What if I make an etiquette mistake?

Apologize immediately and sincerely. Koreans appreciate when foreigners try to follow their customs and are generally forgiving of honest mistakes.

Is it okay to refuse alcohol at business dinners?

Yes, but explain politely that you don't drink for health/religious reasons. You can still participate by pouring for others and accepting non-alcoholic drinks with both hands.

How long should business meetings last?

Initial meetings often run 1-2 hours including relationship-building conversation. Don't rush to business topics - Koreans prefer to establish personal connections first.

What's the dress code for Korean business?

Very conservative. Dark suits, minimal jewelry, closed-toe shoes. Women should avoid revealing clothing. Quality and attention to detail matter more than trendy styles.

Should I learn Korean phrases?

Basic greetings like 'annyeonghaseyo' (hello) and 'gamsahamnida' (thank you) show respect and effort. Most business is conducted in English, but Korean phrases for courtesy are appreciated.

How to handle business etiquette in South Korea

Korean business etiquette centers on hierarchy, respect, and relationship-building. Always bow when meeting someone, use both hands when exchanging business cards, and address people by their title. Business happens after relationship-building, often over dinner and drinks.

Master the business card exchange. Receive cards with both hands, read them carefully before putting them away, and never write on someone's business card in their presence. Present your own card with both hands, Korean side facing the recipient if it's bilingual.
Learn the bow and handshake combination. Bow slightly (15-30 degrees) while extending your hand for a handshake. The deeper the bow, the more respect you show. Junior people bow deeper to senior people.
Address people correctly. Use titles with family names: Director Kim, Manager Park. Never use first names unless explicitly invited. When unsure, err on the side of formality.
Navigate meeting hierarchy. Wait to be seated - there's a specific order based on seniority. Let the senior-most Korean person speak first. Avoid direct contradiction in meetings; express disagreement privately afterward.
Participate in after-work socializing. Business relationships develop over dinner and drinks. Accept invitations to hoesik (company dinner) and follow drinking etiquette: pour for others, receive drinks with both hands, turn away from senior people when drinking.
Gift appropriately. Bring small gifts from your country. Wrap them nicely but avoid white wrapping (associated with death). Present and receive gifts with both hands. Don't open gifts immediately unless asked.

What if I make an etiquette mistake?: Apologize immediately and sincerely. Koreans appreciate when foreigners try to follow their customs and are generally forgiving of honest mistakes.
Is it okay to refuse alcohol at business dinners?: Yes, but explain politely that you don't drink for health/religious reasons. You can still participate by pouring for others and accepting non-alcoholic drinks with both hands.
How long should business meetings last?: Initial meetings often run 1-2 hours including relationship-building conversation. Don't rush to business topics - Koreans prefer to establish personal connections first.
What's the dress code for Korean business?: Very conservative. Dark suits, minimal jewelry, closed-toe shoes. Women should avoid revealing clothing. Quality and attention to detail matter more than trendy styles.
Should I learn Korean phrases?: Basic greetings like 'annyeonghaseyo' (hello) and 'gamsahamnida' (thank you) show respect and effort. Most business is conducted in English, but Korean phrases for courtesy are appreciated.