Proper Korean Business Etiquette is essential to help new partners and clients in the Korean community. Business people looking to expand globally to Korea, and more specifically to the booming South Korean market, will benefit greatly from practicing proper Korean business etiquette. Becoming confident with the proper procedures involved in Korean business etiquette will open the doors for your business success in this wonderful country across the world. Keep in mind that Koreans value structure and place importance on this structure as a basis for the highly respected organization of authority. To make the best impression and avoid any misunderstandings that can cost the new Korean business relationship, do some research before heading overseas.

1. Foreign Staffing, Inc.

2.  Proper Korean Business Etiquette is
essential to help new partners and
clients in the Korean community.
 Business people looking to expand
globally to Korea, and more
specifically to the booming South
Korean market, will benefit greatly
from practicing proper Korean
business etiquette.
 Becoming confident with the proper
procedures involved in Korean
business etiquette will open the doors
for your business success in this
wonderful country across the world.

3.  Keep in mind that Koreans value
structure and place importance
on this structure as a basis for the
highly respected organization of
authority.
 To make the best impression and
avoid any misunderstandings that
can cost the new Korean business
relationship, do some research
before heading overseas.

4.  Acknowledge those with the highest
status first, then recognize those who
are the oldest, as it's important to show
respect for status and age.

5.  Send proposals and meeting agendas
ahead of time so that your Korean
colleagues have the opportunity to
review them thoroughly.
 As with your business cards, be sure that
you supply all of your business
documents with a Korean translation.
 This shows respect for your Korean colleagues and ensures that they
understand your goals for the meeting. Collectivity and collaboration are
valued in Korean business transactions.

6.  Present business cards with both hands.
 Include a Korean translation of your
business card on the flipside, as this will
show your colleagues that you are willing
to go the extra mile to do business with
them.
 As in Japan and China, when receiving business cards in Korea, be sure to
carefully read them before putting them away.
 Shoving business cards into your pocket without reading them is considered
impolite and will offend your Korean colleagues.

7.  When abroad, always be punctual
with your Korean colleagues. If you
find yourself running late, make sure
that you notify your Korean
partners.

8.  Avoid directly saying “no”. Instead,
indicate differences or reluctance
by inhaling air through closed teeth,
tipping your head backwards
and/or saying “maybe”.

9.  Wear a dark-colored, conservative
business suit to Korean business
meetings.