The Ultimate Guide to Korean Business Etiquette and Culture (2024)

South Korea presents an exciting opportunity, especially for food and beverage companies. The country offers a liberal marketplace, a thriving economy, and a culture rich in tradition and innovation. But to ensure a successful venture, it's crucial to understand Korean business etiquette. This guide aims to equip you with essential knowledge about the unique cultural and business practices in South Korea, to help you navigate this vibrant market with confidence.

To prepare this guide, we asked our network of experts at GourmetPro who have been successfully navigating the South Korea business culture for decades to share their insights. We distilled all their wisdom into this 12-point guide about South Korean business etiquette and culture.

1. Understanding the Role of Chaebols

In the heart of South Korea's economic landscape are the chaebols, large family-owned conglomerates that exert significant cultural, political, and economic influence. Born out of the Korean War's aftermath, they were instrumental in rebuilding the South Korean economy, transforming Seoul into a modern megapolis.

Chaebols such as LG, Samsung, Hyundai, and SK Group (the "Big Four") dominate the business scene, owning a significant portion of the Korean economy. As a foreign executive, recognizing the role and influence of these chaebols is vital when navigating the South Korean business landscape.

2. The Importance of Kibun and Face

At the core of Korean business etiquette is the concept of Kibun, which emphasizes maintaining dignity and harmony in personal and business relationships. Kibun is often misunderstood from a Western perspective, but understanding this principle is critical for success in South Korea.

In adherence to Kibun, Koreans avoid direct confrontations and negative responses. As such, they may agree to consider proposals even when they're unlikely to proceed. Recognizing these communication subtleties can save both parties from potential misunderstandings and frustrations.

3. Business Etiquette 101: Demonstrating Korean Values

In Seoul, business relationships are deeply personal. Demonstrating Korean values such as respect for authority, hard work, humility, and punctuality can significantly contribute to your business success. Additionally, hierarchies are crucial, with decisions often made at the executive level. Therefore, patience and understanding of these dynamics are key to establishing fruitful business relationships.

4. Rituals of Business Cards

Business cards carry significant importance in Korean business etiquette. When exchanged, they should be offered and received with both hands, and the recipient should take a moment to appreciate the card before placing it face-up on the table. Remember to carry plenty of business cards, preferably translated into Korean on one side.

5. The Art of Korean Greetings

In South Korea, greeting customs involve slightly bowing while keeping your hands at your side or folded in front. Bowing is common when saying hello, goodbye, or apologizing for minor mistakes. When it comes to handshakes, wait for the senior person to initiate, and remember, a strong handshake is considered coarse and rude.

6. Navigating Meetings: Dress and Conduct

When preparing for business meetings, adhere to conservative business attire and muted colors. Introductions by third parties are more effective than cold introductions, and patience is a virtue, as business decisions usually take time.

Ensure you get titles correct and treat people with superior titles with due respect. Avoid overt competitiveness and show humility and integrity at all times. Remember, in South Korea, your first meeting is likely to be about establishing relationships rather than focusing on business.

7. The Role of Dining in Korean Business Culture

Socializing is central to business in South Korea, and meals are a crucial part of this. Here are some of the vital rules to follow for both eating and drinking.

Eating:

1. Mealtime is important: Business meetings often include a meal, particularly dinner. Be prepared for conversations to continue over food.
2. Respect your elders: Allow the eldest or highest-ranking person to begin eating first.
3. Use both hands: When receiving dishes, use both hands as a sign of respect.
4. Don't refuse: Try at least a little of everything that is offered. It's a sign of respect and appreciation for the host's efforts.
5. Chopstick etiquette: Never stick your chopsticks upright in your rice bowl. It's considered bad luck as it resembles incense sticks at a funeral.

