Thoughts on Korean Business by Don Southerton

Negotiations 101 or Risk Avoidance Korea media notes that many details on the U.S. military base relocation are still pending. On one level this is no surprise. In fact, in Korean style negotiations once a general agreement is reached--an agreement in spirit--getting a final, detailed agreement is often a huge challenge. This upsets many in the West.(I run into this often). It's often felt that whoever demands both side sign the agreement is under pressure and will make concessions. Stalling is a ploy to gain an advantage. At other times, it's risk avoidance--with signing the agreement a possible risk. In this case, one side will put off signing an agreement until the risk of not signing put the entire deal at risk. The later risk more painful than not signing. A third reason for not signing agreement might be logistics--in many Korean firms the Chairmen or CEOs sign key agreement and getting the document to this top leadership can take time... and timing. With regard to the ba...

In the greater NYC area? Please Share... I would like to invite you to a special event at The Korea Society. I'll be attending and hope you or a representative can too. When: May 5th 2009 Where: The Korea Society 950 Third Ave., 8th Floor NY, NY 10022 Time: 5:30- 6:30 VIP info session and Q&A on the WEST program 7:00 Intern Mixer and Networking RSVP dsoutherton@bridgingculture.com The Details On Tuesday May 5th CIEE will be hosting a networking event for the Korea WEST ( Work, Study English, Travel) program. Before the mixer, CIEE, a U.S. Department of State designated sponsor for WEST, will hold a VIP session to provide you and your company insights into the intern program. Following the VIP session and Q&A, we hope you would join us and meet many of the 35 NYC Korean WEST participants. Appetizers and drinks will be served. BCW and WEST Over the past few months. I have been a strong supporter of the WEST program. I have also been asked to recommend top U.S. firms wel...

Bridging Culture Worldwide provides a number of exclusive services to its clients, colleagues, and the business community linked to Korea. First, the BCW team and CEO Don Southerton study Korea and its global reach throughout the day, 24/7/365. We monitor, analyze, and research issues that impact you and your company and then provide frank and accurate updates. Currents topics we monitor include North Korea, the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement, issues involving all the major Korean conglomerates (Samsung, Hyundai-Kia Motors, Hyosung, Lotte, LG, etc.), FDI, the Korean market and economy, popular trends, generational issues, labor, legal trends, and the globalization of Korea. We also study the Korean car and consumer market , while following the growth of Starbucks, Krispy Kreme and Outback, to name but a few… More recently, we are following projects like Songdo IBD in Incheon and the PyeongTaek area with great interest. Next, BCW through it strong ties and daily contact with Korea ...

Amazing photograph of the North Korean Missile launch. DS

As of Sunday Morning 6 am PST Following a month of sabre-rattling, North Korea defiantly carried out a rocket launch Sunday (K time). The U.S., Japan, and other nations suspect the launch is a cover for the testing of NKs long-range missile technology. 
Liftoff took place at 11:30 a.m. from the coastal Musudan-rilaunch pad in northeastern North Korea. Like expected… The move by North Korea has sparked an uproar and strong voices of concern from the international community. The United States and Japan are calling for sanctions against NK through the U.N. Security Council. I expect China and Russia, although they warned North Korea not to launch the missile, to call for a more moderate approach. North Korea comments North Korea claims it put a communications satellite into orbit in a step toward becoming a “powerful nation.” The North Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), announced that the satellite Kwangmyongsong-2 is running "on its routine orbit" and "sending to th...

The first groups of Koreans participating in the WEST (Work, English Study, and Travel) program have arrived in the U.S. Over the next few months they will attend daily language immersion classes in ESL programs across America. By September 2009, they will be well prepared for internships where they will experience first hand American business practices and operations. To support the WEST program, the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MOFAT) has issued an official letter asking Korean-based firms in America to strongly support the program and offer several internships. Please share with your Korean team members. (Double click on image to enlarge) Questions, please feel free to contact me at dsoutherton@bridgingculture.com or call 1-310-866-3777 If you are ready to enroll or would like employer detail please contact: Deena Robinson Director, Employer Relations CIEE International Work & Study Programs 300 Fore Street Portland, ME 04101 USA Tel: +1.207.553.4180 Fax: +1.2...