The People

Korea is one of the most homogeneous countries in the world, racially and linguistically. It has its own
culture, language, dress and cuisine, separate and distinct from its neighboring countries. Hard work, filial
piety and modesty are characteristics esteemed by Koreans. They are proud of their traditional culture and
their modern economic success. Education is highly valued as the path to status, money and success.
Meeting and Greeting
The bow is the traditional Korean greeting, although it is often accompanied by a handshake among
men. To show respect when shaking hands, support your right forearm with your left hand.
Korean women usually nod slightly and will not shake hands with Western men. Western women may
offer their hand to a Korean man.
ow when departing. !ounger people wave "move their arm from side to side#.
Names and Titles
It is considered very impolite to address a Korean with his or her given name. $ddress Koreans using
appropriate professional titles until specifically invited by your host or colleagues to use their given names.
$mericans should address a Korean with %r., %rs., %iss & family name' however, never address a
high(ranking person or superior in this manner.
Korean names are the opposite of Western names with the family name first, followed by the two(part
given name. The first of the two given names is shared by everyone of the same generation in the family, and
the second is the individual)s given name. E*ample+ ,ee "-amily# & .ong "/hared 0iven# & /ung "0iven#.
.ong /ung is the individual)s given name. $ddress him as %r. ,ee or ,ee /onsaengnim "which means
1teacher1#.
Body Language
Koreans consider it a personal violation to be touched by someone who is not a relative or close
friend. $void touching, patting or back slapping a Korean.
.irect eye contact between 2unior and senior businesspeople should be avoided. This is seen as
impolite or even as a challenge.
.o not cross your legs or stretch your legs out straight in front of you. Keep your feet on the floor,
never on a desk or chair.
$lways pass and receive ob2ects with your right hand "supported by the left hand at the wrist or
forearm# or with two hands.
To beckon someone, e*tend your arm, palm down, and move your fingers in a scratching motion.
3ever point with your inde* finger.
Corporate Culture
Koreans e*pect Westerners to be punctual for social occasions and business meetings. 4all if you will
be delayed. However, you may be kept waiting up to a half hour. This is not a sign of disrespect, but reflects
the pressure of time on Korean e*ecutives.
5rofessionals meeting for the first time usually e*change business cards. 5resent your card and
receive your colleague)s card with both hands.
uilding trust and relationships is vital to establishing a successful business relationship. This re6uires
patience. Koreans prefer to do business with people they know.
The first meeting is to establish trust, so business should not be discussed. e formal in meetings until
the Korean delegation loosens up.
3egotiations are generally long and re6uire several trips. e prepared for business meetings to go well
beyond business hours.
Koreans generally start negotiations at an unreasonable position and prepare to compromise. Koreans
are tough negotiators and admire a firm, persistent negotiator, but refrain from being too aggressive.
$ low, deep bow from Koreans at the end of a meeting indicates a successful meeting. $ 6uick, short
parting bow could mean dissatisfaction with meetings. /end a meeting review outlining all discussions and
agreements to your Korean counterpart after you leave Korea. %ake several visits during negotiations and
after business is established.
1!es1 is not necessarily 7yes.8 Koreans avoid saying 1no.1 Try to phrase 6uestions in a manner that
doesn)t re6uire a 1yes1 or 1no1 answer. E*ample+ Instead of saying 14ould we sign the agreement by ne*t
-riday98 say 1When is the earliest date that we could e*pect to sign this agreement91
Dining and Entertainment
/haring a dinner is vital to building friendships that foster trust. !our business success is directly
related to your social relationships.
.o not pour your own drink, but do offer to pour others). It is common to trade and fill each other)s
cup. To refuse is an insult. Women pour men)s drinks, but never another woman)s drink. $ woman may pour
her own drink. ,eave some drink in your glass if you don)t want a refill.
Wherever you see a 13o Tipping1 sign, do not tip. Koreans find tipping offensive, although tipping is
now becoming e*pected in Western hotels.
