Thoughts on Korean Business by Don Southerton

By Don Southerton, BCW Editor Sae hae bok mani ba deu say yo Like most Asian countries, South Korea has two different New Years—one that follows the solar calendar and one that uses the lunar calendar. Traditionally the lunar New Year's, called So-nal, has greater cultural and familial significance (In 2013 it will be celebrated on February 9-11). Both are legal holidays.  As for the solar New Year’s celebration, in 1896, as part of reforms instituted to Westernize and modernize Korea, the Gregorian calendar was adopted, along with some of the West’s holidays such as the January 1st New Year’s celebration.  Today I find Korea’s celebration of New Years similar to celebration in America. For example. Koreans make New Year’s resolutions where they promise to exercise regularly or eat fewer sweet things—such as chocolates and candy.  A popular resolution every year is to study harder to improve English language skills—a skill seen as much required and needed ...

By Don Southerton, BCW Editor Christmas has become a popular holiday in South Korea. Nevertheless, Christmas is seen as a distinctly Christian holiday. That said, as the holidays approach, western teams may wish to greet Korean colleagues with: Sae hae bok man i ba deu say yo! (Seasons Greetings) Hint: Break the greeting into: sae hae bok-mahne-bah deu say yo Sae hae bok man i ba deu say yo! works well both in person, in a card, or an email. In fact, it is a common seasonal greeting into the New Year. "The first Christmas in Korea." A number of years ago while researching early Westerners in Korea, I came upon an account of the first "official" Christmas tree in Korea. I thought I'd share the story... Since the mid 1880s, Anglo merchants, diplomats, and missionaries who lived and worked in Korea celebrated their respective national and religious holidays. Most often these were small affairs...

By Don Southerton, BCW Editor With the year end, Korean Groups have begun their annual end of year reporting and restructuring. As in the past, Samsung Group has already announced high level promotions across their organization, we'll see what happens at Hyundai Motor Group and the other Groups. I monitor and track this daily.  In the days leading up to Holidays, team level promotions will begin to be announced. The norm has been for the re-assignments and promotions to take affect January 2. I'd expect some change both at senior Korean global leadership level and across the Korean overseas teams. Those receiving promotions should be congratulated--promotions bring considerable status along with a boost in wages. Meanwhile, the Korean presidential election is week away. How will a new president view the Korean chaebols is a topic of discussion--the previous administration was pro-business. Finally, 1st draft edits and revisions on the Kore...

Korea Facing: Secrets for Success in Korean Global Business By Donald G. Southerton Publication Date: Late December 2012 Over the years, book projects like Korea Facing along with the required research have played an important and synergic role in Bridging Culture Worldwide coaching, consultancy, and training programs. This includes sharing topics such as working with Korean expats, managing business partnership expectations, and understanding the Korean decision making and thought process. About the new book This book differs from most books on Korean business. Frankly, the target audience is not those working or looking to be employed in South Korea, although they will benefit from its content. The focus is instead on the ever-growing number of people employed by Korean-based companies outside of South Korea. This book will provide you with a strategy and skills to succeed. Likewise, if your firm provides services or products to a South Korean overseas subsidiary this book...