Drinking:

1. Beware of Soju: South Korea's national drink, Soju, is a popular choice at business dinners. Be mindful of its potency!
2. Accept gracefully: When a superior offers you a drink, accept it with both hands to show respect.
3. Pour for others: Always refill the glasses of others when they are empty, but never refill your own glass. Wait for someone else to do it.
4. Turn away when drinking: If you're drinking with someone older or of higher status, it's polite to turn your head to the side when taking a sip.
5. Know when to stop: If you've reached your limit and want to stop drinking, simply leave your glass full. It's a polite signal that you won't be drinking more. But remember, it's also perfectly acceptable to communicate your limits directly.

Are you looking for spirits opportunities in South Korea?

The market for spirits in South Korea has blossomed since the Covid-19 pandemic. Read our guide to the latest spirits opportunities here.

8. Nunchi: Korean Emotional Intelligence

Think of 'Nunchi' as Korea's answer to Japan's 'Kuuki wo Yomu,' both essentially mean 'reading the air.' It's all about tuning into others' feelings and adjusting your actions accordingly. South Korea is a high-context culture, where a lot is said through unsaid signals and the context of conversation.

Getting the hang of Nunchi can help you fully understand business interactions. But remember, you're an out-of-towner. So, while you're getting a feel for the subtle dance of Korean communication, be sure to keep your own messaging clear. Make sure your Korean colleagues fully understand your intentions, desires, and requirements. Striking this balance is your ticket to smooth communication in the South Korean business world.

9. Building Trust through the Concept of Jeong

In Korea, business relationships often evolve into personal relationships. This process is facilitated by Jeong, a deep emotional bond that develops over time through shared experiences. Creating Jeong with your Korean counterparts can lead to trust and long-term business relationships.

This is an essential aspect to understand when entering the South Korea market. To get a better understanding of potential partners to start building a relationship with, check out our guide to distribution in South Korea.

10. Gift-Giving Tradition

Gift-giving is a common practice in Korean business culture, often seen as a sign of respect and goodwill. However, it's crucial to be aware of the rules. Gifts should not be too expensive (to avoid the impression of bribery), and they should be wrapped and given and received with both hands. As in many Asian cultures, numbers play a significant role, and gifts should not be given in sets of four, which is considered unlucky.

11. The Significance of Public Holidays

Understanding Korean public holidays can also be beneficial, as these can impact business operations. Notable holidays include Lunar New Year (Seollal) and Korean Thanksgiving (Chuseok), during which businesses often close for several days.

12. Understanding the Korean Work Ethic

Koreans are known for their strong work ethic, often working long hours and late into the night. In fact, South Korea has some of the longest working hours among OECD countries. Recognizing this work culture can help set realistic expectations for your business interactions.

Now Give Yourself An Unfair Advantage in the Korean Market With GourmetPro

The insights shared here will definitely give you a head start in mastering Korean business etiquette. However, remember, these are just the first few steps into the vast realm of South Korean business culture. If you're envisioning launching your food and beverage venture in South Korea, then our team of Pro’s—fluent in Korean language, culture, business norms, and regulations—can be your guiding light in this seemingly complex market.

GourmetPro’s multilingual experts bring to the table an average of 10+ years of experience working in South Korea, specializing in areas such as:

• Market Entry
• Market Research
• Market/Brand Localization
• Business Development
• Technical Specialists
• E-commerce, and more

Let's pave your path to success in the South Korean market together. Reach out for an introductory call today!

Q1 - What is the table etiquette in South Korea?

In South Korea, dining etiquette is significant, especially in business settings. The eldest or highest-ranking individual typically starts the meal. Wait for them to lift their utensils first. Don't pour your own drink—pour for others, using both hands. It's also essential to eat at the same pace as the group. Navigating these customs can be challenging, but our GourmetPro Pros can guide you. Reach out today!

Q2 - What is the business card etiquette in South Korea?

When exchanging business cards in South Korea, present and receive with both hands, ensuring the card is facing the recipient. Take a moment to read the card before placing it on the table or in a card case. Never put it in your pocket or write on it. It symbolizes the person's identity.

Q3 - Is it impolite to tip in South Korea?

In South Korea, tipping is generally not customary, and sometimes it may even be considered rude. Service charges are typically included in the bill at restaurants.