$lways allow your host to seat you. The seat of honor is the seat looking at the front door. If you are
seated in the seat of honor, it is polite to protest slightly.
Koreans do not like to talk a lot during dinner. 5eriods of silence are common and appreciated at a
dinner. The meal usually comes before sociali:ing at a dinner party.
It is polite to pass or accept food or drink with your right hand while your left hand supports your
forearm;wrist.
The person who invites pays the bill for everyone. However, it is polite to offer to pay. When two
people are dining, usually the younger person pays for the older person.
5repare to sing a solo number after dinner, no matter what kind of voice you have. $ny song is
acceptable, as long as you sing with spirit.
$fter dinner, the host may invite his guests to go drinking. .on)t refuse this invitation.
Dress
Koreans dress well, and you should dress accordingly to show respect for them. $ formal suit and tie
is almost always appropriate. Koreans dress up for city activities, especially in /eoul.
Women dress modestly. 5repare to sit on the floor' avoid straight, tight skirts.
Gifts
0ift giving is very common in Korea. <ffer and receive a gift with both hands. Wrapped gifts are never
opened in the presence of the giver.
=eciprocate with a gift of similar value when receiving a gift from your Korean colleague. Koreans like
regional >nited /tates gifts and Indian;Western artifacts.
Wrap your gift nicely. right colors are preferred for wrapping gifts. !ellow and red or green stripes
are a traditional Korean wrapping paper design. $void wrapping gifts in dark colors or red.
$lways bring a small gift for the hostess when invited to someone)s home. 0ive+ small gift, candy,
cakes, cookies, flowers, fruit. .o not give li6uor to a woman.
It is common to e*change gifts at the first business meeting. $llow the host to present his gift first.
0ive+ li6uor "good 6uality scotch#, fruit, desk accessories, small mementos, gifts from -rance or Italy
"which often indicate status#.
.o not give+ e*pensive gifts "Koreans will feel obligated to reciprocate with a gift of e6ual value#,
knives or scissors "they signify 1cutting off1 a relationship#, green headwear, gifts with red writing "denotes
death# or gifts in a set of four "denotes death#.
Helpful Hints
3ever use words like 1fellow,1 1guy,1 1this man1 or 1that man.1 This is considered demeaning.
Koreans are not 4hinese. They are distinct from other $sians in food, language and culture.
E*pect Koreans to ask personal 6uestions. This is viewed as showing a polite interest in your life.
.eny a compliment. .on)t say 1thank you.1 It is impolite and shows a lack of humility.
3ever e*pect Koreans to admit to not knowing an answer when 6uestioned. They may give an
incorrect answer or an answer they think you would like to hear to make you feel good or to save face.
.on)t talk about Koreans or their customs or culture within earshot of a Korean, even if you are saying
good things. .o not talk about politics.
Especially for Women
-oreign women may have difficulty doing business in Korea. $lthough women are becoming more
accepted in the Korean businessplace, Korean men generally prefer to negotiate with men.
Korean women seldom shake hands. $ Western woman can offer her hand to a Korean man, but
should not to a Korean woman.
-oreign businesswomen should always act elegant, refined and very 1feminine.8 ,aughing and loud
talking are frowned upon.
0enerally, women wait for Korean men to make the first move.
While North Korea is still attempting to transition from a planned economy to capitalism, South Korea
has a thriving, trillion-dollar economy, the 4th largest among Asian countries. Because of this, South
Korea is an ideal place for business people to develop new clients and colleagues for expanding into
Asian markets.
As with any international business interaction, knowing the ins and outs of proper business etiquette will
be key to your success. Because just a few missteps could cost you a business deal, practicing proper
Korean business etiquette will impress your Korean colleagues, demonstrate your finesse in the
business world and help you solidify a lucrative new business relationship.
