Category: Korean cross-cultural Insights

  • Korea 101: The most trusted Korean cross-cultural program.

    This month we are celebrating 20 years of Korea 101 programs. The program was first launched in August 2003 and has been presented to over 10,000 people worldwide. In celebration this Fall, the program will be offered in an all-new hybrid version with both Live onsite and Remote online components.  Scheduling for Fall 2023 programs…

  • Why do Westerners need Korean cultural training: Hints and Ten Steps

    This may be the first time working with a Korean team for Westerners. This opportunity brings with it the need to better understand their new partner’s culture, workplace norms, and expectations. In most cases, the Western team will interact with a Korean HQ or expatriate team. Some of the teams will hold a line managerial…

  • Miri Miri: The Better Approach

    Miri Miri: The Better Approach By Don Southerton, May 14, 2023 In my last article, I suggested that balli balli (fast fast) can also perpetuate a culture of waiting until the last minute. Moving fast, too, can often be a concern–conflicting with careful, meticulous study and planning before implementation.  However, in other cases, a well-taken argument in favor of balli…

  • Balli balli: a De Facto Korean Core Value and More Than Meets the Eye

    By Don Southerton, May 6, 2023 Many of us are familiar with the Korean term balli balli. It translates as hurry-hurry. Actually, balli means hurry, but the word is always used in tandem, adding to the need to move fast.  I first recall hearing the word in a 1970s martial arts class; my Korean instructor commanded that we…

  • In the News: Korea’s 69-Hour Workweek

    Korea’s 69-Hour Workweek. My recent article in Hapskorea.com. I look at the proposed jump to a 69-hour workweek and, to no surprise, Korea‘s pushback.

  • Legalize, Revise, and Amend 2023

    Legalize, Revise and Amend 2023–I was once told that in Korea, the purpose of signing a contract or agreement was to formalize the partnership. Over time terms would be subject to change and re-negotiation. My Korea-facing experience has been that the contract fundamentally solidifies the working relationship. However, to maintain the partnership’s contractual obligations, the…

  • White Paper—Market Entry Best Practices 2023

    I am a strong advocate of Korean global business. I see great opportunities and am passionate about seeing Korean brands succeed overseas, as well as seeing international brands thrive in Korea. However, as I have shared before, my experience is that companies, Korean and global, need to recognize the considerable upfront investment required to enter…

  • Critical Support for Korea Facing Business–2023

    Most western executives hired to run Korean business divisions are veterans of their industry, but many can use critical support for Korea-facing business. That said, they know their business. They are experts. Sadly, they often assume they know but understand little of Korean business practices and norms. Most often feel their past work knowledge is…