How formal should I dress for Korean business meetings?

Very formal. Men should wear dark suits with ties, women should wear conservative pantsuits or dresses with sleeves. Korean business culture values formal presentation more than many Western countries.

Do I need to bring business gifts?

Yes, small gifts are expected. Bring items branded with your company logo or representative of your home country. Nothing expensive - the gesture matters more than the value.

How much cash should I bring?

Bring $300-500 in cash to exchange for won. Many restaurants and smaller businesses don't accept foreign cards, and you'll need cash for taxis and subway.

What's the weather like for business travel?

Seoul has four distinct seasons. Summer (Jun-Aug) is hot and humid, winter (Dec-Feb) is cold with snow, spring/fall are mild but can be rainy. Check forecasts and pack accordingly.

How to Pack for Business Travel in South Korea

Pack conservative business attire with multiple dress shirt options, bring business cards and gifts for meetings, and include comfortable walking shoes for Seoul's extensive subway system. Korean business culture values formal presentation, so err on the side of overdressing rather than casual.

Plan your business wardrobe around Korean formality standards. Pack dark suits (navy or charcoal) for men, conservative dresses or pantsuits for women. Korean business culture is formal - avoid bright colors, short sleeves, or casual blazers. Bring 2-3 dress shirts per suit and pack one extra formal outfit beyond what you think you need.
Include essential business meeting items. Bring business cards in a card holder - exchanging cards is ceremonial in Korea. Pack small gifts from your home country (company-branded items work well). Include a quality pen, leather portfolio, and backup chargers for all devices.
Pack for Seoul's walkability and weather. Bring comfortable leather dress shoes you can walk 2-3 miles in daily - Seoul requires lots of walking and subway stairs. Check weather for your dates and pack accordingly. Winter (Dec-Feb) needs heavy coat, summer (Jun-Aug) is humid and hot.
Add items for after-work socializing. Korean business culture includes frequent dinner meetings and karaoke. Pack one smart casual outfit for evening events. Include comfortable shoes for karaoke rooms and antacids - Korean business dinners are elaborate and alcohol-heavy.
Prepare for practical needs. Pack universal power adapter, portable WiFi device or local SIM card, and translation app downloaded offline. Bring cash - many places don't accept foreign cards. Include hand sanitizer and face masks (still common in Korean business settings).

How formal should I dress for Korean business meetings?: Very formal. Men should wear dark suits with ties, women should wear conservative pantsuits or dresses with sleeves. Korean business culture values formal presentation more than many Western countries.
Do I need to bring business gifts?: Yes, small gifts are expected. Bring items branded with your company logo or representative of your home country. Nothing expensive - the gesture matters more than the value.
How much cash should I bring?: Bring $300-500 in cash to exchange for won. Many restaurants and smaller businesses don't accept foreign cards, and you'll need cash for taxis and subway.
What's the weather like for business travel?: Seoul has four distinct seasons. Summer (Jun-Aug) is hot and humid, winter (Dec-Feb) is cold with snow, spring/fall are mild but can be rainy. Check forecasts and pack accordingly.