Korean Business Meeting Etiquette
Korean business meeting etiquette is highly ritualized, as the Koreans' appreciation of conformity, rules
and order dictates specific ways of doing business in Seoul and throughout South Korea. Here are
some Korean business etiquette tips to help you appropriately interact with your foreign colleagues:
Avoid saying 'no' directly. Instead, indicate disagreement or reluctance by inhaling air through
closed teeth, tipping your head backwards and/or saying 'maybe.'
Break up your speech with pauses for questions and to facilitate translation. Try to pause
between points you articulate allowing your colleagues time to listen to the Korean translation,
digest your information and ask you questions. It is also important to remember that Korean
businesspeople will likely ask you many questions (often a similar question in a variety of ways), so
be patient.
Present business cards with both hands. Include a Korean translation of your business card
on the flipside, as this will show your colleagues that you are willing to go the extra mile to do
business with them. As in Japan and China, when receiving business cards in Korea, be sure to
carefully read them before putting them away. Shoving business cards into your pocket without
reading them (or writing on business cards) is considered disrespectful and will offend your Korean
colleagues.
Send proposals and meeting agendas ahead of time so that your Korean colleagues can
review them. As with your business cards, be sure that each business document is available with a
Korean translation. This demonstrates respect for your Korean colleagues and ensures that they
understand your goals for the meeting.
Other helpful etiquette tips for Korean business meetings include:
Acknowledge those with the highest status first, then acknowledge those who are the oldest, as
it's important to show respect for status and age.
Expect your Korean colleagues to deliberate in a group before making decisions. Collectivity
and teamwork are valued in Korean business transactions.
Hire a Korean interpreter if you aren't fluent in Korean or if your colleagues don't speak English.
Wear a dark-colored, conservative business suit to Korean business meetings.
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Values Honored in Korean-Speaking Countries
Many elements of Korean business etiquette are shaped by the values that Koreans respect. Some of
these include:
Certainty and Structure
Collectivity and Teamwork
Conformity
Endurance
Loyalty
Obedience
Respect for Authority
First Meetings
1. When meeting a Korean business person for the first time, it is best to be introduced by a third party,
rather than introducing yourself.
2. Shaking hands is now common even among Koreans. A bow may or may not precede the handshake.
. !he e"change of business cards is a vital part of a first meeting. #t is also important to emphasi$e one%s
title so that, right away, the correct authority, status and rank are established and understood. !he recent
Western trend toward eliminating titles has created some problems for some companies when dealing
with Korean businesses as Koreans generally prefer to deal only with someone of e&ual rank as opposed
to someone of lower rank.
'. (se both hands if possible when presenting and receiving a business card. #f that is not possible, use
your right hand and support your right elbow with your left hand.
). *usiness cards should be treated as an e"tension of the person. !herefore you should read it carefully
and then place it on the table in front of you. !o put someone%s card in your pocket or to write on it, etc. is
to show disrespect to the person.

Business Meetings
1. #t is important to make an appointment a few weeks in advance of a business meeting. +ost business
meetings are scheduled mid,morning -1. A+ to 12 /+0 or mid,afternoon -between 2 and ' /+0.
2. /unctuality is important as it is a sign of respect. #f you reali$e that you may be a little late, it is best to call
ahead to say so. !hat said, don%t be surprised if top Korean e"ecutives arrive a few minutes late for
appointments due to their e"tremely busy and pressured schedule.
. #t is also not unusual for Korean e"ecutives to cancel appointments with little or no notice. !he
cancellation may be due to an une"pected and unavoidable situation. 1owever, if it%s happened before, it
may be a signal that they don%t really want to do business or need to delay the process for some reason,
and you were e"pected to have reali$ed that.
'. 2ift,giving is a common practice when doing business in Korea. !he gifts given at the first meeting are
intended to ac&uire favours and to build relationships. Wait until your host has presented his gift and use
both hands to accept it. !he gifts e"changed should be of similar value, with that of greatest value going
to the most senior person.
). !o enhance communication and reduce the possibility of misunderstanding due to language, you may find
it helpful to send written materials , brochures, marketing materials, proposals, etc. , in writing to your
Korean counterpart some time prior to the meeting.
