South Korean business culture

Summary

This script offers insights into conducting business in Korea, emphasizing the importance of cultural understanding and respect. It advises sending senior representatives and possibly using a westernized Korean translator to avoid miscommunication. The script also highlights the significance of building relationships outside of formal settings, such as accepting invitations to social events like karaoke. It concludes by reminding viewers that Korea is more than just business etiquette, encouraging expats to immerse themselves in the culture.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Visit Korea with someone familiar with the country to understand the business culture.
• ⏱️ Expect to take time to establish yourself in Korea; don't rush business on the first trip.
• 🧓 Authority and seniority are highly valued in Korean business culture.
• 🤝 Send senior representatives to meet with Korean CEOs to avoid causing offense.
• 📚 Consider the need for a translator, but be aware of potential cultural nuances.
• 👵 Respect for elders is deeply ingrained in Korean culture, which can affect communication.
• 🏢 Use a westernized Korean translator if necessary to ensure loyalty to your company.
• 📈 Learning some Korean can signal your interest and impress your Korean counterparts.
• 🍜 Accept invitations to social events like restaurants or karaoke to build relationships.
• 💡 Expats are sometimes seen as arrogant; getting involved can help remove the 'outsider' label.

Q & A

How long is the flight from Brussels to Seoul?

The flight from Brussels to Seoul takes 14 hours.

What is the first piece of advice given for conducting business in Korea?

Businesses should visit Korea with someone who already knows the country well.

Why is it not advisable to conduct business on the first trip to Korea?

It takes time to get established in Korea and it's important to have a good degree of knowledge and familiarity with the market before conducting business transactions.

What is the significance of authority and seniority in Korean business culture?

Authority and seniority are crucial in Korea. It is important to send senior people to deal with Korean counterparts, as Korean CEOs may be insulted if they receive a junior manager.

Why might a translator not fully convey the intended message during initial business meetings in Korea?

Korean translators may not portray the true meaning of what is communicated if they fear it will offend the Korean recipient due to their respect for elders and authority.

What is suggested for a translator when conducting business in Korea?

It is suggested to use a westernized Korean whose loyalty to the company does not outweigh their Korean cultural tendencies.

Why is language critical to success in Korea?

Learning a limited amount of Korean signals interest and can impress Korean counterparts, which is important for building relationships.

Who is mentioned as a guide to act like a local in Korea?

Maria Nur Kim is mentioned as the guide to help act like a local in Korea.

What is considered disrespectful in South Korea when invited to social events like restaurants or karaoke?

It would be disrespectful not to accept an invitation to a restaurant or entertainment like karaoke, as these are important for creating relationships and gaining trust.

How are expats generally perceived in Korea and what is the advice for them?

Expats are seen as arrogant and too theoretical. The advice is to get involved and remove the outsider stamp to avoid this perception.

What is the final reminder given about Korea in the script?

The final reminder is that Korea is not only about stiff business rules, implying that there is more to the culture than just business etiquette.