The Name Game

Never use just someone’s first name in Korea, except between close friends.  Especially in the business world you need to make sure that you always use their name and title whenever referring to them.  Just like the last chapter stated, business cards are a great way to exchange names and titles.  Bilingual cards are great but don’t use English-Japanese cards if you aren’t based in Japan because there is some bad history there.

Nunchi (눈치) – The power of eye contact

Eye contact is very important.  When you look other businessmen in the eye, make sure that you have a sense of sincerity and, when appropriate, humility.  Looking into others’ eyes is helpful in judging their character and you will receive this kind of judgment.  A person who can quickly assess a situation psychologically is called a 눈치 빨른 사람 (person who’s nunchi is quick).  This exists in all countries, but is something important and you should know about and utilize while dealing with East Asians.

The means justified the ends

While many in the Western societies can relate to the phrase that the end justifies the means, it is backwards in Korea.  Executives and others that initiate talks spend a lot of time and energy in developing relationships and figuring out the other side.  Then the ‘less important’ details (AKA making the contract) are done by subordinates.  Make sure that you don’t overlook any part of the deal making process, parts that you may initially think are unimportant might be more important than anything else.

Money and gifts

While tips are common in Western cafes and hotels, they are unexpected in Korea (and are automatically included in your resturaunt bill).  Some people can actually take offense when a tip is offered in those situations.  That doesn’t mean that you can’t give money when someone does something for you, but remember that you generally should not give tips at those places.

Money is commonly given as a gift, like major holidays or personal events like marriages that only happen once in a lifetime.  Whether you give money or gifts, don’t give things that are associated with four (like 40,000￦ or four spoons) since that number is associated with death.

Entertainment eating and drinking

Tardiness is somewhat common in Korea, given the busy traffic and other things.  Don’t take offense to it, after all you might be the late one next time.  Just go on with business like usual, it won’t be the end of the world.  If you are the one that’s late a phone call is seen as a common courtesy.

A lot of Korean restaurants have floor seating so be prepared for it.  Unless you have a medical condition (which you should tell beforehand) just go with the flow. You should try everything that’s put in front of you.  Don’t worry, it won’t bite back (unless you eat living squid, which does fight  back).  Some pointers about drinking are:

• Give and receive either with both hands or with your right (touching your right elbow with your left hand).
• Don’t refill your own glass, offer to fill those next to you and you will be repaid.
• Many politely refuse twice but will accept on the third attempt, it’s common courtesy to politely refuse a little.

The Magnetism of Differences

While the East has many different values than the West, make sure that you go through everything with an eye of acceptance.  Be ready and tell yourself beforehand that you are looking forward to learning and adapting to the differences.  If you keep that sort of frame of mind then changing how your mind works in the situation that you find yourself in will be much easier.

Let your hair down

While talking in conference rooms is important, remember that things outside of the office are just as important when doing business with Koreans.  Many times a decision can me made by observations during a social event.  Also, when you are invited to a Korean restaurant make sure to reciprocate it by inviting them to a Western restaurant or something else.

A little humility goes a long way

Western comanies have a reputation of being bigger than their Eastern counterparts, which can bring assumptions of pride and superiorness.  Make sure to make it a point to be humble or you might fall into that stereotype.  Remember, there’s a lot we can learn from each other.

Those interested in Korean Business Etiquitte can check out this book.

Go to the next chapter, Adapting to Korean Business Practices or select a chapter.