Professional Travel in the Republic of Korea (South Korea)

Professional Travel in the Republic of Korea
                                          (South Korea)

Culture Note
South Korean culture is a fascinating blend of old traditions mixed with western ideals. The country has
an excellent transportation infrastructure, making movement between modern cities and rural areas quite
easy. Despite outside influences from its neighboring countries, South Korea has maintained a distinct
and homogeneous identity influenced by its religious beliefs and breathtaking landscapes. The people of
Korea share a common pride in the country’s unique cultural and linguistic heritage that has emerged
during its long and turbulent history.

For basic country demographics see the US State Department World Fact Book:
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ks.html

Greeting Etiquette
   • Korean men greet each other with a slight bow and sometimes an accompanying handshake while
       maintaining eye contact. Many South Koreans shake hands with expatriates after the bow,
       thereby blending both cultural styles.
   • The junior person (or of lower social status) initiates the greeting and should be the first to bow to
       the person of higher status, yet it is the most senior person who initiates the handshake. Women
       rarely shake hands—men should generally not try to shake hands with Korean women.
   • Koreans shake hands less firmly than Americans do. To show respect when shaking hands, touch
       your right forearm with your left hand. Historically, yangban wore robes; pulling back the sleeve
       of the robe showed the other person you had no weapon up your sleeve.
   • The person who initiates the bow says, "man-na-suh pan-gop-sumnida", which means "pleased to
       meet you."
   • Information about the other person will be given to the person they are being introduced to in
       advance of the actual meeting.
   • Wait to be introduced at a social gathering.
   • When you leave a social gathering, say good-bye and bow to each person individually.

Business Cards
   • Business cards are exchanged after the initial introductions in a highly ritualized manner.
   • The way you treat someone's business card is indicative of the way you will treat the person.
   • Using both hands, present your business card with the Korean side facing up so that it is readable
       by the recipient.
   • Examine any business card you receive carefully.
   • The business card should be placed in front of you for the duration of the meeting and put away
       in a case or portfolio at the conclusion of the meeting.
   • Never write on someone's business card in their presence.

Gift Giving
    • Gifts express a great deal about a relationship and are always reciprocated.
    • Appropriate gifts during an initial business trip include mementos from your home region or
       impersonal products bearing your university/company logo (photo book, pen set, etc). Gifts
       produced in the U.S.A are preferable, and be sure the gifts were not produced in Korea or Japan.
    • Bring fruit or good quality chocolates or flowers if invited to a Korean's home.
    • Liquor may be given to a man, but never to a women.
    • 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.
    • Use yellow or pink paper since they denote happiness.
    • Do not wrap gifts in red (red symbolizes China and Communism). Do not sign a card in red ink.
    • Do not wrap gifts in dark-colored gift-wrap (dark colors symbolize death).
    • Use both hands when offering a gift.
    • Gifts are not opened in the presence of the giver.

Relationships & Communication
   • Maintaining harmony is highly valued.
   • South Koreans prefer to do business with people with whom they have a personal connection. It
       is therefore crucial to be introduced by a third-party. In the business world, particularly with those
       comfortable with the Western style of doing business, this is not always necessary.
   • Relationships are developed through informal social gatherings that often involve a considerable
       amount of drinking and eating.
   • Individuals who have established mutual trust and respect will work hard to make each other
       successful.
   • South Koreans treat legal documents as memorandums of understanding. They view contracts as
       loosely structured consensus statements that broadly define agreement and leave room for
       flexibility and adjustment as needed.
   • Under no circumstances should one insult or to criticize a colleague or business associate in front
       of others. Koreans generally do not believe in upsetting another person or causing someone to
       lose face.
   • Sensitive matters may often be raised indirectly through the intermediary that first made the
       introductions.
   • South Koreans speak modestly and accept honors or compliments reluctantly
   • South Koreans are extremely direct communicators. They are not averse to asking questions if
       they do not understand what has been said or need additional clarification. Respond to questions
       directly and concisely.
   • In South Korea, “yes” doesn’t necessarily indicate agreement. It may mean “I hear you” or “I
       understand you. As such, it is better to ask, "When can we expect shipment?" than "Can we
       expect shipment in 3 weeks?", since this question requires a direct response.
   • When talking or laughing, keep your voice as quiet as possible.

Conversation
   • Acceptable topics
          o Korea’s accomplishments
          o Hobbies (yours and theirs)
          o Family (yours and theirs)
          o Your Korean colleagues’ health

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•   Unacceptable topics
           o A specific Korean person or Korean customs and culture, even if to make complimentary
               remarks (Koreans find compliments embarrassing)
           o Politics
           o Korean War
           o Relations with North
           o Korean, Japan, and China

Business Meeting Etiquette
   • Appointments are required and should be made 3 to 4 weeks in advance.
   • You should arrive on time for meetings as this demonstrates respect for the person you are
       meeting.
   • The most senior South Korean generally enters the room first.
   • It is a good idea to send both an agenda and back-up material including information about your
       company and client testimonials prior to the meeting.
   • The main purpose of the first meeting is to get to know each other. Meetings are used to
       understand a client's needs and challenges. They lay the foundation for building the relationship.
   • Do not remove your jacket unless the most senior South Korean does so.
   • When possible, have all written materials available in both English and Korean.
   • Koreans are very hospitable and friendly, but negotiations can be very aggressive in tone. Strive
       to maintain composure and patience even though your South Korean counterparts can be very
       frank and quick to express anger and frustration in negotiations. Do not take everything said
       literally.
   • It is important to have a firm position but do not insist on having your own way as it will be
       viewed unfavorably.
   • Respect silence in communication as they need the time for translation and prudence.
   • Saving face is very important in the South Korean culture. A person’s reputation and social
       standing rests on this concept. Remain calm and refrain from showing that you are upset and you
       will be perceived as being able to control your emotions, rather than allowing them to control
       you. Loss of composure can harm business negotiations. Do not criticize your competition.
   • Don’t be surprised if your counterparts seem very analytical and demand more and more data to
       prove your point.

