Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the uniform image of Korean herbal cosmetic brands amongst Korean and Chinese consumers. This study would enable us to explore a BI strategy to enhance international competitiveness of Korean herbal cosmetics brands. The results were as follows. The key words of BI pursued by Sulwhasoo were dignified, novel, graceful, soft, gaily, natural, Korean, modern, and international. Korean people felt that the uniform was graceful and soft, which accorded with Sulwhasoo BI, but also it was trite and dingy, indicating a negative and opposing image. On the other hand, Chinese people felt that the uniform was dignified, novel, graceful, natural, modern, and international, indicating that it matched with Sulwhasoo BI. In The History of Whoo, the key words of BI pursued by the brand were precious, soft, gorgeous, gaily, and natural. The Koreans felt that the uniform was intelligent, and decent, but conversely, it was also austere and dingy, indicating a negative image. The Chinese felt that the uniform was common, hard, austere, dingy, and unnatural, indicating an opposing image to BI. Finally, a uniform design was developed to improve on its problems, establish The History of Whoo's brand identity, and its brand image. First of all, 'The Quintessence : noble passion' was set up as a developmental concept. The textiles, clothing, and accessories were designed using the symbolic elements from The History of Whoo as a motif. Uniforms were developed for spring, fall, and summer.