Contracts are seen as a starting point rather than as the final goals of a business agreement and as the
parameter within which the working relationship will be conducted. Koreans prefer that contracts be fle"ible so
that ad3ustments can be made as the pro3ect4work evolves. 5ven those who are aware of the legal implications
regarding the signing of contract, often still view it as less important than the interpersonal relationship between
the two companies and find it difficult to understand why, despite the e"cellent relationship you%ve been having,
you are not willing to overlook or change elements of the contract as you go along. #t is important that you be
aware of how your Korean colleague4partner views the documents in order to avoid misunderstandings while
ensuring that he4she is e&ually aware of your position.
Names
1. When addressing a Korean, use his4her title along with her4his family name unless you%ve been invited to
do otherwise. #f there is no title, use +r4+rs4+iss with the family name.
2. +ore and more Koreans use a Western -usually 5nglish0 name as a courtesy to foreign
colleagues4clients. 1owever, you may want to make sure to also know their Korean name since, for
e"ample, 1arry Kim may not be known as such among his Korean colleagues and trying to find a +r. Kim
is a Korean corporation is like looking for the proverbial needle in the haystack. #t can help if you know his
e"act title and department.
General Etiquette
1. +odesty and humility are important in Korean culture and therefore it is best to avoid over,selling yourself
or your company% previous business achievements. When interviewing Koreans, you may want to keep
this characteristic in mind 6 the interviewee will either understate her4his abilities and achievements in the
belief that you will be aware of them and that anything else would be rude or, in an attempt to live up to
perceived Western e"pectation, he4she may e"aggerate what would not be stressed normally in a Korean
conte"t.
2. #n order to show respect, some Koreans still do not make eye,contact for any length of time when in the
presence of an authority figure. 1owever, this is changing and you should make direct eye,contact when
addressing business professionals and clients, as doing so is e"pected and is interpreted as an indication
of your honesty and interest.
. !he decision, making process in Korea is done collectively and up through the hierarchy and therefore
does take more time than you may be used to. !ry to be patient, and even if you%re not feeling patient, try
not to show it.
'. Avoid critici$ing someone in public, even if you have seen a Korean colleague do so. 7riticism, especially
of colleagues or Korean subordinates, should be conducted in private so as to reduce or prevent loss of
face.
). 8ou may also want to avoid opposing someone in public as this, too, can mean a loss of face. !ry
thinking of alternative ways of going about e"pressing your opinion or concerns.

Business Relationships
1. 9nce you have established contact with a Korean business partner or client, it is important to nurture that
relationship.
2. 2ift,giving is a common practice when doing business in Korea. !he gifts given at the first meeting are
intended to ac&uire favours and to build relationships. Wait until your host has presented his gift and use
both hands to accept it. !he gifts e"changed should be of similar value, with that of greatest value going
to the most senior person.
. #t is also common to give gifts to your Korean business partners to mark ma3or holidays such as 7huseok
-Korean !hanksgiving0 and :unar ;ew 8ear. 7hristmas is another time when it is common to give gifts to
clients and partner companies.
'. #f you are not based in Korea, do make a point of visiting the client4partner on every business trip here.
). Koreans worry that foreign businesses are only here to make a &uick profit and run and therefore it is
important to demonstrate that you have a long,term commitment to the market and to the relationship.
<. Koreans business people devote a great deal of time, energy and money in getting to know the people
with whom they are dealing in order to build long,term relationships. 8ou willingness to participate is often
interpreted as a measure of your sincerity and commitment.
=. /eople who went to the same school be it kindergarten, middle,school or university, share a special
relationship. !he one who graduated first is the >senior% -sonbae0, while the one who enrolled later is
referred to as >my 3unior% -hoobae0. !here will always be a kind of mutual ># owe you% relationship between
sonbae and hoobae regardless of whether they attended school at the same time or many years apart.
