Thoughts on Korean Business by Don Southerton

Contact KOREA Recruiting Skills Workshop Contact KOREA will be holding a recruiting workshop for UCSD students interested in working for companies in South Korea. Contact KOREA will share practical skills for those interested in working for a Korean company. This workshop is open to all students, recent graduates, and professors. Date:  June 2, 2011 (Thursday) Location:  University of California San Diego, Robinson Building Complex School of International Relations and Pacific Studies, Room 3201 Time:  2:15 P.M. – 4 P.M. Topics:  WHY KOREA?    South Korea has become not only one of the top high tech and design -driven economies  Learn why Korea offers unique opportunities. WHAT KOREAN COMPANIES ARE LOOKING FOR, including: 5 KEY POINTS KOREAN COMPANIES LOOK FOR IN A RÉSUMÉ DO’S &; DON’T’S FOR A KOREAN COMPANY INTERVIEW C ontact KOREA AND YOU  Learn how Contact KOREA can assist and support you in your job search Guest Sp...

By Don Southerton, BCW Editor Many in the golf industry were surprised to hear of a bold Korean buyout of Titleist . Widespread media coverage has noted details of the $1.2 billion M&A. That said, for those familiar with Korea it comes as little surprise, Korea has an economy that's robust, lots of its global firms doing well, groups ready to invest in the future, and a strong interest in golf. US legal firms also see lots of new opportunity in Korea, and are shifting teams to focus on Korea-facing business. This AM Law Daily article (one of many) not only shares details on the M&A, but showcases the Korea-facing roles of law firms' Chadbourne & Parke along with McDermott Will & Emery . This is a trend that will grow. I hope all involved recognize that cross-cultural issues will surface, which will need to be addressed through coaching and training. BCW can provide this needed expertise. Chadbourne, McDermott Tee Up $1.2 Billion Golf Equipment Deal Fortun...

By Don Southerton, Editor I recently had the honor of working with KOTRA LA in hosting Korean manufacturers interested in offering their golf-related products to America. KOTRA--the Korean Trade and Investment Promotion Agency works to promote Korean goods and services globally, along with encouraging foreign trade and business with Korea. I support KOTRA both here in the US and in Korea. To get a better feel of the American golf market we toured Golfsmith Xtreme's Irvine, California location. Golfsmith Xtremes are amazing --- 40,000+ square foot superstores and a golfer's dream. Korean suppliers get a VIP tour of Golfsmith Xtreme

By Don Southerton, Editor Lotus Blossom Lanterns Adorn Downtown Seoul This year Buddha’s birth will be celebrated across Asia on May 10, the eighth day of the fourth lunar month. On Tuesday, Korea will observe Buddha's Birthday as a national holiday. Followers of Buddhism head to temples for special services, while non-believers and their families often visit the temples and join in on the celebration. Many temples are located in scenic mountain areas. For Koreans, a popular feature of the holiday is the Lotus Lantern Festival, which offers a range of activities, including a parade of colorful paper lanterns. In Asia, lotus blossoms are often associated with Buddha. Buddhism, once the dominant religion in Korea, has about 18 million followers in Korea. Surveys indicate that over one third of South Korea’s population is Buddhist and slightly less is Christian. Regardless of a Korean’s individual religious belief, Buddhist influence has had a strong impact culturally on the East Asia...