Thoughts on Korean Business by Don Southerton

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Carlsbad, CA. December 2, 2009 Bridging Culture Worldwide (BCW) recently developed a comprehensive storyline and content for an interactive computer-based training program (CBT), Inside Hyunda i. Developed for Hyundai Motor Company Global Business Division, the CBT is an informative, highly interactive program that offers insightful information into Hyundai Motor Company and Korea. The CBT will be offered in DVD format across the global HMC organization. BCW CEO Don Southerton was responsible for crafting the CBT’s extensive subject matter including an overview of Korea’s rich heritage, contemporary society, and recent achievements. In addition, the CBT provides insights into Hyundai culture and the global organization. Southerton notes, “An outcome of the program will be a deeper understanding of Korea-based Hyundai Motor Company including its history, awards, and accolades. The CBT DVD has been translated into 7 languages and will be shared across the globa...

In my book, Chemulpo to Songdo IBD: Korea's International Gateway , I include some of Burton Holmes photographs. Holmes visited Korea several times. In the book, I note : Elias Burton Holmes—America’s travel showman. At an early age Holmes became interested in photography. Building on this interest, for nearly 60 years, Holmes toured the world giving travel lectures. His lifetime achievements even earned him a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. With the advent of motion pictures, Holmes included early films in his travel presentation. During his travels to Asia in 1901, he visited Korea and like many before commented on the port. The ship threads her way towards Chemulpo, the chief port of Korea, through an enchanted archipelago—a constellation of shimmering islands set in the placid firmaments of a deep, calm, silent sea. Isle after isle glides by—some rocky, savage, and fantastic, some inviting, and luxuriant, but all apparently unpeopled; and the sea itself is a lonely d...

My final day in Korea. One more meeting with the Korean team at their HQ and I'll be headed back to America--just in time for Thanksgiving. ( I arrive early on Thursday, so I'll avoid the traffic and travel congestion). Here's a Vodcast sharing some final thoughts. Questions? Comments? Just email dsoutherton@bridgingculture.com

I often work with global teams visiting Korea for the first time. After 4-5 days, they start noting differences between their home cultures and Korea. It's normal. We all do it. What's important to remember is that no culture is right or wrong just different. Some observations--actually a collection of images. First cupcakes have become a trendy dessert in Korea. They are also pricey--about $4.50 to $5.00. BTW, nothing goes with cake like ice cream--and Haagen Dazs is tops on my list, so I'm glad it can be found in Korea. Next Korean instant coffee has long been in demand. What continues to be improved is how your can make a cup using a variety of mixes. For those who enjoy Starbucks and Coffee Bean , they try their best at being Green. Unlike in the states, trash cans divides liquids from plastics and paper trash. American beverage brands like Coca Cola has long been available, what's changed is the wide variety of non-alcoholic juices and ice teas. Korea's car...

In several of my books I describe day-to-day life in Seoul as Korea opened to the West. In the late 19 th century Gyeongbok Palace served as the both the residence for King Kojong and the scene of high drama as Japan and others sought to gain economic and political control. Today touring Gyeongbok Palace, Cheonggyecheon Stream, and the Insadong arts and craft district share a glimpse of the past--set in a highly modern and urban surrounding. Working with global teams visiting Korea, I feel walking the palace grounds, crossing bridges over Cheonggyecheon, and strolling down Insadong’s streets provide a first hand understanding and insights into Korea’s rich history and heritage. In fact, effective adult training and coaching needs to link classroom lectures and discussions about culture and the workplace with real life experience. This video highlights Day 10 and the Seoul City Tour Questions? Comments dsoutherton@bridgingculture.com

I’m back in Seoul and Gangnam after a week on Jeju Island. I've been working with global teams from UK, US, Dubai, AU, Slovakia, Czech Republic, and India. Our last day included visiting Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak). Although it was a brisk November day, Seongsan is a popular site. Older Koreans tackled the walk with vigor few younger folks could match. After the hike we shared a hearty lunch, which include kalbi chim (short ribs stew) and local fish. Dessert--tasty Jeju oranges. Look for my next update, which will include a historical tour I’m conducting of Seoul’s Gyeongbok Palace, Cheongyechon Stream, Jogye Temple, and Insadong . BTW I've written 2 books ( Intrepid Americans : Bold Koreans - Early Korean Trade, Concessions, And Entrepreneurship , and A Yankee in the Land of the Morning Calm , which discuss this section of the city. I enjoy sharing its long history. Here are some great photos of the Jeju tour. Question on Korea or Korean business? ...

Finishing up the first week in Korea working with global teams. My programs blend insights into Korean culture and society with workplace and company culture. For example, yesterday morning's lectures discussed company history, milestones, and achievements. In the afternoon, we toured Jeju Folk Village Museum. The evening session was a group discussion among the team. The goal is to build a strong understanding of both Korea and the company. In turn, the teams will return to their respective subsidiaries as company ambassadors, with new skills and understanding. Here's a video highlighting the Jeju Folk Village tour.

Sharing Korean culture with global teams allows me the opportunity to learn much about other cultures. To build cross-cultural insights, I strongly advocate sharing differences and similarities. This is important, especially when teams recognize there are no right or wrong cultures --they are just different. Education is the key to understanding. For corporate teams discussing topics like cuisine, religion, popular culture, music, and workplace norms allows them to gain insights and a broader perspective, too.

