What's the business dress code in Seoul?

Conservative and formal. Men wear dark suits with ties, women wear business suits or conservative dresses. Avoid bright colors or casual attire even on Fridays. Korean business culture is more formal than many Western countries.

How much should I tip for business meals?

Don't tip. Tipping is not customary in Korea and can be considered insulting. Service charges are included in restaurant bills. Simply thank your hosts and offer to reciprocate the meal.

Is English widely spoken in Seoul business districts?

Yes, especially in international companies and younger professionals. However, having key phrases in Korean and business cards translated shows respect. Download Papago or Google Translate as backup.

What time do business meetings typically start?

Most start between 9-10am or 2-4pm. Koreans work long hours, so evening meetings (6-7pm) are common. Always confirm timing and allow extra travel time during rush hours (7-9am, 6-8pm).

How to Plan a Business Trip to Seoul

Plan your Seoul business trip 3-4 weeks ahead, focusing on accommodation near Gangnam or Jung-gu districts for business meetings. Book flights with Korean Air or Asiana for best connections, arrange airport transfers, and pack formal business attire plus comfortable walking shoes.

Book flights and check visa requirements. Most business travelers can enter Korea visa-free for 30-90 days depending on nationality. Book flights 3-4 weeks ahead for better prices. Korean Air and Asiana offer the most direct routes and have strong business class options if your company budget allows.
Choose accommodation near business districts. Stay in Gangnam-gu for tech companies and startups, Jung-gu for traditional corporations and government offices, or Yeouido for financial firms. Book business hotels like Grand Hyatt Seoul, Lotte Hotel, or Park Hyatt Seoul for networking opportunities and reliable wifi.
Arrange ground transportation. Book AREX airport express train tickets online (43 minutes to Seoul Station, $4). Download Citymapper and KakaoMap apps. Get a T-money card for subway travel. Budget $15-25 for taxis between districts during business hours.
Schedule meetings strategically. Korean business culture values punctuality. Schedule morning meetings after 9am to account for commute times. Avoid scheduling during lunch (12-2pm) as business meals are important relationship-building time. Thursday afternoons and Friday mornings work well for most industries.
Plan networking meals. Budget for business dinners (expect $40-80 per person). Research restaurants near your meeting locations. Korean BBQ, traditional Korean cuisine, or international options in hotel restaurants are safe choices. Your Korean contacts will likely insist on paying, but offer to reciprocate.
Prepare business cards and meeting materials. Print business cards with Korean translation on reverse side through services like Vistaprint Korea. Bring printed materials as backup to digital presentations. Korean business culture still values physical exchange of cards with both hands and a slight bow.

What's the business dress code in Seoul?: Conservative and formal. Men wear dark suits with ties, women wear business suits or conservative dresses. Avoid bright colors or casual attire even on Fridays. Korean business culture is more formal than many Western countries.
How much should I tip for business meals?: Don't tip. Tipping is not customary in Korea and can be considered insulting. Service charges are included in restaurant bills. Simply thank your hosts and offer to reciprocate the meal.
Is English widely spoken in Seoul business districts?: Yes, especially in international companies and younger professionals. However, having key phrases in Korean and business cards translated shows respect. Download Papago or Google Translate as backup.
What time do business meetings typically start?: Most start between 9-10am or 2-4pm. Koreans work long hours, so evening meetings (6-7pm) are common. Always confirm timing and allow extra travel time during rush hours (7-9am, 6-8pm).