Korean Culture

Korean Culture and its influence on business practice

Every country has its own culture which generated from the history. Culture influence not only to people’s life and the way they do business. Korea has long history. Even though its culture influenced by the Japanese and Chinese, but it is not exactly same as their culture.

There are many cultural aspects to consider when doing business with Korean company. Six of these cultural aspects introduced in this article.

Kibun, or mood or feeling of balance and good behavior is the important in Korean culture.

It is important to maintain a peaceful, comfortable atmosphere at all times. Koreans say positive answer to try not hurting other party’s kubin. It is important to know how to judge the

Korean people don’t give direct refusal or negative opinion to anybody to keep the harmonious relationship. In business relations employee should be loyal to his/her supervisor and try to avoid from any conflict. Employee should obey their supervisor as same as obeying his/her parents. In order to not to disturb other person’s kibu, Koreans also avoid to say bas new in the morning and say bad news in direct way.

Power distance and hierarchy

Korea has a high power distance and hierarchy same as other Asian countries. Power Distance is defined as the extent to which the less powerful members of institutions and organisations within a country expect and accept that power is distributed unequally. They respect the elders or people in higher hierarchy ranking. They wait for the actions of the elders in the gathering or meeting. This aspect is revealed as bowing to elders when greeting, meal serving. Koreans are very sensitive with the titles and status. When in negotiation, the representative of each parties should be same ranking, because Koreans consider this as

Confucianism emphasizes the value of collective group harmony, respect for authority, as well as embracing importance of family, clan and friendship. The basic beliefs are based upon five different relationships: 1) ruler and subject, 2) husband and wife, 3) parents and children, 4) brothers and sisters and 5) friend and friends. Genealogy and social backgrounds are Important and it determines how people treated in society. Age, position in the company, education, and marital status all determine one’s ‘rank’ in society.

Korea is a collectivist society. This is visible in a close long-term commitment to the member group, be that a family, extended family, or extended relationships. Loyalty in a collectivist culture is paramount, and over-rides most other societal rules and regulations. The society fosters strong relationships where everyone takes responsibility for other members of their group. When making decision, they consider benefits and interest for the whole group they belongs.

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