Introduction
One of the most interesting aspects regarding Korean culture is the
expression of utmost sincerity and respect to elders and superiors. The same
applies in the context of business. In business transactions, one must be very
careful as to not offend others as such will have consequences.
How to greet Korean style
Greeting superior
Greeting an elder person or superior is very important in doing business in
Korea. A good greeting shows both the level of sincerity and respect. Unlike in
the West, Koreans make a bow to their superior as a way to say hello and many
from America and Europe will find this unusual. However, making a good,
respectful bow to elders is the first indication of one’s good manners. Between
co-workers of similar ages, however, it is acceptable to omit the bow.
Handshakes
Although the concept of handshakes is almost universal, in Korea, it is
done slightly differently than it is in the rest of the world. In the West, a
handshake between business partners symbolizes equality and horizontal
relationship between the two. In Korea, however, there is a clear verticality
when two individuals make a handshake. While the superior or elder person uses
just one hand, the other person not only shakes hands but also use the other
hand to hold the shaking hand of the elder in a slightly bent posture to show
respect.
Talking in Korea business
Eye contact
The avoidance of direct eye contact
is a well-known characteristic of Asians. While Americans view direct eye
contact as a sign of honesty, is it regarded as being rude in Korean culture
and seen as challenging and disrespectful. Instead,
Koreans are accustomed to gaze a little below the eyes to look respectful.
Using honorific language
Perhaps one of the most difficulties
associated with learning Korean as a foreigner is the use of honorific
language. This is a defining characteristic of Korean language and is used by
the younger person to show respect to his or her elders. In Korea, children are
taught to speak to their parents, teacher, and anyone older using honorific
language. In professional settings, however, even co-workers regardless of age
difference must converse using honorific language as a way to respect each
other. Failure to do so is considered extremely disrespectful.
Business
Meetings
Punctuality
Being
punctual is very important when one is involved in business affairs in South
Korea just as it would be important in anywhere else in the world. Since
respecting elders and superiors is of great importance in Korean culture, it is
highly important that one should be on time for every meeting in order to give
positive impression of him or herself. It is also a good idea to show up at a
meeting 5 to 10 minutes before it begins. There is nothing worse than being
chronically late and having the reputation as someone disorganized,
undisciplined, and disrespectful of others' time in the corporate business
culture in Korea.
Planning a business meeting
Planning a
business meeting can vary depending on one's role and the level of involvement
in the matters to be discussed in the meeting. If one were to give a
presentation, it is customary that his or her boss sees the summary of the
presentation to be given prior to the date of the presentation. Business
meeting is also an opportunity to share new business ideas and proposals and
thus one must be well prepared for each business meeting.
Business meeting etiquettes
There are
common business etiquettes to be followed. These same set of unspoken rules
also apply to business affairs in South Korea. It is advisable that one should
make it to a meeting at least five to ten minutes before his or her superior
does. When a superior comes in, one should show his or her respect by standing
up from the seat and greeting the superior with a bow or even with a firm
handshake and stay standing until he or she takes a seat. As in any business
meeting, cell phones should be kept silent.
Formal attire
Business
attire in South Korea is highly westernized. For men, traditional business
suits in solid colors or simple stripes are the norm while for women there is
more variety. Common suit colors include black, navy, and occasionally brown.
One should avoid wearing colors that are too bright such as white or yellow.
Weather
South Korea
is known for its distinct four seasons, which necessitates having the right
clothes for each season. The country is also known to have formidable summer
with high temperatures reaching almost 30 degrees C while low temperatures
during winter reaching -20 degrees C. Also, carrying an umbrella during summer
may be a good idea because South Korea is very humid and rainy during the
summer.
Business luncheon/dinner
Etiquette
Business luncheon and dinner is of
extreme importance in Korean business culture. This is not only because
important discussion regarding business is made but it is also a chance for
business partners learn about each other. As such, one should be cautious as to
not make any gesture that could be misunderstood. Unlike in the West, dinner
table etiquettes in Korea require that a younger person does not start eating
until elders do so. Another common etiquette involves blowing nose in dinner.
