BUSINESS CULTURE OF

KOREA
Business culture
• The way we view human relationships.
•It is the way people live their life in different areas.
• Goes on from one generation to next one.

THE FOLLOWING ARE CONSIDERED IN VIEW OF

CULTURA L DIFFERENCES

•High and low context

•Power distance –high/low
•Individualistic/collective
•Time- Monochronic / Polychronic
The following are the attributes of Korean
culture:
• Have a high context culture.

• Power distance is high.

• Believe in collectivism .

• They are relationship focused.

Korean business Part 1 – Working
in Korea (Pre-departure)
 Working practices in Korea
◦ Before doing business in Korea prior appointments are required .

◦ The most suitable times to arrange a business meeting are

normally between 10am and 12pm or 2pm and 4pm.

◦ For both social occasions and business meetings, punctuality is

essential.

◦ It is recommended that you send any proposals, company

brochures, and marketing material, written in both Korean and
English, as a preview for your Korean contacts before you visit
the country.
Structure and hierarchy in
Korean companies
◦ Korea is known for its vertical social
structure based on age and social status.
◦ The organizational arrangement of Korean
companies is highly centralized with authority
concentrated in senior levels.
◦ Influenced by Confucianism, Koreans respect
for authority is paramount in their business
culture and practices.
◦ High-ranking individuals tend to have more
power over their subordinates than in the
West.
Working relationships in Korea

◦ Age is the most essential component within a

relationship in Korea.

◦ Personal ties in Korea, often take precedence

over job seniority, rank or other factors, and

have significant influence over the structure

and management of Korean companies.

Korea business Part 2 - Doing
business in Korea
 The exchange of business cards in Korea is vital for initiating
introductions.
 It is advised to have the reverse side of your card translated
into Korean.
 Cards should be presented and accepted with both hands and
must be read and studied with respect and consideration
before placing them on the table
 It is important to emphasis your title so that the correct
authority, status, and rank is established.
Korean Business Meeting Etiquette

Avoid saying 'no' directly.

Break up your speech with pauses for questions

and to facilitate translation.

Present business cards with both hands.

Send proposals and meeting agendas ahead of

time
Meeting Etiquette
 Shake hands with expatriates after the bow, thereby blending both
cultural styles
 Information about the other person will be given to the person they
are being introduced to in advance of the actual meeting.
 The person who initiates the bow says, "man-na-suh pan-gop-
sumnida", which means "pleased to meet you."
 When you leave a social gathering, say good-bye and bow to each
person individually.
 Gift Giving Etiquette
 Bring fruit or good quality chocolates or flowers if invited to
a Korean's home.
 Gifts should be wrapped nicely.
 The number 4 is considered unlucky, so gifts should not be
given in multiples of 4.
 Giving 7 of an item is considered lucky.
 Wrap gifts in red or yellow paper, since these are royal
colors.
 Do not wrap gifts in green, white, or black paper.
 Do not sign a card in red ink.
 Use both hands when offering a gift.
 Gifts are not opened when received.
Dress Etiquette
 Business attire is conservative.
Men should wear dark- colored,
conservative business suits with white
shirts.
Women should dress conservatively and
wear subdued colors.
Men should avoid wearing jewellery
other than a watch or a wedding ring.
Dining Etiquette
Itis common for guests to meet at a common
spot and travel together.
You may arrive up to 30 minutes late without
giving offence.
Remove your shoes before entering the house.
The hostess does not pour drinks.
Send a thank you note the following day after
being invited to dinner.
Table manners
Never point your chopsticks.
Do not pierce your food with chopsticks.
Do not cross your chopsticks when
putting them on the chopstick rest.
Try a little bit of everything. It is
acceptable to ask what something is.
Finish everything on your plate.
Values Honored in Korean-
Speaking Countries
 Certainty and Structure

 Collectivity and Teamwork

 Conformity

 Endurance

 Loyalty

 Obedience

 Respect for Authority

Korean business etiquette
DO’S
 DO maintain an element of modesty and humility as these aspects are
extremely important in Korean culture. With this in mind, you must try to
avoid over-selling previous business achievements.
 DO make direct eye-contact when addressing Korean business
professionals, as it is important to indicate your honesty and interest.
However, some Koreans do not make eye-contact for any length of time
when in the presence of an authority figure as a sign of respect.
 DO refrain from being overly impatient. The decision making process in
Korea is often done collectively and will therefore require more time.
DON’T
 DON’T address a Korean by his or her given name as it is considered
extremely impolite Korean names begin with the family name and are
followed by a two-part given name. The correct way to address a Korean is
with Mr, Mrs, or Miss together with their family name. You should address
your Korean counterparts using appropriate titles until specifically invited
to do otherwise.
 DON’T display criticism in public. It should be conducted in private where
loss of face will be diminished. In a similar vein, opposing someone
directly can also cause a Korean to lose face and should be avoided.
 DON’T use large hand gestures or facial expressions. Talking or laughing
loudly is also considered impolite in Korean culture