Business

Business dress is conservative. Men should wear dark suits with a white shirt and women should avoid bright colors. Men should not wear jewelry other than a wedding ring and a watch.

Meetings should be scheduled three to four weeks in advance, and you must show up on time.

Business is conducted only with those whom they trust, so it is helpful to arrange to be introduced through an acquaintance.

Business cards are exchanged after the formal introductions. Be respectful with it; the way you handle someone’s card indicates the way you will treat the person.

Business cards should be presented and received with two hands, with the Korean side facing up. When you receive a card, take a moment to look it over.

Place the card in a briefcase or folder, not in a pocket. You should not write on a business card in front of the person.

Communications are direct. When answering questions, be short and to the point.

Do not insult or criticize others while in a meeting.

As business is only conducted with people they trust, meals and conversations may take place before engaging in business negotiations.

Dining

It is common for guests to meet outside of the house and arrive together.

When going to someone’s house for a meal you should bring a small gift of flowers or chocolates. You should also send a thank you note the next day.

You may arrive up to 30 minutes late without offending your hosts.

The hosts should greet each person individually.

The host — not the hostess — pours drinks.

The oldest will be served first and is the person who begins eating first.

Do not point or pierce your food with your chopsticks.

Try a little bit of everything. It is acceptable to ask what something is.

You should refuse the first time you are offered seconds. Make sure you finish everything that you put on your plate.

Indicate you are finished by putting your chopsticks on the table. Never rest them across the rice bowl.

The hosts will accompany you outside when you leave. It is insulting to wish your guests farewell while still indoors.

Gift Giving

Gifts are used to express a great deal about relationships, and are always reciprocated.

Gifts should not be so expensive that the recipient cannot return a gift later.

Gifts should be given and received with two hands, and should always be wrapped.

Wrap gifts in either red and yellow paper (the royal colors), or in pink and yellow paper (they represent happiness). Do not sign a card in red ink.

The number 7 is considered lucky, while the number 4 is unlucky.

Gifts are never opened when received.

Greeting

Greetings typically consist of both bowing and hand shaking. The person of lower status initiates the bow to the higher status person, while when shaking hands the person of higher status initiates the greeting.

Greetings are usually very formal and follow protocol.

Information about other people will be given to you before you actually meet them.

It is important to wait to be formally introduced. Do not introduce yourself.

When leaving, make sure to bow to each person individually.