Hidden Stuff about Land of Calm- What you must know if you want to succeed in Korea1Korea culture and Communication CaseTopics to DiscoverKorea in generalAge matters Why and to what degree?Business CultureDrinking in Korea - why and how2Korea culture and Communication CaseAbout KoreaLocation : East- Asia, neighboring China and JapanSize/Population : 99k km2 / 46mn (South Korea)Capital : Seoul (首尔）Language : KoreanCommon family names : Lee(李), Kim(金),Park(朴)Famous Food : Bulgogi (BBQ beef烤肉)Kimchi (泡菜)3Korea culture and Communication CaseTopics to DiscoverKorea in generalAge matters Why and to what degree?Business CultureDrinking in Korea - why and how4Korea culture and Communication CaseFactsAge, unique culture in KoreaWhich aspect of Age do we want to talk about? EEtiquette between the elder and the youngerEWhen being a younger, one misbehavior could lead to unrecoverable deterioration of relationship Age Matters5Korea culture and Communication CaseFacts (continued)How ENot only in words but also in action.Where is Age existing? EThe whole society in KoreaAge Matters6Korea culture and Communication CaseWhyDeeply rooted from Confucius ideas Showing your respectEElderships have rich life experienceEElderships have rich working experienceSetting out the statusKeeping social orderAge Matters7Korea culture and Communication CaseHow WordsEFirst meeting: Asking age (especially in business settings)Using titles to call a person (title + nim)Never calling his/her name for elders Age Matters8Korea culture and Communication CaseHow (continued)WordsEDifferent calling for different ageGirls call her elder brother as ObbaGirls call her elder sister as UnnieBoys call her elder brother as HyungBoys call her elder sister as NunaCommonly used outside familyAge Matters9Korea culture and Communication CaseHowActionEMeeting the elders: bowingEMeeting friends: just say helloEElders usually pay the bill especially when drinkingEYounger should obey the elders orderEYounger cleans the table after dinner or drinkingAge Matters10Korea culture and Communication CaseTopics to DiscoverKorea in generalAge matters Why and to what degree?Business CultureDrinking in Korea - why and how11Korea culture and Communication CaseGeneral Rules and NormsNames and TitlesAddress Koreans using appropriate professional titles Korean names are the opposite of Western names with the family name first, followed by the two-part given name. The first of the two given names is shared by everyone of the same generation in the family, and the second is the individuals given name. Example: Family + Shared Given + Given Lee Dong Sung Business Culture12Korea culture and Communication CaseGeneral Rules and NormsBody LanguageKoreans consider it a personal violation to be touched by someone who is not a relative or close friend. Avoid touching, patting or back slapping a Korean. Direct eye contact between junior and senior businesspeople should be avoided. This is seen as impolite or even as a challenge. Always pass and receive objects with your right hand (supported by the left hand at the wrist or forearm) or with two hands. Always treat the elderly or a senior person with respect. Make a point of acknowledging them first in a group. If you meet in a doorway, its common courtesy to allow the older person to pass through first. Moreover, do not smoke or wear sunglasses in their presence. Never point at a person with your index finger. Business Culture13Korea culture and Communication CaseCorporate CultureBusiness mannersProfessionals meeting for the first time usually exchange business cards. Present your card and receive your colleagues card with both hands. Building trust and relationships is vital to establishing a successful business relationship. This requires patience. Koreans prefer to do business with people they know. Since you will be judged according to your status, your title should be emphasized on your business card. Most importantly, knowing your title assists your contact in matching you with a person who is of similar rank. Business Culture14Korea culture and Communication CaseCorporate CultureBusiness manners (Cont)Business tends to be conducted at a slower pace than in North America or Europe. Be patient with delays in decision- making. This can be a stalling tactic to wear down the other side. While South Koreans may read and write English, the general level of understanding the spoken word can be low, especially for people over 40. You can provide presentation materials in advance, so that they will help your audience to follow along.Do not sign a contract or write a persons name in red ink, since this indicates that the person is deceased.Business Culture15Korea culture and Communication CaseCorporate CultureSpecial Case for WomenForeign women may have difficulty doing business