Thoughts on Korean Business by Don Southerton

Don Southerton CEO, Bridging Culture Worldwide Since our founding, Bridging Culture Worldwide has focused on Korea-related business services. Based on over 30 years of experience, we share cross-cultural insights to global teams and management so they can be more effective. Our core services: Consulting, Training, and Research Legal Consulting and Expert Witness Services Publications, Corporate Blogs, and Vodcasts FDI Development, Product Launch, IP, and Trademark BCW J-1 Visa Intern Program Contact Information Offices: Southern California, Denver, Colorado, and South Korea +1-310-866-3777 Southern California Office +1-303-800-4095 Denver Office +82-10-9145-0198 South Korea Office Dsoutherton@bridgingculture.com

Hyundai Equus Limo Visitors to Korea will quickly note that Hyundai and Kia dominate a full range of the local car market--from sub compact city cars to trucks, buses, and luxury automobiles. Over the last few years, import luxury cars have challenged the domestic Korean versions. To combat this competition, Hyundai's Equus was recently redesigned. In fact, it will soon enter the U.S. market. Meanwhile a stretched limo version of the Equus is available in Korea. Media notes: The Equus Limousine is 30 cm (12 in) longer than the standard version offering extra leg room for the backseat passengers. The Equus Limousine comes with the choice of 3.8-liter V6 or a 5.0-liter V8 that produces 394 horsepower.To differentiate it from the sedan, the stretch version is equipped with an exclusive horizontal cross-bar radiator grille with an emblem in the center. Some of the key comfort features on the Equus Limousine include power-driven footrest, along with Rear Seat Leg Support, Relax Posture ...

Welcome to this vodcast edition of Everything Korean, sponsored by Bridging Culture Worldwide and Korea Business Central.com . This is your host Don Southerton Today I’d like to share a CASE STUDY success story--Kia Motors America. As a disclaimer, the viewpoints of this vodcast are solely the opinions of Don Southerton and Bridging Culture Worldwide. I support a number of Korea-based global organizations. Many are in the automotive sector. This is because the top Korean auto maker (Hyundai and Kia Motors) has a huge overseas operations and the auto sector requires extensive infrastructure and staffing to support their network (parts, sales, marketing, logistics, manufacturing, finance, R&D, Design, legal, and compliance with a mired of local, state and federal regulations. Moreover, tier one vendors and suppliers are now supporting the carmaker. All together there is a need for many to better understand the mindset and corporate culture of Korea based firms like Hyundai...

Welcome to this vodcast edition of Everything Korean. I thought it was time for a frank discussion on cross-cultural training for the Korea-facing overseas teams. As I visit organizations, cross-cultural relations vary between Korean and non –Korean teams. In fact, it changes over time. Why? First, the Korean expat rotation cycle means coordinators and executives are assigned to overseas divisions for 3-5 years. They then return to Korea for reassignment with a replacement expected to take over—often with little preparation. Skills and experience can vary, too. For some this is their first overseas assignment. For most this is the first time they are required to contribute to the decision making process. (In Korea, senior management makes decisions and their teams execute the plan.) BTW, reassignments and transfers can occur at any time, which only adds to the situation. Next Your teams vary in experience and skills working with Koreans. For new employees and management, expecting ...