BUSINESS ETIQUETTE

SOUTH KOREA
 GROUP 4

SR NO. NAME SAP NO. ROLL NO. TOPIC

1 Manav Shah 40311200229 32 Political and Economics

Background, Business
Overview

2 Siddhi Jayesh Shah 40311200176 56 Greetings, Distance and

Space

3 Suvidh Shah 40311200760 58 Formality Levels, Time

Concept
4 Teerth Shah 40311200698 59 Meeting Etiquettes

5 Tirth Shah 40311200095 60 Dining Etiquettes

6 Utsavi shah 40311200337 61 Social Etiquettes

7 Vandan Shah 40311200177 62 Attires, Conclusion

 South Korea-A Political
and Economical
Background
  World’s 10th largest economy
 GDP of US $ 2.32 trillion as of 2019
 A spectacular rise from rags to riches.
 Overcame the Japanese occupation, and impoverishment
since 1945.
 High tech developments following the Korean War.
 Stable economy and experienced economic growth even
during the peak of the global financial crisis.
 Advanced manufacturing and services
 BUSINESS IN
SOUTH KOREA
•A dynastic business structure
•Traditional formalities of Asian
culture prevail.
•Internet connectivity and digital
technology.
•A hotbed of new startups,
innovation hubs, yet controlled by
‘chaebols’.
• Liberal marketplace and
cultural phenomena
•People identify heavily with
work, making it a priority over
other things.
 GREETINGS
Bowing Handshakes Addressing People

• For hello or goodbye. • Most senior person or person

with highest title initiates. • Address people with honor.
•Also for apologies , even for •Strong handshake =coarse and
minor inconveniences or mistakes • Use their titles followed by their
rude. surname. Surnames come first.

•Use a softer handshake.

DISTANCE
AND PERSONAL SPACE
• DON’T touch if unfamiliar.

•Prolonged, direct eye contact = challenge + impolite.

•Body within its own personal space; DON’T evade others’

personal space.

•Not guarded very closely in Korea in public space.

•Standing at arm’s lengths. With strangers, this distance is

further apart.

•In public arenas -can be quite limited and crowding is

common. Don’t worry about offending or apologising.
 LEVELS OF FORMALITY IN
COMMUNICATION
VERBAL
  Indirect and Quite Verbose.

 Rely less on words – instead focus on speaker’s posture, expression and tone of
voice
 Speech can be ambiguous as they often understate their point. 
 Focus must be given on hints of hesitation, listening to what they say, but also
paying careful attention to what they subtly imply.
 They do not say ‘NO’ or give NEGATIVE RESPONSE directly.
 Speak quite firmly and use less gestures and facial expressions.
 SILENCE reflects politeness and respect.

NON-VERBAL
 Eye Contact
 Pointing and Beckoning
 Gestures and Expressions
 Smiling
 CONCEPT OF TIME - APPOINTMENTS AND
PUNCTUALITY

• Punctuality for any business meeting. Punctuality is a sign of respect.

• Running late.

• When the other party or colleague is running late.

• Be inconspicuous in your situation.

• Meetings timings in South Korea-

between 10:00AM and 12:00PM or between 2:00PM and 4:00PM

• Traffic

Meetings
South Korean traits to
demonstrate in meetings are:
Respect for authority and elders,
Hard working and eagerness to
learn, Virtuousness and modesty,
Punctuality.
Negotiating
 The concept of ‘kibun ‘
(preserving the dignity of
yourself and others) is
followed in business dealings.
MEETING ETIQUETTES
When speaking with counterparts, follow proper business
etiquette: 
 Get TITLES correct.
 Eye contact.
 Core Values
 Business cards
 Introductions by third parties
 Focus during a first meeting-Not business, but relation and
trust first.
Book all meetings in advance and arrive on time, well put
together, and stocked with business cards. 

Seating is important. Follow cues.

Management
‘Confucianism ‘ supports the
hierarchical structure within the
family and workplace.
Addressing of 'Sonsaengnim' .
 DINING ETIQUETTES
Because socializing is central to business in South Korea, you will likely share meals.
Food is a very important part of Korean culture.

• Shoes will be removed • Try to gauge if there is room for

business discussion
• Don’t refuse tea or beverages
• Splitting costs is considered rude
 SOCIAL ETIQUETTES

• Business is Relationship Oriented

“Business relationships are personal relationships .“
Who you are is part of the ultimate bottom line.

• An introduction by a third-party helps to build rapport and

confidence. Mutual trust is established.

•Developing relationships over meals and drinks

Treat their business partners as friends.

•Drinking sessions are used to develop camaraderie and loyalty

as they consider this to be strengthening a business team to face
their competition.

•More informal interaction which is very important in Korea’s

rigid social hierarchy.
 FOR BOTH
Jewelery should be kept at a 
WORKPLACE
minimum, (such as a watch and a
wedding ring) ATTIRES
WOMEN
Colours should be understated
Women wear formal skirts and and traditional.
white blouse.
Be aware that winter can be very
cold, and summer very hot, in
South Korea Appearance is vital in Korea.
Koreans dress more formally,
have very conservative
business attire, with a dark
colour palette and don’t focus
much on individual expression.

MEN
 Men should dress in white
shirts with ties and
dark-coloured suits.
 CONCLUSION
Why an overview of South Korea’s
Business Etiquette is necessary
before Dealing with it’s companies?

Sustaining the business relationships, proving

that you are a respectable business partner
with a good character that reflects the values of
Korea, is the key to success in business in the
country.
 Bibliography:
https://www.commisceo-global.com/resources/country-guides/south-korea-guide#C5

http://guide.culturecrossing.net

https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/south-korean-culture

https://www.korea4expats.com/article-business-practices-etiquette.html
SLIDESMANIA
T ha nk You !