.eveloping an understanding of Korean culture and its influence on business practices
is essential to your firm?s success in Korea. While polite 4anadian manners will almost
always be recognised as courteous behaviour @ and Koreans do not e*pect foreigners
to be e*perts in their culture @ efforts to learn about Korean customs and language will
be well received, and will assist you in building stronger business relationships.
Confucian Influence
Koreans hold to firm 4onfucian traditions, which emphasi:e respect for education,
authorities and those who are older. $lthough modern Koreans may not adhere to
4onfucian principles as rigidly, these principles continue to underpin many customs and
business practices.
0iven this 4onfucian influence, Koreans intuitively establish hierarchical relationships
based upon the age, position, status and educational background of other people
relative to themselves. .o not be surprised by 6uestions about your age, marital status
or educational background. $lthough these 6uestions are considered by many
4anadians to be personal in nature @ and unrelated to business @ they are a tool used
by Korean businesspeople to place you within this hierarchical structure.
0iven the importance and value that 4onfucianism places on relationships, beyond
their family, many Koreans are loyal to others associated with their own company,
alma mater, hometown or place of worship. Koreans are comfortable doing business
with people to whom they feel personally connected. Keeping this in mind, mutual
intermediaries can be very helpful in establishing business connections' cold calls will
only rarely produce results.
Korean Names
$ Korean name consists of a family name, usually of one syllable, plus a given name,
usually of two syllables. The family name comes first "Kim Tae(Woo, for e*ample#.
>ntil one gets to be on very good terms with a counterpart, it is best to use the family
name preceded by a title such as %r., %rs. or %iss, whether speaking directly to the
counterpart or speaking of him or her to another Korean. When addressing a
counterpart in settings that call for great respect or formality, you should use your
counterpart?s formal title and surname "4hairman ,ee, for e*ample#. /ome Koreans
who have spent significant time overseas may have adopted a western first name, and
prefer that it is used over their family name. /ome Koreans view their name as a very
personal thing, so a suggestion to work on a first(name basis may be slow to be
offered.
Meetings
-or appointments, it is considered polite to arrive on(time or 2ust a few minutes early.
Koreans generally keep a full schedule, which early arrivals can disrupt. $rriving late is
not recommended, however, as it can be viewed as a snub by your host. If traffic or
other problems delay you, call ahead to inform your host that you are running late.
$t an initial meeting, be prepared to begin with some small talk, including discussion
on whether you are making a first visit to Korea, your impressions of the country, as
well as your family, favourite sports "golf is a clear favourite among Koreans# and
other interests.
!ou should also be prepared to sociali:e with your Korean business partners on a
personal level outside of regular business hours. It remains e*tremely common to build
business relationships through informal social gatherings that involve heavy drinking
and eating. While it is not unusual to discuss business during these social gatherings,
they are primarily aimed at building a stronger personal relationship that will underpin
your business dealings.
Business Cards
The e*change of business cards is helpful in determining rank within the hierarchical
structure, and allows Koreans to 6uickly determine their counterpart?s position and
title. The e*change of business cards is important, and plays an essential role in initial
meetings. While still standing, 4anadian businesspeople should politely hand a
business card over with two hands, and receive one in return. .o not simply drop the
card into a pocket upon receipt, but instead take a few seconds to review names and
titles. If you are sitting down, place it on the table in front of you for the duration of
the meeting. Koreans will place cards on the table in the order of the seating plan, a
sensible practice that allows names to be kept straight during meetings.
4anadian businesspeople travelling in Korea should carry business cards that include
Korean te*t. $t the same time, given sensitivities surrounding Korea?s historical
relationship with Aapan, avoid e*changing business cards that include Aapanese te*t
while in Korea.
Bowing and Handshakes
Koreans are accustomed to bowing to those senior to them as a form of greeting and
to show respect. The 2unior person initiates the bow, bending from the waist to an
angle of between BC and DE degrees from vertical. The more senior person will
acknowledge by returning a less accentuated bow. owing in Korea is not as
pronounced as in other countries, such as Aapan.
