March 1938: Founding chairman Byung-Chull Lee started a business in Taegu, Korea, with 30,000 won (about $29.50 in dollars today). He was the son of a wealthy landowner and rice miller. Company was initially a food exporter, selling Korean fish, vegetables, and fruit.
In a little over a decade, Samsung moved into the production of food, and established manufacturing and sales operations
Image source: Best Choice Reviews