Dress Etiquette
   • For Business:
           o Men should wear dark, conservative business suits with white or light-blue shirts and
               conservative ties. Men should also avoid wearing jewelry other than a watch or a
               wedding ring
           o Women should dress conservatively with tailored suits or dresses; they rarely wear slacks
   • For Casual occasions:
           o Men wear conservative slacks and shirts.
           o Women wear skirts, sweaters, and blouses. Slacks are acceptable.
   • Koreans often seat guests on the floor. Make sure to wear appropriate clothing.

Social taboos
   • Never blow your nose in public. Never put a used tissue in your pocket; dispose of it
        immediately.
   • Avoid loud laughter or talk in Seoul.
   • Keep your hands out of your pockets

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•   Koreans rarely use gestures. Try to restrain your gesturing.
    •   Korean sense of personal space generally matches North Americans’, but acquaintances usually
        stand and walk closely to one another. Koreans believe it is rude to make someone walk behind
        you.
    •   Never beckon someone with your index finger or say “come here.” Doing so is rude. To beckon
        someone, extend your arm (palm down) then curl and flex your fingers together.
    •   Cover your mouth when yawning or using a toothpick

Dining Etiquette
   • If you are invited to a South Korean's house:
           o It is common for guests to meet at a common spot and travel together.
           o You may arrive up to 30 minutes late without giving offense.
           o Remove your shoes before entering the house. Holes in socks or difficult to lace shoes
               should be avoided at all costs.
           o The hosts greet each guest individually.
           o The host pours drinks for the guests in their presence. The hostess does not pour drinks.
           o The hosts usually accompany guests to the gate or to their car because they believe that it
               is insulting to wish your guests farewell indoors.
           o Send a thank you note the following day after being invited to dinner.

    •   Restaurant etiquette:
           o In general, Koreans find tipping offensive, but it’s becoming expected in hotels
               frequented by foreigners.
           o Western-style restaurants and hotel restaurants: The bill always includes a 10 percent
               service charge. You can leave small change as an additional gratuity for excellent service.
           o Other restaurants: The bill doesn’t include a service charge, and no tip is necessary.

Table manners
   • Wait to be told where to sit. There is often a strict protocol to be followed.
   • Keep conversation to a minimum during meals. Koreans don’t like to converse while eating. They
       appreciate silence during meals, and they socialize only after the meals.
   • Never point your chopsticks. Do not pierce your food with chopsticks.
   • Chopsticks should be returned to the table after every few bites and when you drink or stop to
       speak.
   • Do not cross your chopsticks when putting them on the chopstick rest.
   • Do not pick up food with your hands. Fruit should be speared with a toothpick.
   • Bones and shells should be put on the table or an extra plate.
   • Never refill your own glass or soy sauce dish. Always refill your neighbors’ glasses and soy
       sauce dishes.
   • Try a little bit of everything. It is acceptable to ask what something is.
   • Refuse the first offer of second helpings.
   • Finish everything on your plate.
   • Indicate you are finished eating by placing your chopsticks on the chopstick rest or on the table.
       Never place them parallel across your rice bowl.

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Common Foods

    •   Jap Chae – This dish consists of clear noodles stir-fried with meat and vegetables
    •   Naeng Myun This summer dish consists of buckwheat noodles in beef broth or without a broth, served
        cold. It is also served with strips of beef, half a hard-boiled egg and/or vegetables.
    •   Kim This is seaweed, sometimes wrapped around vegetables and seasoned rice to make kim bap, a
        common item to take on picnics.
    •   Mandoo These small dumplings, filled with delicious vegetables and meat, are served in a hot soup [man
        doo gook], fried [goon man doo] or steamed [jjin man doo].
    •   Bee Bim Bap A large bowl is filled with rice, small piles of colorful vegetables are layered on top, and a
        barely cooked egg placed to one side. Customarily, a generous amount of red hot pepper paste is added to
        the bowl and then mixed with the other contents.
    •   Bulgogi These are thin strips of beef that have been marinated in soy sauce, garlic, green onions and sugar,
        then barbecued--often right at your table. You may wrap bulgogi and red bean paste inside lettuce.

For more in depth information about South Korea visit:

Center for East Asian and Pacific Studies
http://www.eaps.illinois.edu

Asian American Cultural Center
http://studentaffairs.illinois.edu/diversity/aacc/index.html

Internet Resources:
Doing Business in South Korea:
http://www.communicaid.com/access/pdf/library/culture/doingbusinessin/Doing%20Business%20in%20
South%20Korea.pdf

Executive Planet:
http://www.executiveplanet.com/index.php?title=South_Korea

Kwintessential Global Etiquette:
http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/south-korea-country-profile.html

South Korea Tourism Guide:
http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/index.kto

Travel Guide:
http://wikitravel.org/en/South_Korea

For health and safety tips, visit:
McKinley Immunization and Travel Clinic
http://www.mckinley.illinois.edu/clinics/itc/itc.htm

Policy International Travel (OBFS)
http://www.cam.illinois.edu/ix/ix-a/ix-a-26.htm

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