SOUTH KOREA

LANGUAGE

* Standard Korean is spoken across the country. English is not widely spoken, although most major businesses will have some English-speaking staff.

* If you intend to distribute literature about your business when in South Korea, it is advisable to have Korean language information available, as many senior managers are unable to speak English. In view of the expense involved in printing costs, a simple word-processed translation may suffice. The effort put into the preparation of such a document may be interpreted as an indication of your company's commitment to the Korean market.

BUSINESS ATTIRE

* First appearances count a great deal in Korea, so it is important to always wear a suit when conducting business. Women should always wear a smart, conservative outfit.

INTRODUCTIONS

* Business cards are vitally important in Korea. Exchange cards whenever you meet someone new and always give and receive cards with both hands, as this is considered respectful.

* When receiving another person's card, always take a few seconds to study it in their presence and never place it immediately into your pocket. A card signifies a person's status in the company you are dealing with, and it is polite to always show interest in their position.

* Never fondle or write upon a person's card, as this is considered insulting.

* Koreans will always shake hands at meetings, but it is also customary to bow slightly when shaking hands for the first time.

* Korean names are usually three syllables long, with the surname preceding given names. Hence, a Korean man named Chang Kon-sang should be referred to as Mr Chang. Never refer to a Korean counterpart by their first name, particularly in front of other business people or their contemporaries.

* Never hand a Korean person a business card with a Japanese translation of your name and corporate position, as this is considered highly insulting. Japan occupied Korea from 1910 to 1945, and your card may be interpreted as a reference to this period.

POST AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS

* South Korea has a modern post and telecommunications system. Post offices are open from 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday and until noon on Saturdays.

* Direct-dial long distance and international telephone calls can be made from public phone boxes across the country using either coins or telephone cards.

MONEY

* The official South Korean unit of currency is the won. US dollars are the easiest currency to exchange, however almost all major currencies can be exchanged in banks across the country.

* It is unnecessary to leave a tip for service in South Korea. A 10 per cent service charge is automatically added to bills in most hotels.

BUSINESS HOURS

* Government offices are open between 9am and 6pm from Monday to Friday and until 1pm on Saturdays.

* Banks are open from 9.30am to 4.30pm on weekdays and until 1.30pm on Saturdays.

* Department stores are open seven days a week from about 10.30am until 7.30pm and most markets and shops keep longer hours.

INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

* Seoul's Kimpo Airport is located approximately 18 kilometres from the city centre. Taxis are expensive and in short supply. Traffic jams are not uncommon. There are good airport buses which can be booked through hotels.

GIFTS

* When presenting gifts to a civil servant in Korea, bear in mind that gifts with a value exceeding $US100 must be reported to the authorities, under the country's Civil Servant Ethics Law.

* Never give objects which come in a set of four, as this object has a death association in Korean culture.

* Red is the most suitable colour for wrapping paper in Korea. Blue is a lucky colour in South Korea and is a suitable colour for a gift or for wrapping paper.

* If invited to a Korean wedding, the appropriate gift is a cash contribution of approximately $US25 presented in a red envelope. More money should be given if you have a warm or significant relationship with the person getting married or with the person who invited you. Do not give money that has a denomination of four, eg. 40,000 won.

GENERAL

* Always try to obtain an introduction to a Korean organisation or business executive rather than contacting them directly yourself. It is always useful to cultivate a network of Korean contacts for such introductions.

* Try to exchange notes after every meeting to ensure that everything which was agreed upon is clearly understood. Often Korean business people's comprehension of English is not as sound as their courtesy would lead you to believe.

* Korean negotiations tend to be lengthy and protracted. It is not advisable to appear pushy during a discussion. If a sensitive issue arises on which agreement is not forthcoming, leave it for discussion at a later meeting, preferably through a Korean intermediary.

* Try to avoid lengthy, detailed contracts. In Korea, the human relationship which exists between the parties to a contract is more important than the legal document itself.

* Relationships will often be developed after hours, at pubs and restaurants over copious quantities of food and alcohol. Such gatherings are usually seen as male-only affairs and are regarded as highly important by your Korean counterparts. Drinking competitions and complete drunkenness are not uncommon at such gatherings, but don't worry, things rarely get out of hand.

* Be prepared to tell Koreans about your private life (ie. marital status, family background, income etc.). Korean people do not regard such questions as personal and will often appear extraordinarily interested in your background.

* In Korea, it is important to endure tardiness with humility. Whether it's the traffic or just forgetfulness on the part of the individual, some Koreans are often late. It is probably best to tolerate such situations since to complain about tardiness may ultimately prove to be counter-productive to the negotiating process.

* Be prepared for bureaucratic and red tape hassles in Korea. Such situations should be handled delicately and with a minimum of fuss.

* Korea is a Confucian society based on respect for elders and the subservience of females. Unfortunately, it is therefore necessary for all foreigners to expect to encounter gender and age discrimination.

* Never offer or give money to your counterpart or other Koreans in return for favours that have been provided out of kindness. Offering money is sometimes considered offensive.

* Under no circumstances should you resort to scolding or yelling in Korea. The concept of "face" is just as important in Korea as it is in Japan or China. Try to be as diplomatic as you can in resolving conflict, no matter how infuriated you may feel.

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