This short video shares views of Haevichi Resort and Hotel on Jeju Island. For 2 weeks, I'll be training teams from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, UK, India, Australia, Germany, Spain and the US. Today's topic is Korean culture and workplace--Past and Present. It's vital for global organizations to provide teams with insights into corporate culture and history--best done through onsite training and /or eLearning. Need a program? It's what i do :) Questions?

Sunday travel via a domestic Korean airline flight (Asiana) went well. Upon arrival, Jeju Island feels similar to most tourist destinations. Lots of promotion and marketing for tourist traps. Once crossing the island by car (a Kia Sportage) it feels at times like rural America with winding roads and the last of the Fall foliage. Nearing the southern coast of the island, orange orchards dominate the land--small plots everywhere. On the coast huge black tarp covered buildings house the island's aqua-farms. Not sure exactly what fish/ marine life they grow and harvest. I plan to find out today. So, for Day 3... Food seemed stand out. Breakfast was at the hotel in Gangnam. Typical Korean and western breakfast cuisine. A snack at Gimpo Airport at Lotteria --they had no half and half :) I had a waffle. Lotteria sells a full line of burgers, including the popular bulgogi burgers-- a great example of localization. Once on Jeju, we snacked on their famous Jeju tangerines en route to the ho...

Incheon International Airport ranks tops among global airports. Travel through the facility is hassle-free. There now seems to be less H1N1 concerns. They stopped the individual body temperature checks upon debarking and are back to relying on high tech infrared camera screening at a checkpoint. Evening when I arrived, so when leaving the airport it was hard not to notice the adjacent golf course illuminated for night golf. In fact, it reminded me of community soccer and baseball fields in the US—only the Korea site covered more terrain. It’s very well lit. Demand for golf is high in Korea, so I assume it justifies the investment and costs. Traffic was a little heavy as I headed into Gangnam (the business district south of the Han River). Saturday evening there. Short meeting a Korean team member who greeted me at the hotel— Artnouveau city . Then to Coffee Bean at Gangnam Financial Center for another meeting. Since Coffee Bean closed at 9:00 pm we headed down the street to K...

I ' m en route to Korea through LAX. Some thoughts... 1. Koreans returning home usually bring luxury consumables as gifts--Johnny Walker premium, wines, candy, etc. I often see these items stuffed in a Disney retail bag, too. 2. One of my ongoing projects is tracking the success of foreign consumables goods in Korea. Top are Starbucks, Outback, Krispy Kreme . 3. I've labeled the widespread success of Starbucks Coffee, etc as Coffee Wars. ( Check my posting over the past 4 years). This Korea Times article a great update. Note the upscale appeal. It's critical when entering the Korean market that products are up-market / lux , high quality, and well branded. Questions? Please email dsoutherton@bridgingculture.com How Many Coffee Shops Are Enough? By Jane Han Staff Reporter Here's a trivia question: How many coffee shops are there in Seoul's central shopping district of Myeong -dong? A rough eye count shows at least 15, excluding individually-owned businesses. Thi...

I'm headed to Korea on Friday pst (arrival in Korea Saturday pm). That said, over the next two weeks I'll be sharing frequent text, photo, and video commentary. Like in the past, I plan to share frank insights into culture, society, and workplace. Interested in a topic, market, or issue? Just email me at dsoutherton@bridgingculture.com or Skype ds19192

The second group of Korea WEST (Work, English, Study, Travel) participants will be available for internships in January and February 2010. Participants study a wide variety of majors in Korea – we’re sure that you’ll find some great candidates for your organization in this group. If your organization might have an interest in hosting one or more of these candidates – they are ready to be scheduled for interviews. CIEE, a U.S. State Department sponsor will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the program. For more information Deena Robinson Director of Employer Relations CIEE: Council on International Educational Exchange 300 Fore Street Portland, ME 04101 USA Tel: +1.207.553.4180 Fax: +1.207.553.5180 Email: drobinson@ciee.org Web: www.ciee.org

Korea 2.0 looks to be our most insightful and forward-thinking program. If you work for a Korean based organization, or support Korean business ventures, this is a MUST for you and the team. Korea 2.0 View more presentations from Bridging Culture Worldwide . Contact us today to schedule a workshop. Call +1-310-866-3777 Email Don Southerton

My academic focus is cultural history. Consumables are an aspect of this ongoing study. I follow Korea's coffee culture closely. This article in Chosun Ilbo shares why Instant Coffee is still so popular in Korea amid the widespread success of Starbucks and its rivals. I've added some commentary to the article below. BTW One point missed in the article was the rise of vending machines selling the instant mix, too. Chosun Ilbo notes... Without coffee mix, coffee would probably never have grown so popular in Korea. Coffee was first introduced to Korea in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when the country began to open its doors to the West. [The Russian legation is credited with offering coffee to Korean court officials]. Instant coffee was smuggled into marketplaces from U.S. military bases after the Korean War, but coffee remained an occasional treat, served when guests were invited. [Instant coffee were included in the rations issued to GIs, and, like chocolate, shared ...