We Find Words That Matter
Started in a small Busan office, SagionFocus grew from two people frustrated with generic keyword tools into a team that actually understands how search works for businesses trying to reach Korean markets.
How We Got Here
Back in 2019, my co-founder Eunbi and I were helping local businesses get found online. The problem? Every keyword tool gave us the same surface-level data. Search volume, competition scores—but nothing about what people actually meant when they typed those words.
So we started building our own system. Something that looked at search behavior patterns specific to how Korean audiences search. We noticed that direct translations rarely worked. Cultural context changed everything.
What began as a side project for three clients became our full-time focus by early 2020. Now we work with companies across South Korea who need keyword research that goes beyond automated suggestions.
We're not trying to revolutionize anything. Just providing research that accounts for how people in this market actually search for what they need.
What Guides Our Work
Context Over Volume
High search numbers mean nothing if the intent doesn't match what you offer. We dig into why people search specific terms and whether those searches lead to actual business outcomes.
Local Understanding
Korean search behavior has its own patterns. We track seasonal shifts, regional differences, and platform-specific trends that global tools miss completely.
Honest Assessment
Sometimes the keywords you want to rank for aren't realistic, or the search volume isn't there. We tell you that upfront rather than take your money for impossible goals.
Our Research Process
Every project follows a structured approach, though timelines vary based on your industry and competition level. Typically takes between three to five weeks for comprehensive analysis.
1Business Context
We start by understanding what you actually sell and who needs it. Your competitors, market position, and what makes your offering different from alternatives.
2Search Mapping
Building a map of how potential customers search at different stages. Early research terms versus ready-to-buy phrases. Question-based searches versus direct product terms.
3Competition Analysis
Looking at which keywords are realistically winnable given your domain authority and content resources. No point targeting terms where you'd be on page five for the next two years.
4Priority Framework
Organizing everything into a content roadmap. Quick wins, medium-term targets, and long-term positioning goals. With actual reasons for each priority level.
Who Does This Work
Our team of twelve includes former content strategists, SEO analysts, and a couple of people who used to work in Korean search engine optimization before those jobs mostly disappeared. Everyone here has spent years watching how search patterns shift.
Want to See How We Work?
If you're dealing with keyword research that feels generic or missing your market reality, we might be able to help. Projects typically start in late 2025 or early 2026 depending on our schedule.
Get in Touch