Can you guess who that is?  I can tell you it’s not Charleston Heston (I’ll give you a hint, he’s listed in the tags on this post).  I just thought I would try out my new photoshop skills…

I. Thou shall always have a formal introduction

Like business everywhere, always act your best and play your cards right.  If you know someone who can improve your chances of getting into someone else’s circle make sure you acknowledge the fact.  A little work in this department can go a long way.

II. Thou shall not be without business cards

I’ve never been to Korea, but I know that Koreans have business cards.  hundreds.  If not thousands.  I’ve heard it is dirt cheap to buy very nice looking business cards in Korea.  Whenever you meet someone, it is customary to exchange business cards.  Make sure you carry enough so that a good opportunity won’t fall through your hands.

Business cards are great for remembering someone and finding out what level they are in the company they work at.  When you give them, use both hands or your right hand (touching your elbow with your left hand) in order to show respect.  Keep the card out for a little while to use it as a reference instead of putting it away immediately.

III.  Thou shall not assume everything you say in English is completely understood

Like it was pointed out in a previous chapter, Koreans don’t like to appear that they are ignorant on any subject.  This includes English (although, aren’t we no different in this aspect?).  Even if they appear to understand what you say, make sure to speak in terms according to their perceived English level.  This usually involves a little casual talk and some questions so you can know what level to talk at.  Enunciating can be very important too.  If you are presenting information, make sure to give written notes out so that they can look up words if needed.

IV. Thou shall restrain pushing your position too hard

Korean businesspeople are believed to be good negotiators worldwide.  When you negotiate, be patient and firm, but gentle.  Decisions can take some time, don’t feel like you have to rush into things.  Also don’t worry about the little things when you are at the negotiating table, since that person probably won’t make them any way.  You can use other people to worry about those details

V. Thou shall build human relationships

Although you may think a contract is immutable, you can expect things to change with Korea.  Koreans don’t like detailed contracts and tend to make changes as things go.  This can be very frustrating since many Westerners regard a contract as set in stone and can be offended when Koreans change terms.  Just remember to keep good relations and develop relationships of trust.  This can involve giving and taking.

VI. Thou shall respect your partner

Do not put others in a difficult situation, keeping face is very important.  Compliment them and keep the atmosphere positive and you will reap the benefits.

Also, be careful for those who try to act like you know Korea more than other foreigners.  This is a method used by some to try to butter you up and get their way.  Just be mindful in whatever situation you find yourself in and remember to keep things professional.

VII. Thou shall entertain and be entertained

Entertainment is a big part of business.  Many business relationships are developed through having parties, which can involve a lot of alcohol.  Make sure to do your part and entertain them, relationships are not one sided.  Small gifts are very common also.

VIII. Thou shall try to know your counterpart

When you develop relationships, try to find out as much about the other party as you can (family, philosophies, hobbies, etc.).  Verbal promises and trust can be more binding here than a written agreement.

Make sure to go out and experience many different cultural activities.  By diversifying your life you get more chances to understand the people and develop new connections.

IX. Thou shall temper the use of Western logic

Although it’s built into you (if you are from a Western country), try to branch out and learn how Koreans think.  Study Confucianism and observe how Koreans interact with each other.  If you do business like a Westerner, you can expect to get business … with Westerners.

X. Thou shall keep fully informed

Korea is the 4th most wired country in the world according to the OECD.  On top of that, Koreans use mobile phones and Internet constantly.  This results from proliferation of information at an incredible speed.  Make sure you keep your data up to date and use reliable sources.  Information is power and power is money.

XI. Thou shall recognize foreigners are different

Lastly, as a new foreigner you will be given some slack. Being a foreigner can sometimes take a toll on negotiations (sometimes while negotiating with foreigners Koreans can expect to get more because they are from a country that has less than others) but it can also be very positive.  Try to keep the previous ten commandments in mind, but Koreans do realize how hard it can be for new foreigners to deal with them and understand their customs.  If possible do negotiations with someone who knows Korea well, but if you can’t do that it’s not the end of the world.

Go to the next chapter, Get Off on the Right Foot: Business Etiquette or select a chapter.