Thoughts on Korean Business by Don Southerton

I'm just back from Seoul amid COVID. In my most recent book   Korea 2020—A Workplace in Transition   released earlier this year, I elaborate on a wide range of corporate workplace culture changes underway. These include flattening of workplace titles and hierarchical protocols as well as encouraging those junior to question the status quo. Beyond my published writing and articles, this transition to a more open and global workplace is covered extensively in Korea media that follow changes at the top groups such as Samsung, LG, Hyundai Motor and SK Groups.  All said, in my two 2020 trips to Seoul, I had an opportunity with “boots on the ground” to again observe the extent of the changing corporate landscape. First, witnessing at one of the leading tech/ICT companies located in the heart of Korea’s Silicon Valley, and the second visiting a long-established industrial manufacturing group.   First and foremost, in my field research, I try not to be judgmental a...

Don Southerton was first featured on episode #057 of this podcast. As the Founder & CEO at Bridging Culture Worldwide, he helps Korea-facing business by assisting companies in their market entry strategy into South Korea, and by helping Korean brands expand into North America and internationally.   In this interview, Don talks about how South Korea’s economy is weathering the COVID-19 pandemic, how he’s seeing interesting shifts in traditional Korean corporate culture, and what those changes mean for Western companies looking to do business there.   Podcast Link    With nearly four decades of experience, Don is recognized as the definitive authority on South Korean business consulting and Korean corporate culture. In fact, he is known in business circles as “The Korea Whisperer”.    His clients have included Fortune 500 companies, top Korean groups, leading international law firms, and elite consultancies. He has worked with a va...