Thoughts on Korean Business by Don Southerton

My Hints on Lunar New Year and the Year of the Rabbit. Korean artifact with Rabbit The Lunar New Year (called Seollal), falls this year on February 3rd. Traditionally, in celebration of Seollal, Koreans return to their hometowns to perform ceremonial rites and pay their respects to their ancestors. In Korea, since many people travel, the day before and the day after Seollal are also designated as national holidays. This year Seollal falls on a Thursday, so everyone gets a 5-day we ekend! This week I suggest wishing your Korean friends and colleagues a Happy Lunar New Years.... I'd email colleagues in Korea no later that Monday afternoon U.S. Time. You can wish your Korean colleagues working outside Korea., Happy Lunar New Years on Wednesday or Thursday. Questions? Feel free to call 1-310-866-3777 or email me . DS

An Evening with Dr. Chung Un-chan, former South Korea Prime Minister On January 26, 2011, the University of California, San Diego Graduate School of International Relations and Pacific Studies (IRPS) sponsored a lecture by Dr. Chung Un-chan. A former president of Seoul National University and Prime Minister of South Korea, Dr. Chung’s career bridges both academia and government. The well-attended lecture shared to students, faculty, and distinguished guests, Dr. Chung’s timely thoughts and views on U.S. -Korean relations, while offering suggestions for strengthening future ties into the 21st Century. Dr. Chung stressed the need for both nations to be More Open, More Confident, and More Compassionate. Highlights of his lecture included the importance of education, study abroad, and first-hand experience of other cultures. Dr. Chung Un-chan Following the lecture, I was invited to attend a diner with Dr. Chung hosted by IRPS Dean Peter Cowhey. In attendance was Professor emeritu...

Questions?  Just ask   dsoutherton@bridgingculture.com

This vodcast provides some insights into Korea global business and how with the new year teams are given new assignments, with departments and management restructured and re-organized. Bridging Culture Worldwide is dedicated to providing much needed research, analysis, and critical thinking to provide you with answers and insights 24-7-365. Questions? Click HERE

Full report available. Click Here

By Don Southerton, Bridging Culture Worldwide Annually in an executive-level commentary, I share thoughts for the upcoming year. Looking back at 2010, North Korean saber rattling took on new meaning with several overt military confrontations against South Korea. Meanwhile, South Korea’s economy saw little sign of a double dip recession, which had worried some experts going into 2010, instead we saw continued growth in Korea’s global brands. This was further strengthened by the G-20 Summit that showcased, among others, Korean technology leaders Samsung, Hyundai-Kia Motors, and LG.  Related to U.S. and South Korea relations and following an amended agreement for the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement, we should soon see the treaty ratified by Congress. Advocates see the FTA boosting annual commerce between the two nations into the billions of Dollars. Looking forward to 2011 , North Korea will continue to be a concern. Issues include the Kim regime’s succession plans, threats of mor...