31-country business-culture briefs — customs stated as common practice, backed by our data.
It is common practice to exchange business cards with a slight bow upon first meeting; handshakes are also widely used, particularly among internationally experienced professionals. Receive business cards with both hands, take a moment to read them respectfully, and place them on the table or in a card holder rather than pocketing them immediately.
Korean workplace culture is distinctly hierarchical, and it is standard to address counterparts by their title and surname — for example, 'Director Kim' or 'President Lee.' Avoid using given names unless explicitly invited to do so.
Avoid writing anyone's name in red ink, as this carries associations with death in Korean culture. When giving gifts, steer clear of sharp objects such as knives or scissors, and avoid sets of four items, as the number four is phonetically linked to death.
Participants typically enter meeting rooms in order of seniority, with the most senior person seated first. Prepare bilingual (Korean-English) presentation materials where possible, and allow time at the start of meetings for relationship-building small talk.
Building long-term trust is a priority in Korean business negotiations, and decisions may take time due to internal hierarchical approval processes known as 'boogo' (reporting culture). Maintain patience, avoid aggressive pressure tactics, and demonstrate sincerity and a collaborative approach.
Business meals are an important venue for relationship-building and are commonly paid for by the most senior or the inviting party. It is customary to wait for the most senior person to begin eating, and to pour drinks for others rather than serving yourself.
Punctuality is valued in Korean business settings, and arriving late is generally regarded as disrespectful. Meetings tend to start on schedule, so arriving 5 to 10 minutes early is a recommended practice.
Major public holidays include Seollal (설날, Lunar New Year, typically a 3-day holiday) and Chuseok (추석, Korean Thanksgiving, also typically 3 days), during both of which business activity largely ceases. National holidays such as Independence Movement Day (March 1) and Liberation Day (August 15) should also be factored into scheduling.