$s when e*changing business cards, it is considered polite to give and receive articles
using two hands rather than one. This is carried over into the handshake by e*tended
the right hand and cupping the left hand below and around the right elbow. While it is
considered polite for 4anadian businesspeople to e*tend a simple handshake when
greeting and taking leave, they should not be surprised by a two(handed handshake
and a bow during the course of an initial meeting.
orean Society & Culture
Korean Family Values
The family is the most important part of Korean life.
In Confucian tradition, the father is the head of the family and it is his responsibility
to provide food, clothing and shelter, and to approve the marriages of family members.
The eldest son has special duties: first to his parents, then to his brothers from older
to younger, then to his sons, then to his wife, and lastly to his daughters.
Family welfare is much more important than the needs of the individual.
Members of the family are tied to each other because the actions of one family
member reflect on the rest of the family.
In many cases the family register can trace a familys history, through male
ancestors, for over !"" years.
Confucianism
The teachings of Confucius describe the position of the individual in Korean
society.
It is a system of behaviours and ethics that stress the obligations of people towards
one another based upon their relationship.
The basic tenets are based upon five different relationships: #$ ruler and sub%ect, &$
husband and wife, '$ parents and children, ($brothers and sisters and !$ friend and friend
Confucianism stresses duty, loyalty, honour, filial piety, respect for age and
seniority, and sincerity.
Korean Ancestors
)ncestors are based on the male family line.
Children are raised to believe they can never repay their debt to their parents, hence
the popularity of ancestor worship.
They hold ancestral ceremonies for the previous three generations *parents,
grandparents, and great grandparents$ several times a year, particularly on Chuso+ and
,ew -ears .ay.
/n Chuso+, people coo+ and set out food to celebrate their ancestors.
he Concept of Ki!un
Kibun is a word with no literal 0nglish translation1 the closest terms are pride, face,
mood, feelings, or state of mind.
If you hurt someones +ibun you hurt their pride, cause them to lose dignity, and
lose face. Korean interpersonal relationships operate on the principle of harmony.
It is important to maintain a peaceful, comfortable atmosphere at all times, even if it
means telling a 2white lie2.
Kibun enters into every facet of Korean life.
It is important to +now how to %udge the state of someone elses +ibun, how to avoid
hurting it, and how to +eep your own +ibun at the same time.
In business, a managers +ibun is damaged if his subordinates do not show proper
respect. ) subordinates +ibun is damaged if his manager critici3es him in public.
,unchi is the ability to determine another persons +ibun by using the eye.
4ince this is a culture where social harmony is crucial, being able to %udge another
persons state of mind is critical to maintain the persons +ibun.
,unchi is accomplished by watching body language and listening to the tone of
voice as well as what is said.
Etiquette & Customs in South Korea
Meeting Etiquette
5reetings follow strict rules of protocol.
Many 4outh Koreans sha+e hands with e6patriates after the bow, thereby blending
both cultural styles.
The person of lower status bows to the person of higher status, yet it is the most
senior person who initiates the handsha+e.
The person who initiates the bow says, 2man7na7suh pan7gop7sumnida2, which
means 2pleased to meet you.2
Information about the other person will be given to the person they are being
introduced to in advance of the actual meeting.
8ait to be introduced at a social gathering.
8hen you leave a social gathering, say good7bye and bow to each person
individually.
Gift Gi"ing Etiquette
5ifts e6press a great deal about a relationship and are always reciprocated.
It is inconsiderate to give someone an e6pensive gift if you +now that they cannot
afford to reciprocate accordingly.
9ring fruit or good :uality chocolates or flowers if invited to a Koreans home.
5ifts should be wrapped nicely.
The number ( is considered unluc+y, so gifts should not be given in multiples of (.
5iving ; of an item is considered luc+y.
