South Korea

Greetings

Men greeting Men – Korean men bow to one another when greeting and departing. The younger man should bow lower than the older man. This is most typical of the first meeting, and subsequent meetings usually involve more of a slow, polite nod. With foreigners a light handshake and a small bow will do while maintaining direct eye contact.

Women greeting Women- At a first meeting, Korean women generally bow. Handshakes are not as common.

Greetings between Men & Women - At a first meeting a slight nod or bow will do. In business settings a handshake is common.

Communication Style

• Communication style tends to be fairly indirect. Often, co workers will not tell you that you should not do something, though they will compliment what they consider you to be doing correctly. It is best in many situations to ask someone in a somewhat direct manner if you need help or clarification.
• Due to the language barrier, understanding is often required in conversations. It is very unlikely that a Korean would say something (unwarranted) offensive to a foreigner, especially if they work together, so try to determine what the intended meaning is before reacting.

Personal Space & Touch

• Koreans tend to prefer standing at arms lengths from one another. When meeting strangers this distance is farther.
• In public arenas like the subway, a market, etc. s personal space can be quite limited and pushing is common.
• Teenagers of both genders as well as most women are very comfortable in each others’ spaces if friends. It is very common to see two girls or women, and often two boys, walking arm-in-arm.
• People do not tend to apologize for bumping into other people or otherwise invading their personal space. This is especially true in the larger cities, like Seoul.

• Between teacher and student, it is considered alright for the teacher to pat the student on the back, rest hand on head, or even knock their head (lightly).

Eye Contact

• Traditionally, Koreans tend to favor indirect eye contact over direct, although the younger generation is comfortable with both.
• During conversations both direct indirect eye contact is acceptable. Koreans usually use indirect when speaking with elders as a sign of respect. Direct eye contact is acceptable provided it is intended to help in understanding in conversation and not as staring
• Staring is generally considered inappropriate (which can be a weird effect for a foreigner when you feel very different yet no one looks at you).

Gestures

• It's best to point with your whole hand instead of one finger.
• To encourage someone to come closer, have your palm facing down and close and open your hand. This same gesture is used when trying to get a taxi.
• Beckoning with the palm up and facing toward one’s face is reserved for calling animal.
• When offering or receiving something, using two hands is a sign of respect.
• Take your shoes off when entering a Korean home.
• Spitting on the street (and occasionally in the halls of buildings) is not uncommon.

Views of Time

• Koreans place a great deal of emphasis on adhering to schedules and deadlines. They value and expect punctuality and diligence.
• The bus, train, and plane schedules are usually on time and showing up to a social function the time it is called for is the norm.
• People are very willing to help out and are generous with their time, provided they have no prior appointments.
• If a plan is made, even if it is just to go out drinking after work, do everything within your power to follow through on those plans unless you are very sick.

Taboos

• Putting one’s feet on the furniture is considered extremely bad form.
• Avoid eating and drinking while walking in public.
• Putting your thumb in between your middle and index finger while making a fist is an obscene gesture.
• Avoid red ink when signing documents as it is reserved for the deceased.
• Avoid going into a house or place of worship with your shoes on.

Law & Order

• The legal drinking age and smoking age in is 19 and enforced for the most part.
• Penalties for possession, acquisition, and trafficking of drugs are severe and include heavy fines and mandatory imprisonment in local jails.
• Public drunkenness is extremely common in the evening and at night, although most people are careful to care for their friends

Dress

• Dress is quite formal in for both men and women,
• For men: conservative, dark colored suits with white shirts and conservative ties.
• For women: conservative business suits or dresses and blouses are appropriate. Avoid tight fitting and sleeveless attire.
• Jeans and business casual attire are not recommended.

Titles & Business Cards

• Titles are very important and it is best to address people directly by using their professional title or Mr., Mrs., or Miss, followed by the surname.
• Typically, Koreans will give a specific name they wish to go by, either an English name they have chosen (most common if they work frequently with foreigners) or Mr. ______. If they do not give a specific name, the best bet is usually to go by their surname and profession, in that order (for example, Kim Teacher, Choi Doctor.)
• Korean names begin with a family name followed by a given name
• It is advisable to have one side of your business card translated into Korean and be sure to present your business card with two hands with the Korean side facing the recipient.
• Look at business cards you receive with interest by examining them carefully. It’s best to place them in a holder and be sure to never write on or fold a business card you are given.

• When handing anything to someone older or higher in your profession, (IE, business card, reports, etc.) always give and receive using both hands touching the object.

• One alternative to this is holding out an object with your right hand and putting the fingertips of your left hand against your right inner elbow or arm. This is more commonly seen when giving and receiving money, however.

Meetings

• Arriving on time for a meeting is important as punctuality is highly valued.
• Hierarchy is very important in Korean culture, so it is always best to defer to the most senior person in the room when it comes to beginning and guiding conversations.
• Beginning with small talk helps establish a base for the relationship, after which discussion of business matters can begin. It is best to allow your host to begin the business discussion.
• Periods of silence are considered acceptable and are to be expected. Avoid interrupting if possible.

Negotiations

• Koreans value relationship building and harmony so avoid hard selling, pressure tactics and any sort of conflict or confrontation. Saving face is paramount.
• Koreans may come in very high or low depending on the situation but will be prepared to compromise in negotiations.
• Even though Koreans value a direct communication style in most things, they try to avoid using no in answering questions.

Gift Giving

• Simple gifts such as a product with one’s company logo on it are acceptable at a first meeting.
• If invited to a Korean home, it is appropriate to bring flowers, wine, and/or chocolates.
• Avoid green, white or black wrapping paper as well as giving gifts in sets of four.
• Gifts are not usually opened when they are received.
• Gifts are expected when visiting the home of a coworker, boss, etc. On the first day of a job, a small gift is encouraged, and can be something as small as an orange. Many stores actually provide small, already wrapped gifts for initial meetings.
• Typically, if providing food gifts, give one to your boss, one to the person directly over you, and have the rest available to your coworkers.
• When giving a gift to another individual in South Korea, one must hand it over using both hands. However this rule does not apply when you are giving it to a close friend (same age) or siblings (uncommon).

In the Classroom

• Dress at most schools is casual to upscale casual. Students usually wear shirts, sweaters, slacks or jeans most of the time.
• Most university grades are given on a 0-100 scale with 100 being the highest. The minimum passing grade is usually a 60.

Other Observations

• As in many Asian countries, tipping isn’t expected or encouraged.