Cultural Etiquette in South Korea

Cultural Etiquette in South Korea

What might a business dinner look like?

• Sharing dinner is important to building trust

• Don’t pour your own drink, but offer to pour others

• Don’t tip if there is a “no tipping” sign

• Always allow the host to seat you

• Koreans don’t like to talk much during dinner

• Accept and pass food with your right hand

• The person who invites should pay for the bill, but it is polite to offer

• Prepare to sing a solo after dinner

• Do not refuse if the host invites you to a drink after the dinner

Gift giving?

Important things to know...

Background

• Gift giving is a widely accepted part of Korean business life
• Should not be confused with notions of bribery and corruption
• Gifts should not be too lavish but should always be of good quality (always wrap your gift)
• It is important to take a number of small gifts to Korea to distribute to new and existing contacts (do dont open the gift in front of the giver)

Social Customs

• It is rare that women become successful in the business world
• Koreans dress well, and you should dress accordingly to show respect for them
• A formal suit and tie is almost always appropriate.
• Women dress modestly. Prepare to sit on the floor; avoid straight, tight skirts.
• women generally wait for men to make the first move in business relations

South Korea has its own culture, language, dress and cuisine, separate and distinct from its neighboring countries. The people focus on hard work and modesty. They are proud of their traditional culture and their modern economic success. Education is highly valued as the path to status, money and success.

Leadership Styles

• It is inappropriate to address a Korean with his or her given name

• Always use Mr., Mrs., Miss and the family 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

• It is inappropriate to be touched by someone who is not a relative or close friend

• Direct eye contact should be avoided

• Never point with your index finger or cross your legs

• Although leadership is hierarchical and paternalistic, it is infused with the Korean concept Inwha which emphasizes the necessity of harmony between people of equal rank and standing
• This system makes sure that everyone feels involved in the decision, while ensuring that the leader can still maintain influence over the outcome

How to conduct business...

Introductions?

• Professionals meeting for the first time usually exchange business cards
• Present your card and receive your colleague's card with both hands.

• People are expected to be punctual

• Building trust and relationships is the most important thing

• The first meeting is meant to establish a sense of trust

• Negotiations are generally long and require several trips

• Usually start negotiations in unreasonable positions then prepare to come to more reasonable terms

• A low deep bow indicates a successful meeting

• Send a meeting review the outlines all agreements

• Try to phrase questions without a yes or no answer because “yes“ does not always mean yes