One must not blow his or her nose in dinner table no matter how bothersome it
is not to. Instead, one must excuse him or herself and do so in the absence of
others.
Using chopsticks
With the exception of dishes originating from the Western cuisine, most
restaurants in Korea serve food that requires the use of chopsticks. In
addition, the ability to use chopsticks is perceived as being intelligent and
having good bodily coordination and can give a good impression. As such,
inability to use chopsticks is seen as clumsy.
Food
Dining with
colleagues and with people from work is common to every working professional in
Korea. Therefore, it is helpful for one to get accustomed to the following
several representative Korean dishes
·
Samgyeopsal: Samgyeopsal is grilled
pork belly and is dish popular to both men and women. It is served as uncooked
thinly sliced pieces and one grills it on a personal or shared grill to his or
her liking.
·
Bulgogi: Bulgogi or otherwise known
as Korean barbecue is perhaps the most celebrated Korean dish. Beef is
marinated overnight with the Korean barbecue sauce consisting mainly of soy
sauce, ground garlic, sesame seeds, salt, and sugar. As in cooking samgyeopsal, one grills bulgogi
on a grill to his or her liking.
·
Bibimbab: Bibimbab is a
heart-healthy dish popular to people wanting to taste a variety of ingredients
in one dish. It is a rice dish topped with a variety of vegetables and hot Gochujang sauce.
After work get-together
Karaoke
After work get-together is an
important aspect of business culture in Korea. Almost all working professionals
in Korea get together with their co-workers to have fun after a hard day’s
work. One common place that Koreans visit is a Karaoke bar where people can
sing and dance in a private room. Common karaoke etiquettes include superior
singing the first song and younger people doing so later. Care must be taken
when choosing songs. While elders and superior usually sing ballads or trot, an
old form of Korean pop music, younger people are expected to sing fast tempo
songs to keep the atmosphere fun and lively.
Drinking
Drinking also involves courtesy and
etiquette. In drinking table, it is customary for the younger person to pour
drink to the superior using both hands to show respect. Once this is done, the
superior in turn fills the younger person’s glass while he holds it using both
hands. This process is repeated and one usually never fills his or her glass.
Even the simple act of drinking should convey a sign of respect in Korean
drinking table. This is done by the younger person turning his face away from
the elder person with his hand held in front of the glass while drinking. It is
also customary for the superior to take care of the bill. Insisting
on doing so as a younger person in the group may come as an insult to the
elders.
Gifts
In South
Korea, gifts are frequently exchanged between colleagues and in the office as a
way to strengthen relationship and improve cohesiveness. Gifts are usually
given and received during the holidays and birthdays, or special occasions such
promotion. Common gifts in business affairs in Korea include imported alcohol,
department store gift cards, and ties and shorts. It is inadvisable to give an
overly expensive gift as the person receiving can feel uncomfortable.
Politics
There are a
number of popular dinner table conversation topics. One of these is politics,
which is perhaps the most popular topic among men. However, one must be careful
when choosing a political conversation topic as the discussion of a topic with
much divided views may rather be unpleasant in dinner table. Another topic to
avoid in dinner table with business partners and colleagues is that of North
Korea. Views on North Korea and its dictator regime are very
divided in different age groups. While some have no problem openly disapproving
the actions of North Korea, others may regard the North as an ally. Therefore,
one should be careful as to not offend the latter group with criticisms.
Conclusion
There are
many striking differences in the business affairs in Korea and those in the
United States. Many of these can find their roots in the collectivist and
Confucius culture in Korea. The expression of sincerity and respect is the
single most important positive gesture that one can make in a business meeting.
The key word to understanding business culture in Korea is respect. Remember
that the expression of respect to one's superiors will be met with a reward
while failure to do so will be met with less than favorable treatment. I am sure
that anyone who remembers these lessons are off to a
good start in building a professional career in Korea.
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