South Korea

In Korea, business cards are a sign of mutual respect. It is best to give and receive cards with both hands courteously. After receiving a card, do not immediately put it away; glance at it briefly before placing it in a cardholder as a sign of respect. Avoid writing on the card.

The basic business greeting in Korea involves both a bow and a handshake. Especially when meeting for the first time or addressing a superior, it's polite to bow first and then offer a handshake. When shaking hands, avoid gripping too firmly or shaking too vigorously; a moderate grip is common.

Korean business attire is generally conservative formal wear. Men typically wear suits and ties, while women prefer suits or neat dresses. It is especially important to present a clean and tidy impression for official meetings or first encounters. Business casual may be acceptable in some work environments.

In Korean meetings, there is a culture of respecting superiors' opinions. When speaking, logical arguments are important, but overall harmony is also considered. Decision-making processes can be lengthy, often involving multiple discussions before reaching an agreement. In negotiations, relationships are highly valued, and long-term cooperation based on trust is important.

In Korea, business meals are an important opportunity for fostering camaraderie. It is customary to start eating after the senior person picks up their utensils, and politely accept alcoholic drinks offered by a senior. When drinking alcohol, it's common to turn your body slightly away. Tipping is not customary, so there's no need to leave a tip.

Appropriate topics: Weather, hobbies, food, travel, expressing interest in Korean culture, positive compliments, etc.
Topics to avoid: Politics, religion, personal income or appearance, overly personal questions, intrusive questions about education or family relations.

Gift-giving is common in Korean business. It is advisable to prepare a small gift, especially for a first meeting or when assistance has been received. Practical items or high-quality pens, or tea sets are generally safe choices. When presenting a gift, it's good to show humility.

Company dinners are important opportunities for relationship building in Korean business. It's advisable to attend if possible to build rapport with colleagues and superiors. Even if you don't drink alcohol well, making an effort to participate in the atmosphere is important; you can politely decline if pressured.