Thoughts on Korean Business by Don Southerton

I thought you might enjoy a sketch of the main character in my third novel-- A Yankee in the Land of the Morning Calm: The Northern Frontier.  Like the two previous Yankee in the Land of the Morning Calm historic novels, the book follows the life and adventures of an American Josh Gillet in Korea during the late 19th and early 20th century. Each book includes a number of historically accurate sketches, which highlight the key events and characters

주재원 Over the years, the top question raised by BCW's global clients is: What training do Korean teams receive before overseas' assignments? The answer is that they receive little direct preparation. Many have worked for years to support overseas teams and projects, but few get any training. In some cases, once the new team member arrives at the assignment they follow accepted practices that worked well in Korea. Over time, they acquire new skills and local knowledge. Recently many global teams have asked: Do you offer a training program to support Koreans assigned to local subsidiaries? Most often, I support the Korean teams informally. I am happy to announce that BCW will soon release a new program : The American Workplace ( yes, versions are available for Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East, too) This program will give new Korean team members insights into EOE, ADA, Gender and Sexual Harassment, Interviewing Dos and Don'ts, and Workplace Empowerment. A section w...

What make a business unique? A great question. I feel it centers on something unique they bring to the market. In my work on entrepreneurship ,  I found it often involved filling a need or gap in the market.  BCW stands out because we focus on Korean global business.  We work with both Korea and Western management and teams.  I'm happy to say we have a wonderful reputation. I attribute this to 3 skills. #1 Critical Thinking.  Critical thinking is a cognitive skill that allows us to logically investigate a situation, problem, question, or phenomenon in order to make a judgement, decision, or recommendation. #2 Strong People Skills.  This is especially important when working with people under stress. Moreover, the Korean workplace is relationship-based vs. the West's procedure or system-based mindset. #3 Finally, BCW has decades of experience. We understand business. We understand Korea. And, we have been there, observing, and working with hundreds of executives, managers, and te...

Great News... Over the past few years many clients have requested BCW develop a Korean culture program to be offered in-house to new hires. BCW often conducts Live programs to groups of new employees. However, many firms hire and offer NEO to one or two employees at a time. The BCW Korean culture introductory program allows your staff to provide immediate support to new hires. (BCW then recommend all management and team members receive BCW-conducted Korea 101 and Korea 201 culture training within the first year of employment.) Our new program is a wonderful introduction to Korea, Korean culture, the Korean workplace and your Korea-based Group. As a special bonus we have added a section comparing the Korean and American-Western workplace, plus some protocol hints. The Program Package includes: A PowerPoint slide show presentation with great graphics and photographs. ( Also available in Flash). A facilitator instructional guide and presentation notes. Facilitator support and training...

I thought you might enjoy another sneak preview of my third novel-- A Yankee in the Land of the Morning Calm: The Northern Frontier. Here is the second chapter. Like the two previous Yankee in the Land of the Morning Calm historic novels, the book follows the life and adventures of an American in Korea during the late 19th and early 20th century.  Each book includes a number of sketches, which highlight the key events and characters. Considerable effort has been made to provide an accurate snapshot of Korea during this time of westernization, modernization, and colonialism.  Book Three is set in North Korea, at a time when a number of American lived and worked in Asia's most profitable gold mines.  I hope you enjoy my work.... BTW I expect to see the new book in print this fall. To check out Book One and Two, Click Here Chapter 2 “A Vibrant People” The waves of a high tide crashed into the seawall as Josh, Red, and the other miners walked down the Chemulp’o wharf. Overhead scor...