Korean culture Is heavily Influenced by Confucian values and this shows In every aspect of life In South Korea. Authorities, seniors, and elders are always respected, and females and friendships are an extremely valuable part of life. South Korea Is more conservative both In everyday life and business environment than the Western world but it should be considered as getting different opportunities to do business. Greetings and introduction If possible, the best way to be introduced to a Korean business person is through a third party.
The traditional greeting among Koreans is a bow but nowadays people also shake hands Just as commonly though usually both a bow and a handshake are done at the same time. When shaking hands it is respectful to support your right forearm with your left hand, and when bowing Juniors bow first and lower than their seniors. First meetings are usually meant for building a relationship so It Is very common that Korean business people ask a lot of personal questions regarding age, family life, or work.
This way they also find out how to treat their business partners, as authority and seniority are very important in Korean culture. On the first meetings t is important to exchange business cards which are usually presented and received with both hands as a sign of respect. Addressing Koreans usually have three names: a family name and a given name that consists of a generational second name and a personal name, for example Kim Jaw Yuk, where Kim Is the family name and Jaw Yuk the given name. Some people may also use a Western first name In the business world If they meet a lot of foreign business partners.
Kim, Lee, and Park are the most common family names In South Korea so It is very important to remember your business partners’ first names as more than half f the population are Skims, Lees, and Parks. When addressing Korean business partners, it is best to use the combination of their title and their family name, I. E. Mr./Ms Choc or Director Lee/Manager You. If wanting to use the Korean word for Mister and Miss, -SSI, it is usually attached at the end of the full name, for example Park J Yen-SSI.
It is deemed impolite to address people only by their first names, especially if they aren’t acquainted with you or are older or in a higher position than you. There are also several different honorifics in Korean to add o people’s titles to make addressing even more respectful, Like sunbeam that Is especially used In work and school environments to address senior colleagues or students. Physical contact is thought especially inappropriate with older people, people of the opposite sex, or people who are not relatives or close friends.
Unless the person is a family member, close friend or peer, avoid touching them, as it is considered a violation of personal space. Direct eye contact is still often seen as impolite or challenging, especially between Junior and senior business people, so some Koreans ay have difficulties maintaining eye contact when talking to an authority figure. As business meetings are often held in restaurants or bars to get to know the business partners or colleagues better, there are many customs for example for drinking regarding who receives a glass first or who pours the drink.
Pouring the drinks is usually done in turns, starting with the person of lower status or younger age. Drinks should always be drunk facing away from the most honored person of the meeting or the pourer, as it is considered rude and challenging. When receiving omitting and you can’t use both of your hands, always use the right one; using the left hand may be considered somewhat threatening. Excessive hand motions and facial expressions should be toned down during a business meeting. Gifts Exchanging gifts is a part of doing business in South Korea.
They are always reciprocated; it is good if you bring something from your native country. For the first visit, office items with your logo are good gifts. After that, items of beauty and craftsmanship are appreciated. When receiving a gift, it is polite to take the third time it is offered. One should avoid too expensive gifts as the recipient is required to match the value. Also gifts aren’t usually opened in front of the giver. Gifts should always be wrapped. Time Punctuality is very important in South Korea though busy business people might sometimes be late.
It is also expected that juggle between having a career and living a family life in Korean society. However, even though men still dominate the Korean business world, women are getting more and more into male-dominated business fields. If a Korean woman is an executive of a company, they usually have inherited the position from their parents or grandparents who have been the founders of the company. Business women from foreign countries will be treated differently than Korean women but many Korean men may still prefer doing business with a man.
