation and tactile preference for casual shirt fabrics showed a difference between Korean female students and their Chinese counterparts. Therefore, when planning casual shirt fabrics for female university students, it is necessary to reflect on these differences in subjective sensation and tactile preference.