What's the business dress code in Seoul?

Conservative and formal. Dark suits for men, business suits or dresses for women. Avoid bright colors or casual wear even on Fridays.

Should I learn Korean phrases for business?

Learn basic greetings and thank you (annyeonghaseyo, gamsahamnida). Most international business is conducted in English, but effort is appreciated.

How do Korean business cards work?

Receive with both hands, read carefully before putting away, never write on them. Have your cards translated to Korean on the reverse side.

What if my flight gets delayed?

Korean business culture is punctual. Notify contacts immediately and reschedule rather than arriving late. Keep your second day flexible as backup.

Is Seoul business travel expensive?

Mid-range expensive. Business hotels and dinners add up quickly, but subway transport is cheap and efficient between meetings.

How to Plan a 3-Day Business Trip to Seoul

Plan your Seoul business trip around your meeting schedule, book accommodation in Gangnam or Jung-gu for business access, and allow buffer time for traffic. Three days gives you time for essential meetings plus one cultural dinner or brief exploration.

Map your meeting locations first. Identify where your meetings are happening — Gangnam business district, Jung-gu downtown, or Yeouido financial area. This determines where you should stay and how much travel time to budget between appointments.
Book accommodation strategically. Stay within walking distance or one subway stop from your primary meeting location. Gangnam area hotels put you near Samsung, LG, and major corporations. Jung-gu keeps you central for government offices and traditional business areas.
Schedule with Seoul traffic in mind. Allow 45-60 minutes between meetings across districts during business hours. Rush hour (7-9 AM, 6-8 PM) can double travel times. Book morning meetings early (8 AM starts are normal) to maximize your day.
Arrange airport transfers. Book KAL Limousine Bus tickets online for reliable airport connection (60-90 minutes, $15), or arrange taxi pickup through your hotel (45-75 minutes, $60-80). Express train AREX is fastest to central Seoul (43 minutes, $9).
Plan one business dinner. Korean business culture expects relationship building over dinner. Book a traditional Korean BBQ restaurant or ask your local contact for recommendations. Dinners typically run 2-3 hours and include multiple venues.

What's the business dress code in Seoul?: Conservative and formal. Dark suits for men, business suits or dresses for women. Avoid bright colors or casual wear even on Fridays.
Should I learn Korean phrases for business?: Learn basic greetings and thank you (annyeonghaseyo, gamsahamnida). Most international business is conducted in English, but effort is appreciated.
How do Korean business cards work?: Receive with both hands, read carefully before putting away, never write on them. Have your cards translated to Korean on the reverse side.
What if my flight gets delayed?: Korean business culture is punctual. Notify contacts immediately and reschedule rather than arriving late. Keep your second day flexible as backup.
Is Seoul business travel expensive?: Mid-range expensive. Business hotels and dinners add up quickly, but subway transport is cheap and efficient between meetings.