Should I bow or shake hands?

Do both. Offer a handshake while giving a slight bow (15-degree angle). The bow shows respect, the handshake acknowledges international business norms.

What if I'm offered alcohol during a business dinner?

Accept graciously even if you don't drink much. Hold your glass with both hands when receiving drinks. It's acceptable to take small sips or explain health reasons for not drinking.

How do I address hierarchy when I don't know who's senior?

Observe business card exchanges carefully - titles indicate seniority. When in doubt, address the eldest person first. Ask your Korean contact for guidance before the meeting.

Is it rude to take notes during the meeting?

No, taking notes shows you're serious and respectful. Ask permission first: 'May I take notes?' Digital notes on tablets are increasingly common and acceptable.

What topics should I avoid in small talk?

Avoid politics, North Korea, historical conflicts with Japan, and personal income. Safe topics: Korean culture appreciation, food, technology, your positive impressions of Korea.

How to conduct business meetings in South Korea

Korean business meetings emphasize hierarchy, relationship-building, and proper etiquette. Arrive 10 minutes early, bring business cards with both hands, and expect relationship-building conversations before business discussion. Follow seniority order for seating and speaking.

Prepare your business cards properly. Print cards in English on one side, Korean on the other. Use quality cardstock. Bring 20-30 cards for a single meeting day. Keep them in a business card holder, never loose in your pocket.
Dress conservatively and formally. Men: dark suit, white shirt, conservative tie. Women: business suit or conservative dress with sleeves, closed-toe shoes. Avoid bright colors, flashy jewelry, or revealing clothing. Iron everything - wrinkles suggest disrespect.
Arrive 10 minutes early, never late. Korean punctuality is strict. Plan your route with 30 minutes buffer for Seoul traffic. Use subway timing apps like Citymapper. Enter the building 15 minutes early to account for security and elevator time.
Exchange business cards correctly. Present and receive cards with both hands. Bow slightly when giving and receiving. Read the card carefully for 5-10 seconds before placing it respectfully on the table in front of you, never in your back pocket.
Follow seating hierarchy. Wait to be seated. The most senior person sits farthest from the door. Visitors typically sit facing the door. Never sit until the most senior Korean participant is seated first.
Begin with relationship building. Expect 10-15 minutes of personal conversation about your flight, family, or Korea experience before business begins. This is nunchi (social awareness) - rushing to business is considered rude.
Speak to the senior person first. Address the highest-ranking person initially, even if they're not your main contact. Use formal titles: 'Director Kim' or 'President Lee.' Avoid first names unless explicitly invited.
Present information hierarchically. Start with big picture, move to details. Provide written materials in advance when possible. Use charts and data - Koreans appreciate thorough preparation and detailed documentation.
Allow for indirect communication. Koreans may not say 'no' directly. 'We will consider it' or 'It's difficult' often means no. Ask clarifying questions politely: 'What would help move this forward?'
End with clear next steps. Summarize agreements and action items. Exchange contact information. The meeting often continues over dinner - accept invitations when possible as real decisions happen there.

Should I bow or shake hands?: Do both. Offer a handshake while giving a slight bow (15-degree angle). The bow shows respect, the handshake acknowledges international business norms.
What if I'm offered alcohol during a business dinner?: Accept graciously even if you don't drink much. Hold your glass with both hands when receiving drinks. It's acceptable to take small sips or explain health reasons for not drinking.
How do I address hierarchy when I don't know who's senior?: Observe business card exchanges carefully - titles indicate seniority. When in doubt, address the eldest person first. Ask your Korean contact for guidance before the meeting.
Is it rude to take notes during the meeting?: No, taking notes shows you're serious and respectful. Ask permission first: 'May I take notes?' Digital notes on tablets are increasingly common and acceptable.
What topics should I avoid in small talk?: Avoid politics, North Korea, historical conflicts with Japan, and personal income. Safe topics: Korean culture appreciation, food, technology, your positive impressions of Korea.