8rap gifts in red or yellow paper, since these are royal colours. )lternatively, use
yellow or pin+ paper since they denote happiness.
.o not wrap gifts in green, white, or blac+ paper.
.o not sign a card in red in+.
<se both hands when offering a gift.
5ifts are not opened when received.
#ining Etiquette
#f you are invited to a South Korean?s house@
It is common for guests to meet at a common spot and travel together.
-ou may arrive up to '" minutes late without giving offence.
=emove your shoes before entering the house.
The hosts greet each guest individually.
The host pours drin+s for the guests in their presence. The hostess does not pour
drin+s.
The hosts usually accompany guests to the gate or to their car because they believe
that it is insulting to wish your guests farewell indoors.
4end a than+ you note the following day after being invited to dinner.
a!le manners
8ait to be told where to sit. There is often a strict protocol to be followed.
The eldest are served first.
The oldest or most senior person is the one who starts the eating process.
,ever point your chopstic+s.
.o not pierce your food with chopstic+s.
Chopstic+s should be returned to the table after every few bites and when you drin+
or stop to spea+.
.o not cross your chopstic+s when putting them on the chopstic+ rest.
.o not pic+ up food with your hands. Fruit should be speared with a toothpic+.
9ones and shells should be put on the table or an e6tra plate.
Try a little bit of everything. It is acceptable to as+ what something is.
=efuse the first offer of second helpings.
Finish everything on your plate.
Indicate you are finished eating by placing your chopstic+s on the chopstic+ rest or
on the table. ,ever place them parallel across your rice bowl.
Business Etiquette and Protocol
Relationships $ Communication
4outh Koreans prefer to do business with people with whom they have a personal
connection.
It is therefore crucial to be introduced by a third7party.
=elationships are developed through informal social gatherings that often involve a
considerable amount of drin+ing and eating.
Individuals who have established mutual trust and respect will wor+ hard to ma+e
each other successful.
4outh Koreans treat legal documents as memorandums of understanding.
They view contracts as loosely structured consensus statements that broadly define
agreement and leave room for fle6ibility and ad%ustment as needed.
<nder no circumstances insult or to critici3e in front of others.
4ensitive matters may often be raised indirectly through the intermediary that first
made the introductions.
4outh Koreans are e6tremely direct communicators. They are not averse to as+ing
:uestions if they do not understand what has been said or need additional clarification.
This is a culture where 2less is more2 when communicating. =espond to :uestions
directly and concisely.
4ince there is a tendency to say 2yes2 to :uestions so that you do not lose face, the
way you phrase a :uestion is crucial. It is better to as+, 28hen can we e6pect shipment>2
than 2Can we e6pect shipment in ' wee+s>2, since this :uestion re:uires a direct response.
Business Meeting Etiquette
)ppointments are re:uired and should be made ' to ( wee+s in advance.
-ou should arrive on time for meetings as this demonstrates respect for the person
you are meeting.
The most senior 4outh Korean generally enters the room first.
It is a good idea to send both an agenda and bac+7up material including information
about your company and client testimonials prior to the meeting.
The main purpose of the first meeting is to get to +now each other.
Meetings are used to understand a clients needs and challenges. They lay the
foundation for building the relationship.
.o not remove your %ac+et unless the most senior 4outh Korean does so.
?ave all written materials available in both 0nglish and Korean.
#ress Etiquette
9usiness attire is conservative.
Men should wear dar+7 coloured, conservative business suits with white shirts.
8omen should dress conservatively and wear subdued colours.
Men should avoid wearing %ewellery other than a watch or a wedding ring.
Business Car%s
9usiness cards are e6changed after the initial introductions in a highly rituali3ed
manner.
The way you treat someones business card is indicative of the way you will treat
the person.
?ave one side of your business card translated into Korean.
<sing both hands, present your business card with the Korean side facing up so that
it is readable by the recipient.
06amine any business card you receive carefully.
@ut the business cards in a business card case or a portfolio.
,ever write on someones business card in their presence.